🎒 Back-to-School and Bargain Hunting: Retail Life in 1950s Massachusetts
In August 1957, Massachusetts families were gearing up for the school year with sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks, and a keen eye for bargains.
The Norfolk County Free Press captured the spirit of the season with sprawling ads from Jordan Marsh and A&P, showcasing everything from gabardine slacks to jelly rolls.
Retail life in the 1950s wasn’t just about shopping—it was about preparing for life’s next chapter with style, practicality, and community pride.
🧥 Fashion Finds at Jordan Marsh
Jordan Marsh, Boston’s retail giant, was the epicenter of back-to-school fashion. Their August 22 spread offered a curated selection for students of all ages:
- Boys’ Wash ’n Wear Gabardine Slacks: $6.98–$7.98
- Girls’ Corduroy Jumpers: $2.99
- Misses’ Shetlander Wool Slipons: $8.98
- Lily Daché Designer Stockings: 97¢
- Junior Boys’ Hooded Parkas: $9.98 (marked down from $12.95)
These weren’t just clothes—they were statements. Jordan Marsh even enlisted a College Advisory Board of 15 undergraduates to guide fashion choices, blending youth culture with retail strategy.
🛍️ Bargains in the Basement
The store’s basement level was a treasure trove for budget-conscious families:
- Baby Cotton Knit Sleepers (Imperfects): $1.99
- Men’s Lambswool Sweaters: $3.99–$4.99
- Girls’ Quilted Dusters: $12.95 (down from $14.95)
- Junior Boys’ Cadet Slacks: $4.99
These deals reflected a postwar ethos: quality goods at accessible prices, with markdowns that made fashion democratic.
🛋️ Home Goods & Appliances
Back-to-school also meant preparing the home for a new season. Jordan Marsh offered:
- Solid Maple Dinette Set (5-piece): $119.95
- Lady Grey Mattress & Box Spring: $89.95 (originally $159)
- RCA Whirlpool Automatic Washer: $229.95
- GE Refrigerator (11 cu. ft.): $228.88
- Hi-Fi AM/FM Radio with 3 Speakers: $89.95 (was $149.95)
These items weren’t just functional—they were aspirational. They signaled a household ready for modern living.
🚲 Lifestyle & Leisure
Jordan Marsh didn’t stop at clothes and furniture. Their promotions included:
- Phillips 3-Speed English Bikes: $39.95
- Imported Steak Knife Set (6-piece): $5.00 (was $8.95)
These purchases reflected a growing middle-class lifestyle—one that valued recreation, convenience, and a touch of luxury.
🧾 What It All Means
Retail life in 1950s Massachusetts was more than commerce—it was culture. Stores like Jordan Marsh shaped how families prepared for school, decorated their homes, and expressed personal style. The prices may seem quaint today, but the values they reflect—durability, elegance, and seasonal rhythm—still resonate.
Compiled by the Norwood Historical Society, with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.