🛍️ What $20 Bought You in 1957: A Journey Through Norfolk County’s Grocery Aisles
In the summer of 1957, Norfolk County residents were greeted by a flurry of newspaper ads promising everything from fresh lobster meat to designer stockings—all at prices that seem almost mythical today. The Norfolk County Free Press edition from August 22 offers a vivid snapshot of mid-century consumer life, where shopping was not just a necessity but a ritual of community, style, and seasonal rhythm.
Let’s step into the aisles of A&P, First National Stores, and Jordan Marsh to explore what $20 could buy—and what it reveals about the values and habits of the time.
🧾 Grocery Prices That Turn Heads
Supermarkets in 1957 were bustling with deals that catered to both frugality and indulgence. First National Stores launched a $225,000 prize campaign, but the real draw was in the meat counter and pantry staples:
| Item | Price (1957) | Store |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Chuck Roast | 59¢/lb | First National Stores |
| Lobster Meat (12 oz) | $1.89 | First National Stores |
| Frozen Strawberries (5 pk) | $1.00 | First National Stores |
| Kraft Macaroni Dinner (2 pk) | 33¢ | First National Stores |
| Chicken of the Sea Tuna | 31¢–55¢ | First National Stores |
| Eight O’Clock Coffee | 79¢/lb | A&P |
| White Bread (2 loaves) | 33¢ | A&P |
| Philadelphia Cream Cheese | 39¢ | A&P |
A family could easily stock up on meat, dairy, canned goods, and baked items for under $20—enough to feed a household for a week or more.
🛒 Department Store Culture: Jordan Marsh in Full Swing
Jordan Marsh, Boston’s iconic department store, was in full back-to-school mode. The August 22 spread featured everything from gabardine slacks to RCA Whirlpool washers:
- Boys’ Wash ’n Wear Slacks: $6.98–$7.98
- Girls’ Corduroy Jumpers: $2.99
- RCA Whirlpool Washer: $229.95
- Solid Maple Dinette Set (5-piece): $119.95
- Lily Daché Designer Stockings: 97¢
Jordan Marsh wasn’t just selling clothes—it was selling aspiration. With fashion shows, college advisory boards, and seasonal promotions, it shaped how families prepared for fall and how teens expressed identity through style.
🛋️ Home Comforts & Practical Goods
Local businesses like Callahan’s Furniture and Turnpike Lumber offered practical upgrades for the suburban home:
- Foam Rubber Mattress Sets
- Storm Windows & Insulation
- Brass Fireplace Screens
- Bulkhead Doors & Roofing Services
These ads emphasized comfort, durability, and modern convenience—hallmarks of postwar domestic life.
🧮 What These Prices Tell Us
The 1957 shopping experience in Norfolk County was defined by:
- Affordability: Basic groceries and clothing were accessible to working families.
- Seasonal Rhythm: Back-to-school promotions and fall home prep were cultural milestones.
- Community Connection: Local stores and national chains coexisted, each shaping civic identity.
Today, those same items would cost exponentially more. A $1.89 lobster meat purchase in 1957 might run $25 or more now. But beyond inflation, these prices reflect a time when shopping was deeply tied to family life, civic pride, and the optimism of a growing suburb.
By the Norwood Historical Society, created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot