21 Photos Of What Life Looked Like For Folks In 1974

The mid-'70s, as seen through the lens of our parents' cameras.

Published 3 months ago in Wow

Though we may use our smartphones to document our nearly every waking moment, taking snaps of our day-to-day lives is no new phenomenon. Just ask the folks from 1974, who pointed their cameras toward brand-new stores, wedding parties, old-school classrooms, and the sepia-tinted world around them.

From summer days to New Year's Eve celebrations, here are 21 photos of what life looked like for folks in 1974.

1
‘70s Swagger
“J.C. Penny ad from 1974.”

2
A Class Act
“Gary Sinise here. I founded Steppenwolf Theater with friends in 1974. Some of my favorite memories.”

3
Mazel Tov
“Found my uncle's bar mitzvah photos in my grandparent's garage & it did not disappoint. Brooklyn, NY 1974.”
4
“Smile!” 
“My grandmother and mom circa 1974. My grandmother took my mother to national parks over the course of a few months, just the two of them.”

5
Makes Cents
“McDonald's prices, 1974.”
6
Tuning In
“Television shopping in 1974.”
7
Mugshot Mama  
“My mom's mugshot, after being arrested at an equal rights protest in 1974.”

8
Mother of the Bride
“My mother’s 2nd wedding, 1974. She never could keep her eyes open in a photo and yes, my grandparents were always this somber.”
9
Flower Power
“Our Aunt on a Dirt Bike (1974).”
10
Photo Booth Fun
“1974, 14 yrs old, no makeup or hair style worries yet! Just still a happy child.”

11
Service With A Smile
“Waitresses at a bar in Philadelphia. 1974.”
12
“My Grandparents at a New Years Party in 1974.”
“My grandparents with some of their friends at a New Years Eve party at Trader Vic’s when they lived in San Francisco.”
13
Prom Photos
“Prom 1974. I made my dress! (I was 16!).”

14
Easy Rider
“My dad. Circa 1974.”
15
Mall Madness
“The still shiny and new Lincoln Mall in Matteson (south suburban Chicago), Illinois (1974).”
16
Tapping Away
“Typing class at Northeast High School in Philadelphia, 1974.”

17
The Boys Are Back In Town
“L to R and by age: Grandpap, Uncle Bob, My Dad (Paul), Uncle Rick, Uncle John. Circa 1974.”
18
I Do
“Wedding Day August 17, 1974.”
19
Dog Days
“My Grandma and her Irish Wolfhound from 1974.”