Social Calendar

Community Enrichment

Phoenix was bustling after the war with an influx of people, which meant new businesses to the area. In 1950 the estimated population in Phoenix was 106,000. Today is it estimated at 1.6 million. Even though people worked on the weekends that did not mean they could not have some fun. The Jewish community was no exception with the growth of softball/baseball teams, bowling leagues, and so much more. Below is only a small sample of what a social calendar might have looked like during the time period.  

VIDEO: Lets Go Bowling 1955 Vintage Classic (Source: You Tube, Dukeharding)

Bowling shirt from the mid 1950s 

Sources: You Tube, Made the Cut, Dukeharding, David Hoffman

Unless credited with prior ownership and copyright - all displayed imagery, documents, brochures, books, materials, recordings, video, broadcasts, and promotional materials of every form and description, whether in written, analog, digital, film or electronic form, prepared by Arizona Jewish Historical Society shall remain the copyrighted property works of Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Any unauthorized use of that information or materials may violate copyright, trademark and other laws. Any rights not expressly granted are reserved.

AZJHS is deeply grateful to all our donors and sponsors for their generous support and gifts throughout the year. Because of you, we are able to continue providing to the public at no cost our many programs, events and exhibits.

Mid Century Exhibit Key

(Please choose from the links below to enter the exhibit room of your choice.)

1. Exhibit Entrance

   1. Welcome to Mid-Century Jewish Life in Phoenix

2. Featurette

   1. Korricks Department Store

3. Social Life in Phoenix

   1. Social Calendar

   2. Purim Carnival and Queen Esther

   3. Jewish Festivals, Plays, Dances

   4. Fashion & Jewelry

4. Community Enrichment

   1. Kivel Nursing Home

   2. Jewish Community Center

   3. Youth Organizations

   4. Social Services

5. Religious Life

   1. Temple Beth Israel

   2. Beth El Congregation

   3. Beth Hebrew

   4. Har Zion, Temple Beth Shalom, Beth Joseph, Temple Shalom, and Temple Beth Sholom

   5. Rabbi Albert Plotkin and Sylvia Plotkin

6. Jewish Engagement in Civil Rights

   1. Camelback Inn

   2. Establishment of the State of Israel

   3. Civil Rights

7. Activities Corner

   1. The Poodle Skirt

   2. Paper Dolls

If you have Mid-Century Photos or Documents from 1945-1975 and would like to add to our photographic and informational collection, please fill out the below and submit. Our Special Collections Curator will be in contact with you. Thank you.

Duane Eddy - Rebel Rouser - HQ
(Source: You Tube, Happyduckk)

Tokens - "Tina"
(Source: You Tube, VinylNostalgia)