School Pictures in the 1950s and 1960s: An Essential Guide for Genealogists

In the 1950s and 1960s, school pictures were a common but not mandatory practice in the United States. This article explores the history and options available during that era, providing valuable information for genealogists and family historians who are searching for missing relatives in school records.

General Practices

During the 1950s and 1960s, school pictures were generally optional but widely expected. Schools often organized designated picture days where students could have their photos taken by local photographers or photo bureaus. While many students participated, it was never mandatory; some families chose not to participate for various reasons such as financial constraints or personal preferences.

Picture Days and Locations

Picture days were usually scheduled in the gymnasiums or auditoriums of schools. For elementary schools, the practice included photographing every student and their classroom teacher, often set up on risers or bleachers. In junior high and high schools, students were photographed individually, with seniors often getting more formal portraits. High school yearbooks, in particular, featured pictures contributed by enrolled students or their friends.

Yearbook Participation

Yearbooks, which were considered a form of elective for high school students, had varying participation rates. Some schools included all students in the yearbook, while others might only feature those who purchased a photo package or signed up for inclusion. This variability means that some students who were not included in the yearbook may not appear in these records.

Behind the Scenes

The photography business during this period was quite lucrative. Local photography services like "Justin's Photomart" would travel to schools to take pictures of all elementary students and classroom teachers. They would then provide copies of each photograph to the school district for inclusion in students' permanent files. This practice not only benefited the photo shops but also the districts, which saved the cost of taking and developing these pictures in-house.

Challenges in Finding Missing Relatives

For genealogists and family historians, it can be challenging to compile a complete record of a student's presence in school pictures and yearbooks. Some students did not have their pictures taken and thus do not appear in the records. Additionally, quality and continuity of photographs varied, as many were taken on 35mm celluloid film, which may have been lost when camera operations transitioned to digital in the 1990s.

Alternative Sources for Research

Several alternative sources can be useful for genealogy research during this period:

School registration records: These documents often include students' names, addresses, and other biographical details. Class rosters: These provide accurate and detailed information about the makeup of different classes. Local newspaper archives: These can sometimes feature school events and lists of students. Local historical societies or alumni associations: These organizations can provide additional leads and more comprehensive information.

Conclusion

Understanding the history and practices of school pictures and yearbooks from the 1950s and 1960s is crucial for genealogists and family historians. By exploring these resources and other alternative sources, it is possible to piece together a more complete picture of a student's presence in these important records.

Further Reading: For more detailed information on the history of school pictures and yearbooks, consider reading books and articles on the topic. Local history archives and online resources such as Google Books and JSTOR can provide additional insights.