Real Pictures of Generation X
“The whole point of taking pictures is
so that you don’t have to explain things with words.”
–Elliott Erwitt, The Joy of Photographing People
Pictures of Generation X
I have been collecting pictures of Generation X since 2008, and have compiled numerous photos essays of Gen Xers in youth and childhood. Some of my favorite collections are featured below including Christmas, Halloween and Easter photos from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Also, First Communions, Thanksgivings, etc.
Gen X Archive
Collecting old snapshots, faded photographs and 35 mm slides of Generation X and sharing them with readers is one of my favorite things to do. I have relatively few pictures from my youth and childhood, so I’m always looking to find myself — or at least my experiences — in other peoples’ photos. I cherish high-quality images of my eras of childhood and youth. For me, there will never be enough, for nothing tells the story of our days and times better than pictures. Also, they are important contributions to this Gen-X archive.
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Vintage Christmas Pictures
From flocked trees and aluminum trees to Cabbage Patch dolls and banana seat bikes, check out this collection of vintage Christmas pictures.
Vintage Easter Pictures
Visit this beautiful and sometimes hilarious collection of vintage Easter pictures from the 1960s to the 1980s. Featuring Generation X with Easter baskets, bonnets and bunnies.
Vintage Halloween Pictures
Check out this fun collection of vintage Halloween pictures from the 1960s through the 1980s. The gallery features Gen-Xers in a variety of costumes including Star Wars, Isis, Strawberry Shortcake, E.T., Kooky Spooks, Casper (the Friendly Ghost), Ghostbusters and more. I especially love the street scenes of vintage trick-or-treaters.
Bicentennial Generation
For Generation X (1961-1981), the Bicentennial was more than a historical milestone. It was a huge cultural touchstone. It was a formative civic experience that shaped how we viewed our country. In addition, the celebration reached far beyond schools and parades. It influenced how we experienced patriotism during a formative time in our lives. We are, in fact, the Bicentennial Generation.
First Communions
Check out this collection of vintage religion topics such as First Communion pictures from the 70s and 80s, rapture sermons, apocalyptic songs and more.
1970s Baby
1970s Baby Equipment: “Dangerous” Stroller, Swing, Crib and Car Seats
1976 School Thanksgiving
School Thanksgiving 1976 and a sea of 3rd Grade pilgrims and Indians.
Boston-Area Elementary, 1974
Monogram Sweater
One of my favorite outfits in high school was a light pink wool crewneck sweater and a pair of rose-colored corduroys. The sweater was monogrammed with my initials, JRE; however, the E, for my maiden name, was in the center…
Splendid History
Barry Rich Photo Archive Features the Splendid History of Gen-Xers in the 20th Century. Gorgeous pictures!
Submit Your Gen X Pictures
Do you have old pictures of Generation X from the 1960s, 70s, 80s or 90s? I’d love to feature them as a tribute to the life and times of America’s 13th Generation. Contact me using this form or email me your submissions at jennifer [at] tambourinepr [dot] org. Also, I pay top dollar for high-quality Gen X collections including old scrapbooks, portraits, ephemera, old slides and photographs, etc. Photo Detail: My cousin Cheri at her birthday party at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour. The year was either 1971 or 1972. Sitting next to her is my sister Becky and behind her my grandmother and cousin Karen. We always thought Cheri looked like Shirley Temple. I love her white poncho, which was no doubt crocheted by my grandmother.