Prices From 1957 – Warning: These Numbers Might Make You Cry

This morning I was watching an episode of "I Love Lucy" (love that show) and it was the episode where Lucy wants to move from the city to the country (Connecticut). The episode aired in 1957 and some of the prices mentioned in the episode literally had me laughing out loud.

Of course, Ethel was upset at the thought of never seeing her friend again. Lucy assured her that they would still see each other, after all, a round-trip train ticket only cost $3.08.

To which Ethel replied, "Well, now I know I'll never see you again!"

She was referring to her husband, Fred, and his unwillingness to part with money. If Fred thought $3.08 was too much for a train ticket, I can't imagine what he would say about prices today. He would probably pass out!

The mention of the price of the train ticket and that they were putting a $500 deposit on a house in the country (these days you can't even rent a place for that!) had me wondering what other 1957 prices were.

So here are some numbers from 1957, prepare to laugh (or cry). Average 1957 prices from howstuffworks.com:

• Milk = $1
• Swanson TV Dinner = .75
• Ground Beef = .30
• Butter = .75
• Vermont Maple Syrup (12-ounce bottle) = .33
• Bunch of Broccoli = .23
• Eggs = .55
• Head of Iceberg Lettuce = .19
• Nabisco Saltines (16-ounce package) = .25
• Pot Roast (per pound) = .69

Here are some average 1957 prices from fiftiesweb.com:

• House = $20,000
• Gas = .24
• Bread = .19
• Postage Stamp = .19

It's fun to look back at historical prices, but it can also be a little depressing.

I think the grocery stores and gas stations should have a day where they go back to prices like this. The lines would stretch for miles! Still, it would be nice to pay .69 a pound for a pot roast. I could definitely get used to those prices!

Listen to Liz Kaye weekdays from 10-2 on 105.5 FM, online at kicks1055.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.