Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

In June 1954, LIFE magazine published an article titled “The Luckiest Generation” that, revisited 60 years later, feels like an almost perfect snapshot of a certain segment of American society at a particular moment in the nation's history...

In aura of fun and well-being, students dance in gym of Carlsbad's high school at weekly 'Sock Hop' to music of a 12-piece student band.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Cars of Carlsbad High students fill own parking lot.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Electrician, Jack Harris, 16, still in school, picks up $40 to $50 in part-time repair jobs.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

A teenage sales girl holds a blouse up to a customer in a store, 1954.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Young investor, David Lenske, 17, having bought four AT&T shares, talks with banker, 1954.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Outtake from "Luckiest Generation" feature in LIFE magazine, 1954.

Teenage mechanic, 1954.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Bookkeeper Rada Alexander, 19, gets $200 a month in auto firm job she got after graduation.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Sonny Thayer, 19, packs for hunting trip.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Utility worker, Jack Krueger, 19, who finished high school in 1952, earns $2.24 an hour.

Prosperous pay-off of after-school jobs brings Mike Sweeney and Harold Riley (right) with Pat Marsh (left), Nita Wheeler, all 17, to Carlsbad's Red Barn restaurant, a favorite party spot.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Young couples at formal dance dreamily sway on crowded floor of dim, chandelier-lit ballroom, 1954.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Outtake from "Luckiest Generation" feature in LIFE magazine, 1954.

Black and White Pictures of American Teenagers in the 1950s

Outtake from "Luckiest Generation" feature in LIFE magazine, 1954.

Outtake from "Luckiest Generation" feature in LIFE magazine, 1954.

Pay in trade is taken by Margaret High, 17, who works in music store, spends salary on records.