Racism in America during this time
In the 1950's, the Jim Crow Laws still rang true in the south. Separate but equal was still practiced for another fifteen years. This plays a huge toll on not only casting the show, but it also shows the extent of Elwood's kindness if, say, the cab driver were a black person. It also plays into the elitist attitude of Veta at the time because women will never be as snooty as they were between the years 1900-1950, and I've watched a lot of Real Housewives to know how present day snooty women act.
Post WWII effects
WWII had been fought and dealt with, and it was right at the beginning of the time where women were beginning to enter the workforce. This could play into effect when it comes to Nurse Kelly. She could have been fresh from the war front. Also, it gives the socialite women a certain status when they talk about their war hero husbands.
Threats of Communism
This show also takes place right before the Cold War. Joseph McCarthy and his McCarthyistic views were running wild in the United States at this time. The Second Red Scare was amongst the US, and people were down right skeptical of strange things. This could very well be what Harvey himself represents--this fear that we all have living within us.
Downfall of music before
The music choices noted in the script, "I'm a Little Buttercup," in particular represents the monotonous music of the time. Elvis Presley had not quite invented Rock & Roll, so people were stuck with the standards of the time.
Financial status of the US in the 1950's
Directly following WWII, the United States became the richest country in the world. The credit card was invented, and massive corporations also began to thrive. The McDonald's chain began in the early 1950's. Basically, the economy was in full bloom, and Americans were ravishing in their richness.
Baby Boom-Post WWII
This can very well be the reason for having Myrtle Mae be part of the show at all. During this time, there are an estimated 77.3 million Americans who were born during this demographic boom in births.
Medical advancements of 1950s
Medicine was on a huge rise in the 1950's. Mainly, Penicillin was invented and that triggered the beginning to finding hundreds of antibiotics. This plays a part in the trust that Veta has for Dr. Chumley. He has this huge reputation and wants nothing less than the best to cure her brother of this affliction. Even though he is a psych doctor, the faith in doctors was increasing.
Electroshock therapy
This was invented in 1930 and was widely used in the 40's and 50's. 1,000,000 people will undergo this therapy this year. However, in the 1940's and 50's, it was very common for patients to actually have seizures or have their bones dislocated during the procedure because they didn't issue the correct sedatives. This could very much be the reason for Veta's discomfort when she underwent the hydro tub therapy.
Fashion of the 1950's
Women who worked around the house always dressed fashionably. Even though Leave it to Beaver is a little dated (1957), I imagine fashion not to have changed very much. Full skirts-with stiff petticoats or pencil skirts and sweaters. I imagine the Dowds to dress a lot like that.
Social Scene in the 1950's
Post WWII, many clubs and organizations were created to strengthen nationalism. Things like Girl Scouts and PTAs etc... were created to keep in touch. This plays a HUGE part of why both Veta and Elwood even are part of countless numbers of clubs and organizations ranging from Wednesday Forums to University Club to the Pinochle club even.
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