Old-School Prom Pictures

Best nostalgic photos from the 1960s, '70s and '80s shared with AARP

by Brandon Gobel, AARP, April 20, 2018|Comments: 0

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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Mike Gavin

1978: Fremont, Calif.

We begin with a “Lifetime” story: Prom dates Mike and Mona went their separate ways after graduating from Irvington High School, but stayed friends — and went to each other’s weddings. Little did they know that, in 2017, they both would be getting remarried — to each other.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Nancy Briere

1975: Nashua, N.H.

Pink was apparently in style in the mid-1970s. Michael Philbrook shared this picture. His white jacket and pink boutonnière complemented his date’s dress quite well.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Alvin Figueroa

1974: San Juan, Puerto Rico

We can all relate to the prom photo with our friends and their dates lined up. In this picture, (from left) Juan José Osuna High School’s Alvin Figueroa, Vilma García, Agnes Marcano and José Fábregas.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Kim Herrod

1973: Charlotte, N.C.

What a gentleman! Kim Herrod says just before her senior prom her longtime boyfriend dumped her. That’s when she asked one of the most popular boys at Garinger High School to go with her, and he said yes! They had a blast — and even dated for a few years.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Kathleen Konkel Zwart

1971: New Lenox, Ill.

Lincoln-Way High School student Kathleen Konkel Zwart remembers senior prom night like it was yesterday. She even recalls the theme: Magical Mystery Tour.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Roy and Pat Moore

1970: Florence, Wis.

High school sweethearts Roy and Pat Moore are still together today! Not long after this photo was taken at the Florence High School prom, the couple got married. They will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in September.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Karen Rago

1969: Cherry Hill, N.J.

Love at first sight. Carl and Karen Rago went to Carl’s junior prom together and just marked their 44th year as husband and wife. Karen says this prom at Cherry Hill High School East was also extra special because her mother made her coat for it.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Sandy Orr

1968: Delphi, Ind.

We all remember a picture like this. Prom night usually began with a photo session at your house — before everyone headed out for their big date.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Donna Old

1968: Dalton, Ga.

As a senior in high school, Donna Old told us, she made her own dress for prom night.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Marguerite Harris

1967: Steelton, Pa.

Remember the old pop-up backdrops that schools used? They looked right at the time, but never seemed to shine in the prom photos. Marguerite Harris says all she remembers about prom night at Steelton-Highspire High School was anticipation!
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Amy Fraade Kadori

1965: East Meadow, N.Y.

How about this couple! Amy Fraade Kadori is wearing a long white dress with gloves, and Ken Schwartz has a matching jacket. Amy says her only regret about this night — not keeping that dress.
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PHOTO BY: Courtesy Michael Gavin

Long lost love

Remember that couple from earlier in this article, the one who got married nearly 40 years after their high school prom? Here are Mike and Mona Gavin again, pictured at their wedding!
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PHOTO BY: Dolly Soto/Getty Images

Share your nostalgic family beach pictures

As you get ready to head to the beach this summer with the kids and grandkids, we want to take a trip down memory lane. Share your photos from the 1960s, '70s and '80s.