As we continue our journey through the decades with our 2026 QSLM Activity Theme, Timeless Treasures, we're looking back at the trends that made each era special. From fashion and music to hobbies and traditions, every generation has stories worth sharing.
We invited residents across our communities to share a favorite trend from their past, the memories that made it special, and whether they'd like to see it make a comeback. Here are a few of their stories.
The Blake:
From memorable fashion trends to favorite pastimes, residents at The Blake looked back on the moments that brought joy and excitement to their younger years. Their stories highlight the friendships, experiences, and traditions that helped shape each era.
Molly – Autograph Books
The Blake at Township
Back in fifth and sixth grade, Molly remembers autograph books being a special part of growing up. Friends and family would fill the pages with messages that were funny, kind, and sometimes sentimental. Molly loved having her autograph book and thinks it would be a fun tradition for kids to bring back today. However, with technology replacing many of those handwritten memories with memes, GIFs, and messages, she isn’t sure kids today would appreciate them quite the same way she did. Still, it’s a tradition she loved and one she looks back on fondly!
Beth – 1970s Bold Colors & Big Hair
The Blake at Bossier City
For Beth, the 1970s were defined by bold colors, big hair, and fun nights out with friends. She remembers getting ready together, styling their hair into voluminous, poofy looks and choosing bright, colorful outfits before heading out dancing. Those nights were filled with music, laughter, and carefree conversations with friends. Beth still enjoys wearing her hair in a similar style today, and it’s one trend she would happily see make a comeback.
Adri – Mini Skirts, Bell Sleeves, and Bell Bottom Jeans
The Blake at Lafayette
For Adri, high school was defined by bold and ever-changing fashion trends, from mini-skirts and bell sleeves to the rise of bell bottom jeans. She remembers how clothing became a way to express personality and embrace new styles. She especially loved bell bottoms, which became a favorite statement piece for special occasions. Looking back, Adri remembers that time as a fun and vibrant chapter of her life.
Janel – Music Trends
The Blake at Lafayette
Janel remembers music being a staple of her younger years. She enjoyed the many sounds that shaped her generation, from the music of Elvis Presley and Otis Redding to the energetic bebop bands she grew up hearing. She also remembers the excitement of sneaking off to sock hops as a young girl, making those nights of dancing and music even more special.
John – “Cracker Jack” Navy Uniform
The Blake at Pensacola
For John, one of the most memorable styles of his time was the classic Navy sailor uniform, especially the well-known “Cracker Jack” style featuring bell-bottom trousers and a button-front design.
John joined the Navy in 1947 at just 17 years old, and he remembers purchasing his uniforms and sea bag for $57, which was a significant amount for a young recruit at the time. He was issued both white and navy uniforms and he remembers how the design remained a tradition through the 1960s. His favorite was the navy wool uniform because of its comfort and durability. He also remembers carefully storing his uniforms under his bunk to keep everything neat, clean, and ready for inspection.
Sandy – Little League
The Blake at Panama City Beach
For Sandy, Little League quickly became one of her favorite “trends” after moving to a new city. It was there that she met one of her closest friends, and their connection grew through shared games, practices, and time spent together. What started as a sport soon turned into a family experience, bringing people together both on and off the field. Sandy also became active in volunteering and fundraising, discovering the value of giving back in meaningful ways. Looking back, she treasures friendships and lessons that continue to shape her life today.
The Barclay:
At The Barclay, residents reminisced about the trends they loved growing up. Some were fashion favorites, while others were hobbies and pastimes that seemed to be everywhere. No matter the trend, each one brought back a special story and memories they still look back on fondly today.
Dorothy – Meeting at the Drugstore after School
The Barclay at Whiskey Road
Dorothy’s favorite trend wasn’t fashion; it was the after-school trip to the local drugstore. She remembers meeting friends for a 6-cent Coke float, spending time together, and enjoying the excitement of running into classmates along the way. It’s a memory she still treasures and would love to relive again.
Patricia – Scrapbooking
The Barclay at Clemson
Scrapbooking was one of Patricia's favorite trends back in the day. She loved scrapbooking, enjoying the process of gathering photos, ticket stubs, and keepsakes and carefully arranging them into creative layouts. One of her favorite parts was flipping back through her finished books and reliving each memory all over again. Patricia would be thrilled if the trend made a comeback and is excited to lead a scrapbooking activity for her community very soon.
Sarah – Mini Skirts
The Barclay at Midlothian
In her 20s, Sarah remembers mini skirts being one of the most popular fashion trends and she loved wearing them. She owned several, but one standout look was her black leather mini skirt paired with a matching vest, gold chain belt, and tall black boots. She believes the trend helped young women feel confident and beautiful and would love to see it make a comeback.
Jack – Propeller Hats
The Barclay at Vero Beach
Jack remembers the propeller hat as a playful trend that always started conversations with new people. He enjoyed the fun and attention it brought. Still fond of the style, Jack even wore one at a recent event and would happily see it return.
Louann – The Hula Hoop
The Barclay at Vero Beach
For Louann, the Hula Hoop was a memorable trend, but not one she would want to bring back. She remembers how popular it was and how much fun everyone had trying it at the time. Looking back, she jokes that while hula hooping may have been tough on your back, the twist was what really finished the job. It is a trend she remembers fondly, but one she is perfectly happy leaving in the past.
Barclay House:
Life is made up of many chapters, and residents at Barclay House reflected on the trends that helped shape theirs. From popular styles to unforgettable experiences, each story offers a unique look back through the decades.
Mary – Bell Bottoms
Barclay House of Carrollton
Every trend has its quirks, and for Mary, bell bottoms were no exception. She remembers trying to avoid muddy puddles, only to have those wide pant legs find them anyway. Looking back, it's a memory that still makes her smile, even if she'd pass on wearing them again.
Alice – Poodle Skirts, Mary Janes, & Ruffled Socks
Barclay House of Carrollton
For Alice, poodle skirts were all about fun and style. She remembers adding tulle underneath to make them puff out just right, finishing the look with Mary Janes and ruffled white socks. It’s a trend she loved and would happily bring back.
Barbara – Hip Huggers, Bell Bottoms, and Boots
Barclay House of Baton Rouge
For Barbara, the fashion trends of her younger years were bold and unforgettable, including hip huggers, bell bottoms, tall boots, and the short-lived but memorable hot pants style. She remembers how fun it was to dress in the latest looks of the time and how much personality fashion had. One standout memory is a fender bender while riding in a Ford Pinto, dressed in hot pants and boots. While it was all part of the era’s style, Barbara says she would not bring back the hot pants trend today.
Susan – Tupperware Parties
Barclay House of Stuart
Susan remembers Tupperware parties as one of her favorite trends and a joyful part of her social calendar. What began as a simple invitation quickly turned into a series of memorable gatherings after she hosted her very first party just weeks later. She shared how each event featured engaging product demonstrations, helpful kitchen tips, and plenty of laughter among friends. Morning parties were relaxed with coffee and donuts, while evening gatherings were more festive with wine, appetizers, and lively conversation. Susan loved the sense of connection each party created and still holds onto her favorite Tupperware pieces as reminders of those special moments.
Independent Living by Barclay House:
From hobbies to iconic styles, residents at Independent Living by Barclay House shared the trends that became meaningful parts of their lives.
Ed – Muscle Cars
Laurel Grove by Barclay House
For Ed, muscle cars were the ultimate trend. He remembers spotting a 1976 Ford Mustang on a flatbed, following it straight to the dealership, and telling the salesman, “I want that car!” He ended up buying it for $5,000, and later had an unexpected phone call from the dealership asking for it back due to a mix-up involving the owner’s son. Ed’s response was simple, he wasn’t giving it up. It’s a story he still laughs about today, and a trend he’d gladly bring back, especially if it were parked right out front at Laurel Grove.
Vonita – Matching Outfits
Deepwood Estates by Barclay House
Matching outfits were a cherished trend for Vonita and her twin sister, especially since their mother made all of their clothes. The sisters often stepped out in identical styles, a reflection of both fashion and their close bond. That connection followed them into adulthood, where they worked side by side in Tupperware sales, both rising to managers and each earning a station wagon for their success. It’s a memory she holds dear to her heart.
Sallie – Hula Hoops
Smoky Springs by Barclay House
For Sallie, hula hoops were one of the most fun trends she remembers from her past. She recalls how everyone was hooping all the time. She joked that everyone was walking and hooping, eating and hooping, and just keeping a hoop going wherever they went. She absolutely loved it and says she still enjoys moving her hips. Sallie would love to see the trend come back to get people moving and having fun again.
Glenncrest:
Some trends are remembered for the style, while others are remembered for the stories behind them. At Glenncrest, residents looked back on the trends and moments that made a lasting impression.
Frances – Hairspray
Glenncrest at Siegen
For Frances, hairspray was the defining trend of her high school years. While she didn’t participate in many of the popular fashions as a band kid in the 1950s and 60s, she always admired the poodle skirts of the era and thought they were “so stinkin’ cute.” Her own style, however, revolved around a can of Aquanet and the big, voluminous hairstyles popular at the time. With her father not allowing her to cut her hair until her junior year, hairspray became essential for keeping her long hair up, off her shoulders, and styled into the big poofy looks she loved. She remembers her hair feeling almost “helmet-like,” but she loved the volume and the way it stayed perfectly in place all day.
Donna – Bell Bottom Jeans
Glenncrest at Buckhead
For Donna, bell bottom jeans were her favorite fashion trend growing up. She loved wearing them as part of her signature style, especially when dressed up with platform shoes for disco parties and nights out with friends. She also remembers her dog often grabbing the wide legs of her pants. It’s a trend she truly enjoyed.
While trends may change over time, the memories connected to them remain timeless. The stories shared by our residents remind us that behind every style, hobby, or tradition is a meaningful moment.
At QSLM, we love celebrating the experiences that make each resident’s story unique. Interested in learning more about our communities and the stories that make them special? Contact us today, we’d love to hear from you.
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