BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHES: WHAT THEY COST

Isn’t it odd that Ward and June Cleaver never argued over money? Did father know best how to make ends meet? Or was life really easier in the ‘50s?

From the look of things, it was.

Here’s what it would cost to buy clothes at Sears, Roebuck & Co. to send The Beav (“Leave It to Beaver”) and Kitten Anderson (“Father Knows Best”) back to school in 1957 (when first-run episodes of these series were being shown) and what the Cleavers and the Andersons would pay today. Salaries are higher now, of course, but clothing prices, even at a moderately priced store like Sears, have increased at nearly double the rate of inflation.

At the new prices, Ward might have encouraged June to (gasp!) get a job!

BOY

1957 1992 Jeans $1.64 $ 9.99 Shirt 1.67 12.99 Socks .37 1.99 Cap 1.50 5.99 Belt .93 6.99 Briefs 2 for .72 3 for 3.49 T-shirts 2 for 1 3 for 4.49 Shoes 5.27 14.99 Total $13.10 $60.92

GIRL

1957 1992 Skirt $1.91 $12.99 Top 1.86 10.99 Slacks 2.71 16.99 Jeans 2.83 24.99 Socks 3 for 1.07 1.99 Panties 3 for 1.36 3 for 2.99 Shoes 5.27 12.99 Total $17.01 $83.93

Source: Sears, Roebuck & Co. Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times