Were basement bars a big thing in the 50-60's?

[Gorges]

Our former home was built in '71 and had been the model home in the neighborhood. It had a paneled basement rec room still intact from that era, with a large u-shaped bar with a sink, mirrored tiles, full-sized refrigerator. We had two living areas on the main floor but the basement area is where the kids played when they had friends over, and was the teenage hangout. There was a ping pong table, TV, gymnastics mat, plaid orange and brown carapet. There wasn't a bathroom down there, however, so any visitors had to come upstairs to use the powder room. It was a walk-out on one side and underground on the other side, so a bit musty. Had to keep a dehumidifier going. The bar was a favorite play area when the kids were small but was looking pretty shabby when we moved out. I never would have lightened the walls in that place. It would have made the spiders too visible.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by blahblahyoutoo

Seems like this was a big trend in houses of that era, along with wood wall paneling.
I'm happy both of these have gone the way of the dodo.

They were often referred to as Rec (Recreation) Rooms. They added a whole new dimension and space to smaller homes. Some were actually two rooms. One with utilities and storage that was left unfinished and the rest of the basement was finished. Most did it with paneling but some also used drywall. Many had low ceilings. Great place for kids and teens. I one townhouse I owned there were three rooms. One unfinished for utilities (HVAC and hot water heater) and storage. One as a computer room/office. The 3rd was a spare bedroom. With the HVAC on that lever. it was easy running HVAC to the new rooms. Was very comfortable down there. No bathroom on that level.

[thinkalot]

Every house on the street I grew up on had a bar in the basement. Large rooms about 25 x40. The rest of the basement wasn't finished. Several had 2 stairways. One from the house and one from the attached garage. They all had a bathroom.