In the 1960s, the Watford Observer published a section devoted entirely to teenagers, a relatively new invention at the time.

The supplement featured articles on fashion and music, including this extract, titled Talking to Teenagers: Ilse Glaser says – ‘I like you!’”

It reads: “Hello teenagers! When the Watford Observer asked me to write an article about you, I jumped at the opportunity, because... well... I like you.

“Yes I like you for having made life funnier, lighter, brighter, gayer, and so much more exhilarating. Take a look at what you have done!

“You have created whole industries which are on their feet to be yours. You decide what the young should wear and do, what their hairstyles should be, what gramophone records they should buy, which pop singers to love and scream at, and which dance steps should be the next craze.

“It is you who mould whole departments of important stores and create hundreds of teenage fashion shops and boutiques throughout the country.

“Well, I am making you feel rather pleased with yourselves but it doesn’t matter, as I am writing in your praise anyway.

“Look at how drab life was for you ten or 20 years ago, when you led a more sheltered existence and when grown-ups had the last say in your tastes and doings.

“Since then, you have become more and more powerful, and are now in full harness, always ready to fight for your rights.

“The other day on my travels abroad, which take me to almost all corners of Europe, and especially to the great fashion centres, I saw a teenage fashion show.

“All the clothes were modelled by teenagers – the oldest about 15 years of age – and not only that, but the show was produced and directed and presented by teenagers.

“The clothes shown were all designed and created by them in their own workrooms.

“It was a wonderful experience for me and gave me a true picture of teenagers’ wants and likes, and their ideas of up-to-date fashion.

“I was so intrigued by the originality of the clothes that I bought a great many of them to bring back with me to England for you to see what they wear on the other side of the Channel.

“However, excellent as their show was, I also had my criticisms, which I am turning into advice to you.

“Don’t forget, that youth speaks for itself. So when you are choosing your clothes and make up, simplicity should be your keyword.

“Stick to plain hairstyles, use as little make up as possible, and in a word, avoid over-sophistication.

“Clothes and make-up are the exterior, your showcase, the way you express yourselves, but they are not the only things that count.

“Poise, personality, manners and your interests are as important as your looks.

“There’s much talk that teenagers don’t get on too well with their elders. Always remember than your parents were teenagers too, once upon a time.

“Be sure they had the same problems as you have today and they surely try to help and understand you. Their advice therefore is always something to listen to.

“Don’t be too independent!”

 

ONLINE TOMORROW: A mystery postcard - and several others from Peter Cooper's collection (including some which didn't make it into the paper)