When I started associating in the late 1960s the JWs were very sociable and had frequent fun events. Here are some examples of the kinds of events we enjoyed, why they existed, and then the reason they were taken away:
Sports: Being involved in school or professional sports was frowned upon, so the brothers in the Hall would arrange for sports for every other weekend. We would gather for a baseball or even football game, the sisters made and brought lots of good food, and we made sure all the kids got to play. The teams were loosely decided upon, because the object was to have fun, and not get too organized or serious. Creackdown: The Society decided somehow that too many JWs were getting injured (football mostly) and that the time spent was taking away form the Field service. It was too close to the end to take away from the preaching work.
Weddings: These were sure fire fun events because it was the one time where JWs, and non-JW family and friends could gather and associate without the organizational frown. We had lots of fun, games, food, and booze! We enjoyed a wide range of music, not just Kingdom melodies, and we could dance too! Crackdown: Too many JWs reportedly got drunk and found a way to fornicate. Also, the close association with 'Worldlings' was dangerous and the behavior of some JWs caused stumbling of these possible sheep-like worldlings.
Congregations pick-niks: We recognized that we could not closely associate with "worldly" people, but we could invite some non-JW family to large congregation events. So, a large gathering at a park with lots of food, beer, and just plain fun visiting with games and some sports. This was often done after a month of Vacation (Auxiliary) pioneering push. We felt it a good way to reward ourselves. Crackdown: The Society felt that these events were too large, and therefore uncontrolled, and could be a cause for stumbling. So, they encourages JWs to do this less and in very small groups of a couple of families.
Kingdom Hall workdays: These could be fun to to engage in major spring cleaning and some facelift or remodeling. Again sisters brought lots of food, and the brothers and sisters all worked together to get everything done. Often we did this just before Memorial time. We also enjoyed the help of those just studying or non-JW family would lend a hand, sometimes a big hand with tools and equipment. Crackdown: While this was still somewhat the case when I left, I do recall the Society trimming this too, by making sure that 'worldlings' not participate - bad association - unless they were hired contractors. Also, some comments were spread around that these were to be work days and not a time for loose behavior.
Private gatherings: Some brothers and sisters were very talented in singing and playing instruments. So, on occassion, we would hold a 'non-congregational' private gathering of several JW families. We would use the large living room of a brother, or his outdoor large patio area. We would set up speakers and mics, and sing all kings of songs - not just Kingdom Melodies. One brother I was very close to had a great voice and talent and should have gone into the business. He sang Spanish Eyes as no other I have ever heard. Another sister was a professional singer before being a JW. her ex-husband played on Merle Haggard's band. She was an awesome singer as well. We would have wine and beer and lots of visiting. Crackdown: Large private gatherings came under the microscope after the crackdown on Congregation events. The reason given to eliminate these were much the same as above.
The Beach: We lived about 20 miles from the ocean in Northern California. On a Saturday, we would go to a beach town for a morning of Field Service. This was not a frequently worked territory, so it made sense to make a day of it. We would then change into bathing suits after Service, and have fun at the beach, volly ball, some surfing, flying kites, and Frisbees. We would have a huge barbeque with loads of hamburgers and hot dogs and beer. [Crackdown: Seldome worked territories became fewer as several congregations grew, split and took territory. Also, the Reg. Pioneers were encouraged to work these so that the congregation would be freed from the burden of special events. And like other gatherings for just fun, these were seen as potential to ruin a good day in Service by risking poor behavior with a large group.
DisneyLand Sometimes JW families would go to Southern California in a caravan to DisnayLand, Knottsberry Farm, etc. This was a really fun way to enjoy good JW association and have fun too. That is, until someone discovered the haunted House at DisneyLand, and brought back demons to the Congregation. Crackdown: Well, these types of too were seen as fraught with dangers, and JWs were cautioned to use balance and avoid things of this world. Also vacation time should be used to Aux. Pioneer with the end just around the corner.
The Mountains: We would then go fishing and camping to such places as Frenchman's lake in California, or to Yellowstone in Wyoming. These were basically okay, but to do them correctly, it was often good to own a travel trailer, CB radio (cell phones did not exist in the general public) and other camping gear including hunting knives and a gun for protection from bears or snakes. [b}Crackdown: Materialism was often cited. Expensive trailers required extra overtime to pay for them, and extra time to maintain them - and this led to less Field Service deep in this time of the end. Also, carrying a gun was not advisable, and those less fortunate in the Congregation might resent the flashly display of spendy vacations by wealthier brothers.
Movies: In the winter we would get several JWs together and go to a nice movie. This was a lot of fun because afterwards we would go to have pizza or to a restaurant for something to eat. Crackdown: I don't recall this being really discouraged officially, but I recall that at times JWs seen leaving a movie were assumed to be viewing the "R" rated, when in fact they theater had multiple screens and we would be viewing the PG or G. But, this was also seen as potential for stumbling, and caution was exhorted.
Skydiving, Parachuting, Dirt Biking: Some JWs enjoyed the extra thrill that these unique sports provide. I never did these but always wanted to. Crackdown: These sports show lack of respect for life and our bodies from resulting injuries. The JWs were told to stop.
Hunting: Many brothers enjoyed a weekend hunting. they would get their camping gear, rifles, state permits, and go out for some deer or elk. They also enjoyed this type of meat. Crackdown: The Society was contacted many times about brothers with guns killing wildlife, and this was seen as unnecessary in light of the plentiful supply of commercail meats. Oddly enough the Society actually published some nice letters supportive of JWs who liked to hunt. But in time these was felt the 'unofficial' discouragemnent to hunt for all the same reasons as above.
Chess: Many brothers enjoyed Chess. This seemed like a nice safe thing to do and it kept the group small. Several brothers enjoyed playing Chess with me because I could beat them all most of the time. Crackdown: Chess was seen as a game of war and could incite JWs to become enemies, learning the ways of war. So it too became frowned upon. But, I still played chess anyway.
The late 1980s approach:[/b] What then did we do as the Society officially or unofficially discouraged or prohibited many JW events? We resorted to playing Cards or Trivial Persuit. But, we were encouraged to first sit around with maybe one ot two other families, and study the Watchtower magazine. We did this, and then we fell out of the Troof. - Amazing