Vintage high school smoking sections were designated (or not-so-designated) spots on campus—often courtyards, behind buildings, or near the cafeteria—where students smoked openly between classes, sometimes with faculty supervision or permission slips, reflecting a bygone era before strict anti-smoking rules, with areas sometimes called "The Snake Pit" or marked by yellow lines, and often featured sand or just bare ground, smelling strongly of cigarettes.

Description of Vintage Smoking Sections:

Locations: Common spots included outdoor courtyards, behind the gym, near the cafeteria, or even specific school restrooms and corners.

Atmosphere: Hazy with cigarette smoke, often featuring discarded butts on the ground, and a mix of students and sometimes even teachers.

Rules (or Lack Thereof): Some schools had formal "smoking areas" or "lounges," while others relied on hidden spots or informal agreements, with rules sometimes requiring parental permission or good grades.

Names: Nicknames like "The Snake Pit" or "Smokers Alley" were common.

Faculty Involvement: Teachers sometimes joined students or supervised the areas, creating a stark contrast to today's policies.

Transition: These areas faded out in the late 80s and 90s as smoking ages rose and health awareness increased, with some schools implementing them as a way to control hidden smoking before eventually banning them entirely.

Key Takeaways: It was a common, accepted practice in many schools during the 1970s, 80s, and even into the early 90s. These spaces were integral parts of school culture, allowing students to smoke openly, a stark contrast to current regulations.