Hello all,
I have a home built in the 1950s and am trying to change a simple ceiling fixture. My husband disconnected the old fixture from the ceiling, but neglected to see how it was connected. :o my question is this: I'm trying to hook up a new fixture with just one black, one white and one ground. The ceiling box has FOUR wires coming out. I've identified the black and white, but have no idea what the other two are for. Any help is greated appreciated.

You could hook up the whites and the grounds, then the black on the light to an unused/unknown wire and test with a known good bulb. If it doesn't work with switch, try the other wire.

It is likely that this light is controlled by a switch on the wall. Therefore, it is also likely that one of the two black wires is bring power to the ceiling box and the other black is connected to the switch. Pick up a voltage sensor like the one shown below. After determining which black wire has voltage on it, connect it to the white wire going to the switch. Connect the white wire from the light to the other white wire. Connect the black wire of the light to the black wire going to the switch.

Hi middlekids

hkstroud has nailed it.

Add black tape to white wire going to switch to designate as hot. Add tape a both light box and switch box.

Good luck

Chuck