Time marches on. It was a terrible year for me. We lived in Gallup New Mexico close to the Navajo Indian reservation. I had every disease known to mankind in the 2 years that we lived there. I was 8 years old. I was so happy when we left that town.
Loved 1962 A Jr in high school, being taught by teachers that loved to teach and loved us. No social media and main stream media was about reporting. I got to live during a growing America.
This was the year that I moved to southern California as a 2-year-old toddler - just a week after the Cuban Missile Crisis - and where I would spend my most cherished years growing up. Thanks for bringing this retrospective to RU-vid.
I was 15 in 1962. We had been practicing emergency alert drills for several years where students moved under their desks and covered their heads in case of incoming bombs from Russia. It was during the time of the Cold War and some people built underground bomb shelters in their backyards. But no one locked their front doors at night, the car keys were left on the floor of the car so we always knew where they were, every kid on the block played kick the can in the street until the street lights came on, we walked to school rain or shine, and if you were out walking around town during school hours any adult felt it their responsibility and duty to stop you and ask why you weren’t in school. We had dress codes in school, girls were not allowed to wear pants except our gym shorts which were required, too short of a skirt would get you sent home to change along with too low of a neckline. No one wore logo clothes, they didn’t exist, neither did panty hose, hot rollers, curling irons or personal hair dryers. We went to the library to do research for school papers and hand wrote them using cursive handwriting that we had learned in grade school. Literally like another world.
I was born this year and I sure remember the nuclear drills at school as you described. I remember that our doors were almost never locked . We had a dress code as well and I had trouble in grade School with my long hair and hippie cloths as a 3rd grader ? still a hippie at heart all these years later . God Bless
@@balerjohnson3099 I was born in 1962 and we never had nuclear drills those were in the fifties and early sixties so you must be older than being born in 1962 and yes my parents locked their doors every single night
Jethro Bodine remains one of my two favorite TV characters of all-time (The Reverend Jim Ignatowski from Taxi being the other). Whether he was playing a double-not spy, serving up meals at The Hungry Gizzard, or flashing that sixth grade education with his siphering skills, there will never be another one like Jethro. And hanging by the cement pond with Elly May was every young boys fantasy. 🤤 What a great show!
I was born in 1962 and live just a few miles from that first KMart, which was just recently torn down and is destined to be an LA Fitness supposedly...progress. I guess... BTW, this is now my favorite YT channel and your quiet, understated pacing of these videos is amazingly perfect!
Wow a lot happened... Plus I graduated HS, took summer classes at UofM, got into a boat accident and had two operations and had to drop out of collage.... Busy year alright.
I had forgotten about Vaughn Meader. I watched him on Ed Sullivan with my parents. His career sure took a hit when President Kennedy was killed, never to rebound.
@@nonamegame9857 In November 1963, Vaughn Meader recorded his first beyond-JFK album of humor called "Have Some Nuts." It was topical political and social satire, but no references to Kennedy. Two weeks later, the tragedy happened in Dallas and the tapes were shelved, then released in mid-1964. Have Some Nuts is still obscure, but filled with clever skits.
We moved into our home during the height of the Missile Crisis. Mom, a single-parent, said she was so worried about whether she would be able to make the payments (particularly in view of banks that were not helpful to a woman head of the family) that she was the only person in the nation not completely wrapped up in the possibility of a nuclear war. We did just fine with the home. I lived there 20 years, moving out in October 1982 as a 24-year-old.
I remember watching The Jetsons premiere episode, but I can't remember exactly where, but not at home, on a color television set. It was beyond wow! I was told that I didn't watch Captain Kangaroo for the next few days because we didn't have a color TV. Also, the Captain Kangaroo show was not a color production at the time.
I'm so glad you included Vaughn Meader's success with his unprecedented, audacious First Family album. I researched his life and got to know him in the 1990s. His story was amazing. So was he.
I don't know if you ever got to hear Rich Little's 1982 homage (or is it rip-off?) of Vaughn's first Family, entitled The First Family Rides Again, but it pales badly in comparison to the original. Meader makes a guest appearance, but it doesn't help.
@@ernestcruz6316 Yes. I was puzzled about why his presence on the album was so played down, as though Vaughn Meader were an obscure person who had no significance in the history of The First Family. He was nonchalant in his answer, giving no real reason. Earl Doud, the producer of his seminal '62 First Family album, called him and said essentially, hey we're in L.A. to make this album, want to drop by? As though it were a skit at summer camp! I wonder if Little wanted Meader's involvement minimized.
@@brianarbenz1329 I hadn't thought of that, but it's a shame that he was given the same treatment as former Playboy Playmate Susan Lynn Kiger, who only got one line of dialogue on the album.
Yeah, where were you in '62? I was 6 years old. And my only thoughts were what for Christmas would be my toy..... And I thought that by the time I was older I would be traveling to the moon regularly. 59 years ago.... ✌
Hi Recollection Road, I just wanted to thank you for the producing this touching "Timeline of Life in America". Your narrative is meaningful, your picture selection germane to milestones of our history, and the musical background reflects the nostalgia of an era long gone. Thank you for the memories, thank you for bringing me back "home" to a time of innocence, freedom and hope - Our society was not perfect but it was slowly getting better. Optimism was in the air. May God bless America and may Peace be with you. Ciao, L (Veteran)
Kmart came to Winnipeg in ‘66. My parents used to take us there on Saturday nights just to look around because that was the only major store open on Saturday night in that era. First sub sandwich I ever had was from the Kmart cafeteria. The Kmart auto centre had a giant sign advertising ‘Fisk Tires’ above it.
Winnipeg Canada? We Had Woowards Department Store Vancouver B C The Best Apple Pie 19 cents a slice, 21 cents if you wanted a Scoop of Vanilla Ice cream on top. I sure do miss the 60's 🤗
In '62, the Beatles walked out of the studio after recording their first songs and were just four guys, not turning heads or mobbed. That would soon change!
I was tempted to complain that you didn't mention the first James Bond movie "Dr. No" which was released in October 1962, but then recalled that it wasn't released in the U.S. until May 1963.
I was 6 years old but I remember Dad building a bomb shelter i off the basement and stocking it. Then came the Missile Crisis. Afterwards we played in it for awhile.
After starting H/S in a small rural Rockwood, Tennessee, my family moved to a much larger Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1962 where my graduating class of over 500 was much larger than the four classes of my initial school. Much adjustment involved with Chattanooga City H/S (one of 17 Chattanooga high schools at the time) with no longer walking to/from school, but rather catching a city bus. Mandatory ROTC posed quite a distinction as well!!! Hated it at the time, but now look back fondly on the experience!!! VW Beetles were under two grand, and "The Monster Mash" was a smash!!! Great time to be alive!!!
I remember what a big deal the Jacqueline Kennedy "Tour of the White House" was on TV, but I wasn't aware that it had aired on both CBS and NBC (live), and several days later on ABC. Now THAT was a big deal! (By the way, she was a national treasure)
@@geoben1810 she is resting comfortably because she told me so the other night in a dream. I am one of those people that actually remembers their dreams
Those men were not known as SEALS yet. They were UDTs Under Water Demolition Teams also known as Navy Frogmen. The transition to SEALS was much later. I arrived at NAS JAX FLA 4/74 where a shipmate was in training as a UDT frogman. SEALs formed sometime after. ✌🇺🇸
My dad had the Vaughn Meader album and I listened to it often. Some of it I was too young to get and my parents had to explain it to me. It was hilarious stuff for sure as I wasn't even born til 67.
The Pres. quipped that he thought Mr. Meader sounded "more like Bobby" to him. In Nov. of the next year I was standing about 6' from the Pres. at an event and 4 years later was having a sad conversation with Robt. Kennedy in Phila.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1962, TV star Lorne Greene (from "Bonanza") and his longtime best friend & co-hostess Betty White became the hosts of "The 1962 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" in New York City, New York State on NBC-TV. Ten years later when they did their final hosting job, they weren't just calling it quits, but it was also their very own swan song. Good times, baby, good times.
Vaughn Meador's fame was short-lived. After the JFK Assassination, the country was no longer in the mood for Kennedy impressions. On the day JFK was shot, Meador was on a plane to Las Vegas. When he was met at the airport, somebody asked "Do you know JFK was shot?" Thinking it was a joke, Meador replied in Kennedy voice "No, but if you hum a few bars, I'll try to fake it."
@Dapper Canuck Yep...the election was stolen. A known fact now. Frank Sinatra and the mob helped him steal the election. Frank later admitted it. It became common knowledge and is in the history books now. Frank later admitted he was sorry he fell for it after he found out how big a racist Kennedy was. A true fact. Its in Frank's documentary right here on YT. Frank told Kennedy that Sammy Davis Jr would assist in Campaigning for him. Kennedy told Frank no, he did not want to be associated with Sammy as Kennedy was pandering to the racist south which was Democrat. Frank later said he had enough of Kennedy when he did not want to be seen with Sammy and outwardly objected to Sammy marrying the white Swedish Actress. Frank is said to have cursed out Kennedy as he broke friendship.
@@21stcenturysucks54 Lets see, the lowest unemployment in 60 years, the lowest black unemployment in history, He cut double and triple unneeded regulations to free up business so they could breath. He brought businesses back to America. Made us gas independent. Started the Pipeline, was sealing the border. He did everything he campaigned on doing all while the Socialist Dems were throwing the kitchen sink at him on a daily bases. Biden cheats his way in and destroys the country as we know it in 6 months. He stops the pipeline and kills 30k jobs in his first week. Makes us gas dependent again as prices skyrocket. Inflation going through the roof as we speak, borders wide open as South American countries are opening their jails and releasing the criminals at the border so they walk right in. DemocRATS openly pushing for Socialism as they literally try and turn America into the next sh!thole. You are one of the few brainwashed fools who are all in on it.
@@matrox If your definition of a “few” is 81 million people then you are a “fool”. But probably just “brainwashed” by Fox, OANN, and Newsmax. And The Cultural Civi War continues to rage on in America and, especially, on social media. Ain’t no stinkin’ COVID pandemic gonna get in the way of it.
My dad turned 27 on Aug. 20, 1962. Already had a wife, 2 kids, a third on the way & a 4 bedroom 2 bath house. 1 car. I can't even tell you what my brothers & I were up to at that age.
One important happening in 1962, was the opening of the Seattle World's Fair, on the 21st of April... The most iconic world's fair structure The Space Needle was built for the fair. The Seattle World's Fair was one of the most successful world's fairs. Elvis Presley was filmed during the fair, for the Movie " It happened at the World's Fair" realeased in 1963.
My birth year, a year I take great pride in. It reflects in my home my 62 Plymouth and my 62 Heilite camper filled with all the thing that were common place in that time line. You can say it's the only rolling time capsule going up and down the highways in my area. I have seen other display similar, but I take it a step further than most.
I was seven. A first grader. I don't recall any of these events until much later in life. I was a firecracker then. And I don't remember much of daily life. I do remember playing 2nd base on my "T" ball baseball team though. And I remember hunting for poly-wogs down at the big drainpipe "pond" near our house.
Seeing The Jetsons makes me think of that band, "We Were Promised Jet Packs." I've never heard anything they've done but it's a great name. I mean, we were promised jet packs! I remember thinking by the year 2000 they would be standard issue.
It's funny because by now IPhones aren't enough. We want flying cars & all good to come in pill form. Jet packs? But of course. My friend's grandson asked his dad why there aren't real light sabers!
You forgot to mention 1962 was the year The World's Fair opened in Seattle, Washington. I was 12 at the time and still remember how much fun it was to attend. It was my first visit to the famous Space Needle.
As an 8yo boy in 1962 my mom let us kids watch the 1962 movie "Gypsy" (drive-in). Pretty bold considering the movie was essentially about a stripper (played by Natalie Wood). And this was the year I was most scared of nuclear war. The school made us do weekly duck and cover drills. Even as a kid I knew going under a wooden desk was useless when the windows blow in and the building collapses. A lot of boys were obsessed with rockets/space. It was so cool. I read every Sci-Fi book in our schools library. My pee chee was covered with my doodlings of rockets and flying saucers.
Yep I remember...get under the closest desk. When all clear we would have our Milk and graham crackers. Then pull out our towels and pretend to take a nap. 1962 Kinder Garten.😝
I was 12 years old. First time i saw my parents really scared. We did not do much at school, think the teachers were all to depressed to do much teaching. Saw lot of adults crying,which for '62 was rather new for me. Very bad time in the world, but as bad as it was I can also remember when the news was all about the the agreement between the US and the USSR. There was a lot to celebrate and people began to talk about Thanksgiving and Christmas instead of nuclear war.
We couldn't wait to get to the weekly book mobile. The guys were into the planet's and the solar system. If you couldn't spit out facts and statistics about space you weren't considered intelligent.
I was in grade 3 in Alberta. We practiced nuke drills, going to the basement and getting under a bench in the lunchroom. LOL. I lived 3 blocks away, so I never did eat at school. That 1913 brick school is still in use. I got the measles that year, 10 days in bed. My dad traded in the 1952 Chev and got a yellow 1960 Olds 88. But I think we took the trailer and Chev to Vancouver, the Seattle World's Fair and Oregon, not mentioned here. Actually, we were driving in the mountains on the second last holiday, we heard the Monroe death announcement. Dad would always tell people that. The 1960s were idyllic heaven for kids, which sadly will NEVER be repeated. Patsy Cline and Dean Martin on the radio. Woodstock was the death nell of the 1960s for sure.
I turned 16 that year. I lived within 50 miles of NYC so I was pretty worried during the Cuban missile crisis. I remember the Jetsons (and no, we didn't have a color TV) but must have skipped the White House Tour.
The woman playing Caroline Kennedy, on both the Vaughn Meader album and the cover, is Alison Anrgrim's mother. Alison was Nellie Olsen and her mother was the voice of Polly Purebred, Gumby, Casper and all his friends and Davey and Goliath, among numerous others.
What a year. I remember seeing Mrs. Kennedy's tour of the White House. Later got my young middle brother out of bed early and we watched the launch of end of John Glenn's mission. And we weren't even late for school! Later graduated from High School and joined the Army, where I was during the Cuban Missile Crises. We almost lost the world then. Thankfully we and Russia had two leaders that had seen war up close and personal.
I was born in '62, so I can't say I actually remember any of this cause I was just too young... but, I miss Carson and Cronkite and was scared as hell of THE BOMB until the Iron Curtain fell!
Very nice series. Thanks for including Marilyn Monroe, an International Star to this day. This isn't the place for controversy, but MM couldn't possibly have committed suicide, she was a murder.
So was Kennedy. Nellie Connelly, wife of Gov. Connelly, both of whom were in his motorcade, said there was a shot from the other "official" direction. If you doubted her, she'd say she was there. We still don't know.
@@neildickson5394 If you so much as hinted at the time that Oswald might not have acted alone, or even wasn't the perp at all, that made you a conspiracy theorist nut. Of course Nellie was right. How she survived, I don't know.
Remember the Kresge stores, and there was Murphy's, Smith and welton, JM Fields but they may have opened later and possibly were local store names in not sure?
