TRAVELING MAN

When people were sick, the family doctor would drop by the house instead of the patient going to his office.  Office visits were mostly scheduled for the dreaded complete physicals. 

ANDY WON!

Andy Warhol "won" with his many pop art creations - especially the silk-screened soup cans.  The latest art movements in New York, however were not readily embraced in the South.

COWBOYS AND INDIANS

A favorite game - everyone wanted to be a cowboy, but no one wanted to be an Indian other than Tonto.  On Friday nights, "The Lone Ranger" was listened to on the radio, and there were many western movies, starring Gene Autry, Lash LaRue, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans shown at local theatres.

NIGHTMARE!

People didn't lose much sleep over the not-so-frightening horror movies that lacked color and the special effects that we expect today; however, one movie, "The Thing" (which was only a hazy, white blob), did cause many childhood nightmares.

CALLING SUPERMAN

After Russia launched Sputnik, the U.S. was even more determined to be the first country to land a man on the moon.  Children didn't understand the gravity of the situation, since Superman was always available to help.

SOUTHERN STAPLE

Watermelons were cooled in the creek during swimming or fishing outings and eaten with a favorite utensil or none at all.  Watermelon fights usually followed - especially squirting the seeds.

KIDDY SHOW

On Saturdays, children went to the movie theatre where it cost 25 cents to watch five cartoons, two full-length movies, and become eligible for gifts donated by local merchants.  Parents did not attend, and a glorious time was had by all - talking loudly, eating candy and meeting kids from other elementary schools.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

A lot of excitement occurred when "Spin the Bottle" was played at parties in the fifth and sixth grades.  One never knew with whom they might be paired or what they would be told to do;although, holding hands, walking around the house and kissing on the cheek were not unexpected.