1920s-70s: Having Fun Yet? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bingo

Begun by Edwin Lowe as a "Christian fundraiser", it became a Roman Catholic pastime by the mid 1930s. Bingo supported many cash-desperate parishes during difficult times. My mom once won for me a stuffed pink poodle playing this game. I still carry it with me wherever I go.

Answer: Miniature Golf

Garnet Carter, the proprietor of Carter's Lookout Mountain Hotel in Tennessee is believed to be the creator of miniature golf. He set one up as a diversion for his guests. It quickly spread to hotels across the country.

Answer: Franks and Beans

Dinerese was once the professional language for those who worked in diners. Now it is rarely used. The other choices translated are:
Two Poached Eggs on Toast= "Adam and Eve on a Raft", Liver with Onions= "Put Out the Lights and Cry", Grilled Cheese with Bacon= "A Jackback".

Answer: Tut-Mania

This fad was sparked by the 1922 discovery of the pharaoh King Tut's intact burial chamber by Englishman Howard Carter. It was the longest running fad then, probably due to it being a significant archaeological find. The average person appeared more intelligent talking about King Tut than, say, flagpole sitting.

In support of this lost fad, I have a King Tut clock. It glows in the dark and yells curses at me when it's time to wake up.

Answer: Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly

An ex-sailor, "Shipwreck" Kelly drew publicity in 1924 when he positioned himself atop his first flagpole for a stunt role in a Hollywood movie. He was then hired by a publicity agent to drum up business for a Los Angeles theatre. This established his career; in one year he pocketed $30,000 for 145 days of flagpole sitting. Sadly, he died a homeless man on the streets of New York City.

He had no identification other than yellowed newspaper clippings detailing his feats. Goes to show that fame really can be fleeting.

Answer: The Shadow

One of radio's favorite detectives during the 1930s. He was a wealthy, smooth-talking fellow masquerading as a hero who championed "the forces of law and order."

Answer: Play Well

These two Danish words were combined. Within two decades these building blocks reflected nearly one percent of Denmark's industrial exports. I still play with mine.

Answer: Hunkerin'

A short-lived fad, Hunkerin' only lasted through the Spring of 1959. Apparently the only object of this fad was to be seen doing it. Sounds like a way to get out of studying to me.

Answer: Sammy Davis Jr.

He called it his "guru coat." It was picked up by French Designer Pierre Cardin who happened to be present at a party with Sammy. From 1967 to 1968, the Nehru Jacket could be found in most major retailers. Now I go to Goodwill for mine.

Answer: Pet Rocks

A California man named Gary Dahl came up with this lucrative fad after a night at the bar hearing his friends complain about the costs of pet ownership. He announced he had the perfect no-maintenance pet. He presented his friends with smooth beach rocks and a fad was born.

A manual soon came with this pet. With no training, your pet could "play dead." With a little encouragement, it could "roll-over." 5 million rocks were sold before its popularity ran out. Most pet rocks today can be found in a driveway.