Let's Walk Down Memory Lane Trivia Quiz

Answer: Brussels, Belgium

Expo 58 (The Brussels World's Fair) was the first major World's Fair following World War II. Over 41 million visitors came to view such pavilions as those from Czechoslovakia (Awarded the prize for Best Pavilion), Mexico (given the Star of Gold), the USSR (awarded a Grand Prix), Austria (featuring the Vienna Philharmonic), and the USA (with a fashion show, a computer exhibit, and a color television studio).

The other three cities also hosted World's Fairs: New York in 1964, Osaka in 1970, and Spokane in 1974.

Answer: 77 Sunset Strip

"77 Sunset Strip" was an hour-long show that ran from 1958-1964. It centered on two Los Angeles detectives (played by Efram Zimbalist, Jr. and Roger Smith) who had their office at 77 Sunset Strip. Other cast members included Edd "Kookie" Byrnes and Louis Quinn. "The Ed Sullivan Show," which began as "The Toast of the Town" in 1948, lasted until 1971.

In 1958, the show featured, among others, Buddy Holly and the Crickets. "The Jack Benny Show" ran from 1950-1965 with Benny, Eddie Anderson (Rochester), Dennis Day, and Mary Livingstone. "Father Knows Best" aired on television from 1954-1960.

It portrayed life in a "typical" middle class family consisting of a father (Robert Young), a mother (Jane Wyatt), and three children nicknamed "Princess," "Bud," and "Kitten."

Answer: Trivial Pursuit

"Trivial Pursuit" was first released in 1984. Testing the players' knowledge of Geography, Literature, History, Entertainment, Spots & Leisure, and Science and Nature, it became an instant success. Named to the "Games Hall of Fame" in 1993, "Trivial Pursuit" is now distributed by Hasbro.

The familiar version of "Monopoly" was issued in 1935 by Parker Brothers. It has since been printed in over thirty-five languages and in many special editions, and is now a product of Hasbro. "Sorry!," another board game now from Hasbro, dates back as far as 1929. And "Careers" was introduced by Parker Brothers in 1955.

Answer: The Macarena

The "Macarena" was released in August 1995, by Los Del Rios. Although for the group it was a "one-hit wonder," it became an international line-dance craze that maintained its popularity into the 21st century. In 1958, The Diamonds released "The Stroll," creating a wildly popular line dance. Also in 1958, the Johnny Otis Show recorded "Willie and the Hand Jive," resulting in another dance craze.

The cha-cha, a dance that originated in Cuba, was made popular in the US by Perez Prado's "Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White" in 1955.

In 1958, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra revitalized the dance with "Tea For Two Cha Cha."

Answer: Poodle Shoes

Although girls wore Poodle Skirts in 1958, Poodle Shoes, designed by Jeremy Scott, were marketed by Adidas in March, 2013. Penny Loafers were designed by G. H. Bass in 1936. To the traditional loafer, he added a strap with a split in it across the top. Back then, a phone call could be made for a penny.

Many children and teens had a penny in the slot for emergencies. The song "Blue Suede Shoes," popularized in 1956 by Carl Perkins (Number Two on the Billboard Top 40 Pop Hits) and Elvis Presley (Number 26) created a fad. White Bucks became popular because they were often worn by a teen favorite, Pat Boone.

Answer: IMAX Theater

IMAX did not exist until 1970. Miniature golf courses date back to 1916 (dates and I frequented Hago Harrington's in Stoneham, MA). Drive-in theaters ("passion pits" in 1958) go back to 1915 (I took dates to the ones in Saugus and Revere, MA). Restaurants featuring carhops began in 1921 (after a date, we usually ended up at Adventure Car Hop on Route 1 in Saugus).

Answer: Disneyland

Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, a bold venture by Walt Disney himself. Disney World did not open until 1971. Six Flags started in 1961. And Sea World began in 1964. [There were other local options. Revere Beach in Massachusetts had an amusement park, much visited by teens in 1958.]

Answer: The launch of Sputnik I

Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite, was launched by the USSR on October 4, 1957, inaugurating the Space Age; on November 3, 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik II. As a response, the US created NASA which began operating on October 1, 1958. The Ford Edsel was produced from 1958-1960.

It was a disaster, losing Ford over $250 million. On the other hand, the Hula Hoop, introduced in July, 1958, became an instant fad with over 100 million being sold in two years.

Answer: Wear My Ring Around Your Neck

Elvis Presley's "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" never quite made it to Number One, although his "Don't" and "Hard Headed Woman" did top the chart. "At The Hop," by Danny & the Juniors, spent seven weeks at Number One. Sheb Wooley's "Purple People Eater" reigned for six weeks. And "All I Have To Do Is Dream" remained at Number One five weeks for the Everly Brothers.

Answer: Ben-Hur

"Ben-Hur" chronicles the life of Judah Ben-Hur (Charleston Heston) in first century CE Rome. Released in 1959, it won several Academy Awards in 1960, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith). The other films all came out in 1958.

In 1959, "Gigi" won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (Vincente Minnelli), and Best Writing Adapted Screenplay (Alan Jay Lerner). None of the other films listed won an Oscar.