Remembering the 60s - 1963 Americana Quiz

Answer: 5 cents

First class postage remained a nickel until 1968 when it went up to a whopping 6 cents! On June 30, 2002 the rate was increased to 37 cents, a mere 925% increase over forty years. Keep in mind that in 1963 the average cost of a new home was $19,300 and a gallon of gasoline was thirty cents.

Answer: George Wallace

One of the most intriguing politicians of the 20th century, George Wallace's 1963 inaugural address spoke of "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever". A boxer at high school and an Alabama Circuit Judge in the 1950s, Wallace became known as "the little fightin' judge".

He was elected governor of Alabama four times, and ran for president in 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976. While campaigning in Maryland in 1972 he was shot four times in an assassination attempt. He survived, but was paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

He died in 1998.

Answer: Weight Watchers

A 214 pound Jean Nidetch discovered that by getting together and sharing stories with a group of overweight friends, they were able to stay on a diet and lose weight. Jean rented 50 chairs and planned the first, unadvertised meeting for May, 1963. 400 people showed up, and Weight Watchers was up and running.

In 1978 Weight Watchers International was sold to H. J. Heinz Company, and as of 2003 boasts over one million members attending 29,000 meetings in 27 countries.

Answer: Stan Musial

Unlike many later superstars, Musial played his entire 22 year career with the Cardinals. Between 1941 and 1963 he played in 24 All-Star Games, won 3 Most Valuable Player Awards, and 3 World Series Rings. He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1969.

Answer: Richard Burton

Taylor's role as the Queen of Egypt made her the first Hollywood star to receive $1 million for a single film. Her rocky relationship with the Welsh actor, Burton, provided tabloid and movie magazine fodder for many years. Interestingly, it was Stephen Boyd who was originally cast as Marc Antony. Production delays caused Burton to replace Boyd.

Answer: USS Thresher

The 'state of the art' submarine was submerged 200 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, when signals of "minor difficulties" were received by a surface vessel, the USS Skylark. Garbled messages followed until sonar detected sounds of the Thresher breaking apart. All 129 hands were lost, and President Kennedy ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff.

The investigation following the tragedy led to greater quality control of and safety in America's submarine fleet.

Answer: Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was only 30 years old when she died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. Two other country music figures, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas, were also killed. Although her career was brief, Patsy received many honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and election to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1993 she was honored with her image on a United States postage stamp. The 1985 film "Sweet Dreams" with Jessica Lange, is based on her life.

Answer: Frank Sinatra

On December 8, 1963, Frank Sinatra, Jr. was kidnapped and held for ransom. Even though his famous father offered $1 million for the safe return of his son, the sum actually paid was only $240,000. The amateur kidnappers were arrested and convicted. Because the kidnappers insisted that Sinatra communicate with them only by pay phone, the famous saloon singer carried ten dimes in his pocket.

This became a lifetime habit, and it is rumored that he was buried with ten of dimes when he died in 1998 (amongst other items).

Answer: I've Got a Secret

Debuting in 1952 with host Garry Moore, "I've Got a Secret" was a prime time television staple until 1967. Guests would whisper a "secret" into Moore's ear, and a panel would question the guest and attempt to determine the "secret". Steve Allen replaced Moore from 1964-1967, and future game show host, Bill Cullen, was a panellist for the entire fifteen year run of the show.

Answer: Louie, Louie

Featured in the 1978 movie "Animal House", the song was written in 1956 by R and B singer Richard Berry. The Kingmen's rendition was largely indecipherable, and many people interpreted the lyrics as offensive. Indiana governor Matthew Welsh declared it 'pornographic' in 1964 and requested that it be banned by the Indiana Broadcasters Association.