Flash 1962 History & Society
1962 was the beginning phases turbulent and decidedly moving years within the American history books.
The movement of the Vietnam war sucking the US this policing action. The US had set up military assistance in South Vietnam. U.S. troops were in Vietnam with the pretense of providing training and technical assistance. U.S. pilots were flying combat missions in Vietnam, unknown to the American public.
The US was in full swing with NASA heading toward the moon. Lieut. Col. John Glenn orbited the earth 3 times in space capsule Friendship 7, becoming the 1st American in orbit. Television beamed his flight to 135 million Americans. Glenn’s Mercury 6 mission is followed by two other Mercury flights. Ranger IV first U.S. space probe to reach the moon, where it crash lands by design. The American public was enthralled with the space travel, only imagining that we would be walking on the moon a few years later.
Telstar becomes the first communications satellite intended for regular service; relays television signals between North America and Europe
Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her Los Angles home in 1962, ending a blond bomb-shells era in history. Marilyn Monroe’s death opened an entire box of parody with the government, the CIA, and the Kennedy’s within the following years.
The Cold War continued to worsen when the Russians placed Missiles in Cuba miles away from the coast of Florida. Kennedy threatened war unless they were removed which they were but for a short time the world was on the brink of nuclear war and self destruction. This was part of the height of the Cold War between the US, Russia, and Cuba. A U.S. embargo ordered by President Kennedy goes into effect on all imports from Cuba including tobacco, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
On other notes of society our president was John F. Kennedy, the great hope of the young American population.
The first Wal-Mart discount store is opened in Bentonville Arkansas; The first Kmart department store opens in Garden City, Michigan.
Oral Polio Vaccine developed by Albert Sabin given to millions of children to combat Polio.
By a vote of 6 to 1, the Supreme court bans prayer in public schools
What about the costs in 1962? Average Cost of new house $12,500.00; Average Income per year $5,556.00: Average monthly rent $110.00 per month; Average Cost of a new car $3,125.00; Eggs per dozen 32 cents; Gas per Gallon 28 cents; Minimum hourly wage $1.25; Pack of chewing gum .05¢; Candy bar .05¢; Ice cream bar .15¢; Soft drink .10¢; Fast food hamburger .20¢; 1st class postage stamp .04¢; Pay phone (local call) .10¢; TV set $400; Daily newspaper .10¢; Refrigerator $500; Tennis shoes $5.00; Doctors office visit $5; Movie ticket .50¢; Popcorn at the movie.20¢; 45 rpm record $1.00; Record album $3.00