We all have favorite decades in our lives, that period in time when things were simpler, fun and would become memorable as we grew older. The decade of the 50’s is considered one of the most popular for people of every age. Here are some fun facts you might remember if you were around then. But even if you weren’t we think you’ll find these interesting. Sometime down the road look for one on the 60’s.

1950 – 1959 – When the decade began a gallon of gas was 18.9 cents. By 1958 the price had jumped all the way up to 27.9 cents. How did we get through such an increase?

1950 – 1959 – The average cost of a new car was $1,510 in 1950 (about $19,000 today) and $2,200 in 1959 (around $24,000 currently). Just think what some of those classics are worth today.

1950 – 1959 -The average annual salary in the US was $3,210 in 1950 and $5,010 by 1959. That equates to approximately $37,000 and $48,500 today. Think about that for a minute.

1950 – As the decade began the very first credit card was issued and became an instant hit. It was issued by the Diners Club, which still operates today.

1950 – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the beloved Peanuts gang were introduced to the world by creator Charles Schultz in 1950. Yes, they have been around that long!

1951- Power steering finally makes its way to American automobiles. The very first model to put it to use was the gas guzzling Chrysler Imperial sedan.

1952 – American Bandstand, originally called Bandstand, premiered on a Philadelphia TV Station on October 7, 1952 with DJ Bob Horn serving as host. Dick Clark took over in 1957.

1953 – That was the year that the frozen TV dinner from Swanson made its debut and became a popular item in the home. The very first TV dinner consisted of turkey, gravy, sweet potato, peas, and cornbread stuffing. Yummy!

1953  – A new restaurant with car hops on roller skates bringing your order right to your car begins. Sonic Drive-In starts  in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

1954 – The Lord of the Rings’, the famous series was based on a three-volume book by J. R. R. Tolkien published for the first time. It would become one of the most popular books and later films, of all time.

1955  – Disneyland opened in Anaheim, CA on July 17, 1955. It’s the only theme park actually designed and built under the direction of Walt Disney himself. It would change the entire amusement park experience.

1956  – In music a new form called rock and roll takes hold and it becomes the year of “The King”, Elvis Presley much to the dismay of parents everywhere.

1957 – Prices were going up. While you could still get a Coke for 5 cents, 45 RPM records were now selling for 79 cents and the Burger King Whopper went from 34 cents to 39 cents.

1958 – The Packard automobile ceases production after 60 years. At the same time it is the first year that the Toyota is available in the U.S.

1959 – The first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, which led to the space race between the U.S. and the USSR. In 1959, the U.S. launched its first satellite, Explorer 1.

1959 – The Barbie Doll is introduced by Mattel and would go on to be the bi9ggest selling doll in history worldwide.

1959 – The first Grammy Awards were held. Tthe very first Record of the Year and Song of the Year awards both went to “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)” by Domenico Modugno, while Album of the Year went to The Music from Peter Gunn by Henry Mancini.

1959 -It was also the year that Alaska and Hawaii became our 49th and 50th state on August 29, 1959.

There you have some fun facts about the decade of the 1950’s. There is more you can find at:  http://www.heywoodwakefield.com/25-fun-facts-about-the-1950s/  So check them out.  Hope you enjoyed this look back at a fantastic decade in our history. At some point we will do this for the 1960’s. Have a great week everyone.