The Second World War led to a rise in the use of tobacco, particularly cigarettes. So by 1949, 50% of American males smoked as did 33% of all women. Many soldiers became smokers through the constant steam of gift cigarettes sent to them by the tobacco industry and well-meaning relatives and friends. It helped relieve [...]
Like many, maybe most, pre-boomers I have fond memories of my childhood and the years I spent growing up in Philadelphia. Little did I realize that after going off to college I would never again return to my beloved neighborhood or the city of birth, save for a few short visits. Nonetheless, the visions of [...]
A Saturday night trip to the drive-in movie with a date and a Sunday afternoon ride topped off with a burger and shake delivered to your car by someone on roller skates was what we called a great weekend in the 1950s. These experiences only exist in the recesses of our minds, but the memories [...]
When we think back over the years, there were many events that made us the person we are today. However, there are specific birthdays we all share and recognize as important for marking the passage of time and indicating the beginning of a new phase of life.
Turning 13, becoming a teenager, meant we were no [...]
Imagine studying history starting with Rutherford B. Hayes. In case you don’t remember, his presidency started in 1877. Well, if you were an 11th grader in North Carolina that may be the extent of your education about this country. No founding fathers, no Declaration of Independence, no Constitution, no Revolutionary War, no Civil War and [...]
