The 1960s-Part Two

 

Obviously, my last post couldn’t cover an entire decade—especially the one in which my whole life begins, so here's a little more:

Surprise: You’re Going to Live!

(Left to Right)
My Aunt Charlene (Mama's sister),
Daddy & Mama

I mentioned in my earlier post that my parents got married in 1961, and just three months later, Mama discovered she was pregnant with me! At the time, she was working at Woolworth’s, while Daddy was a motorcycle mechanic in San Diego, alongside his brother, my Uncle Johnny.

One fateful day, after working on a motorcycle, Daddy took it out for a test drive. WHAM! He was hit by a station wagon just a block away. Uncle Johnny heard the accident and looked out to see his big brother sprawled in the street. But instead of rushing to help, he walked back into the shop because he couldn’t bring himself to check on him!

Daddy ended up in the hospital, pretty banged up—he even had the name of the station wagon emblazoned on his thigh! Meanwhile, Mama, who had just found out she was pregnant, saw Daddy in that hospital bed and started sobbing. Daddy, thinking the doctors had given her the worst news possible, that he was going to die, was understandably upset while still trying to comfort his tearful wife. Finally, Mama caught her breath and announced, “I’m pregnant!” I like to think that news was a huge relief compared to what he thought was his imminent doom!

A little history: The F. W. Woolworth Company, a pioneer in the five-and-dime store phenomenon, had a rough start in 1879 in Utica, New York, but it soon flourished in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as “Woolworth’s Great Five Cent Store,” evolving into the beloved five-and-dime many might remember. They even added lunch counters! I can personally attest that their chocolate malts filled a tall glass, and they would give you the tin with the leftover malt—delicious!

By the 1960s, five-and-dime stores were transforming into larger discount department stores. In 1962, Woolworth’s opened its discount chain, Woolco. That same year saw the birth of Target, Kmart, and even the first Wal-Mart!

Mom’s job at Woolworth’s was short-lived, as she quickly fell victim to morning sickness. Daddy continued working at the motorcycle shop and despite the accident, his love of motorcycles never faded. In the 50s and early 60s, he had raced alongside his twin brothers, Jimmy and Johnny Apple. Mama put a stop to his racing though—not so much out of fear for his safety, but because she was a little jealous of the gorgeous trophy girls who kissed the winners!

I'm planning a separate post talking about his love of motorcycles and racing adventures! Stay tuned!

The Stork Club: And Baby Makes Three

After my nine-month lease was up, I was unexpectedly evicted from my warm and cozy home. Apparently, I took the eviction poorly—because for the rest of my life, my mother liked to remind me that I came out screaming and have never shut my mouth since! Rude! She also loved to mention that I was born at 12:01 in the afternoon, making her miss lunch. I guess they should have let me stay put a little longer!

My first full day out of the womb was spent at Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa, a suburb of San Diego. I had always been told I was born in the hospital’s Stork Club, but while researching for this post, I discovered that babies were actually delivered in the maternity ward, and the Stork Club was a teaching facility for parents-to-be.

I told you in the last post I was 9lbs 15 oz!
I wasn't kidding!

My sister, Tammi, was also born at Sharp Memorial on our parents' fourth wedding anniversary. I’m pretty sure the traditional gift for a fourth anniversary is fruit or flowers, symbolizing the sweetness of marriage and love blossoming. Technically, since her last name was also Apple, that could cover the fruit part of the tradition! As for the sweetness…well, we didn’t always see eye to eye as kids, but we certainly do as adults.

In my family, we’ve always referred to the hospital simply as "Sharp’s." It wasn’t until I started researching for this blog that I discovered its full name: Donald N. Sharp Community Hospital. It was named in honor of a young man who lost his life in WWII at just 22 years old. In 1950, his devastated father, Thomas E. Sharp, donated $500,000 in his memory to help fund the planned hospital. The hospital was opened in 1955, and Mr. Sharp requested that his son’s portrait be displayed in the lobby for all time.

Back in the day, a stay in the maternity ward cost a mere $15, while a private room would set you back $24. Quite the deal for a new arrival, wouldn’t you say?

IT’S A GYPSY LIFE FOR ME

By the time I was five, we had lived in nine different homes and apartments in both San Diego and Orange Counties. One of my favorites was a beautiful house in San Clemente, California, where we lived when I was four. It’s the first home I can remember clearly. It had stone stairs leading from the double-car garage up a hillside to the front door, and a sunken living room with a cozy fireplace connecting it to the dining room. There was a large deck over the garage where Daddy and I would sit, watching for VW buses with peace signs painted on the front. 

It’s also where I got my first of many head injuries. Some might say it explains a lot about me—and they’re probably right! At four years old, Mama let me walk over to the neighbor’s house next door. It was a different time back then. But as luck would have it, while I was walking, a couple of little boys tossed a brick my way, splitting my head open! I’ve never been able to get a straight part in my hair since that day.

I also had my first encounter with firemen while we lived in that house. My Mama, bless her soul, wasn’t much of a cook, but she was trying! One day, while baking shrimp in our galley kitchen (see my previous post about the 60s and her love of shrimp), the oven caught fire. I remember the panic when my mom screamed for my little sister, who was not quite a year old, and we couldn’t find her. We frantically searched the house. Turns out she had been quietly sitting in the middle of the living room floor the entire time!

We had our last Christmas and birthday celebration in that house. I still remember the silver tree and the electric color wheel that lit it up. Both being June babies Tammi and I had a shared birthday party, and I remember Mama being terrified Daddy would drop the cake while climbing all those stairs. Miraculously, it survived the hike!

Shortly after our birthday, Mama converted to Jehovah’s Witness, and soon after, Daddy followed suit. So no more holiday or birthday celebrations. But don’t worry, my posts aren’t about religion, so we’ll move on. My Uncle Johnny—the one who was too scared to check on his brother lying in the street—was at our birthday party and convinced my dad to move back to San Diego for a job. I remember Mama being less than thrilled about it. So, once again, we found ourselves living in Paradise Hills.

While we lived in San Clemente, Daddy had been working for a cable company, installing cable at a nearby "fancy golf course" as he called it. After the move, he went to work for the Otis Elevator Company in San Diego as a welder. At some point during my childhood, he also welded in the shipyards. Somewhere out there is a ship with my mother’s name welded into it. It’s funny that March 23rd is both World Elevator Day and my Daddy’s birthday!

A Creative Legacy

While Daddy was welding—I believe it was for Otis—he often had to weld pipes. This required a second person to turn the pipe as he worked. Daddy was incredibly creative and inventive; he ended up building a machine to turn the pipes for him! He had the prototype in our garage for years, but unfortunately, the company got the patent on it because he built it during work hours.

This is Daddy welding a pipe while a
 second man turned the pipe for him. 

Although I couldn’t find any specifics about the pipe turner in my research on the Otis Elevator Company, I did discover that they celebrated their 170th anniversary in September 2023! The company was founded by Elisha Graves Otis, who installed the first passenger elevator in the E.V. Haughwout building in New York City back in 1857.

Fast forward to 1907, just twenty-one years after the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, when Otis installed the first passenger elevator inside the statue’s stone pedestal. Unfortunately, visitors must still trek up 377 steps to reach the crown itself—no thank you, not with my fear of heights and aversion to weak knees!

In 1962, the centerpiece of Seattle’s World Fair was the iconic Space Needle, which featured three custom-designed Otis elevators. And in 1967, Otis engineered, manufactured, and installed elevators and escalators in the Twin Towers in New York City. Tragically, those same towers were destroyed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

For more fascinating information on the history of Otis elevators, you can visit www.otis.com!

This is our grandson learning to
weld in 2019.

Daddy's Innovations and Our Corvair Adventures

Another brilliant innovation from Daddy was a bike rack. With four of us, we had four bikes, and he wanted us to be able to take them out for rides. So, he built a bike rack that fit onto the roof of our Corvair, and it was nothing short of genius! We would drive around with our bikes on the roof, and people would point and stare—apparently, they’d never seen anything like it! If only he had patented that design; bike racks are completely commonplace now in 2024!

Having an inventive dad is pretty cool. He built us a camper from scratch that sat on the bed of his old pickup. We enjoyed camping in the Laguna Mountains, San Diego County.

A partial view of the camper daddy built.
(Left to Right) Grandma Hill, Tammi, Mama, and me.

Speaking of that Corvair…my sister and I both had our share of adventures in it, including some rather memorable spills! The Corvair was a two-door car, and one day, while Mama was driving us home, I was seated up front. As we turned left onto our road, the door swung open, and I literally fell out but managed to hang on to the door! In hindsight, I might have been better off letting go, as my knees ended up scraped raw.

Our covair looked almost identical to 
this one. I saw this at a car show in 
Show Low, AZ.

Not long after that, Mama and my sister were driving in a parking lot when the passenger door opened, and Tammi fell out! Unlike me, she didn’t hang on and was almost run over by another car! I really don’t think that car liked kids. With all our escapades, it’s a miracle we survived our childhood in that Corvair!

Same car as above.

Growing Up in Paradise Hills

We spent the next four years living in Paradise Hills, where I attended the nearby grade school from kindergarten to third grade. Opened in 1959, it was named after Civil War general Robert E. Lee. The school carried that name for 57 years until 2016, when it was renamed Pacific View Leadership Elementary School.

Grandma & Papa Hill bought us new bikes.
A trike for my sister and a two-wheeled green Schwinn for me,
with a white banana seat and a sissy bar!
(Back, Left to Right) My Mama and Grandma Hill
(Front, Left to Right) My sister Tammi, me,
our cousins Charlie and John.

Back in those days, I loved reading comic books, with Archie and Millie the Model being my favorites. On the back of those comics was a full-color ad that boldly proclaimed, “MAKE MONEY, GET PRIZES, with Fast Selling American Seeds.” Who could resist? Eager to get my parents an anniversary gift, I immediately ordered a box of flower and vegetable seeds. When they arrived, I was so excited that I set off through the neighborhood to start my sales venture. I was probably only seven or eight years old at the time, so Mama followed me, staying on the sidewalk while I proudly made my sales pitch. Believe it or not, I sold every single pack! I was able to triumphantly present my parents with a small plastic 110 camera. The best part? It actually worked, and I still own it today!

My next comic book adventure involved “Entering the WONDERFUL WORLD OF AMAZING LIVE SEA-MONKEYS!” I not only purchased them one time but ended up buying them at least three additional times! I loved my sea monkeys and found them fascinating to watch. I’ll admit, I am pretty easily entertained! I wasn’t even disappointed when they looked nothing like the picture and turned out to be nothing but brine shrimp.

From our home in Paradise Hills, I could watch naval jets zoom by and hear the air raid siren sound at noon. From the backyard, I could see all the way to Tijuana, just seventeen miles away as the crow flies. We often made trips down to Tijuana to buy delicious, fresh flour and corn tortillas. My sister and I would ride in the backseat, and Mama would hand us still-warm tortillas while Daddy drove us home. They were amazing!

One visit Daddy drove us through a particularly poor neighborhood in Tijuana. Even after fifty years, I can still picture the homes made from cardboard and scraps, which always made me appreciate what we had. We weren’t wealthy by American standards—more like upper-lower class to lower middle-class—but by comparison, we were certainly rich.

Skating into Fun

One of my favorite pastimes was roller skating! My first pair fit over my shoes and had a key to tighten them up. Then, Grandma and Papa Hill gifted me a shiny pair of white roller skates, and I became the neighborhood roller queen!

When I wasn’t gliding along the sidewalk, I was meeting my cousins at the roller rink, where we’d dance to the Hokey Pokey. We had such great times! Grandma even sewed me a pink poodle skirt to wear, making it all the more special. So much innocent fun.

Fun with my cousin Charlie at the roller rink.

Pets and Vets

While living in Paradise Hills, we had two dogs: a dachshund named Sampson and a little mixed breed I named Mr. Colors. My sister couldn’t pronounce that, so he became known as Puppy. They were both precious, but sadly, Sampson came down with distemper and passed away. I honestly don’t remember us or anyone we knew taking pets to a veterinarian in the 60s.

By the mid-1960s, there were approximately 20,000 veterinarians in the USA. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has jumped to about 126,138! Interestingly, the 1960s saw a change in the veterinary field, with growing acceptance of women in the profession, and now nearly 70% (2023 stats) are women.

Feel free to comment with your memories of the 60s. Next post I’ll be moving on to the 70s, so be sure to check back!

The 1960s

 

The USA in the 1960s:

In 1960, the population of the USA was 179.3 million, and by 1969, it had climbed to 202.7 million. Meanwhile, the world population was also increasing from 3.03 billion people in 1960, growing to 3.61 billion by 1969.

I was born in San Diego, California in 1962, it was much smaller then with a population of around 575,000. It was known for its warm sunny days, gorgeous beaches, and laid-back surfing scene then and still is today. In the 60s San Diego had a growing military presence. It was home to the largest naval base on the West Coast—Naval Base San Diego (32nd Street Naval Station)—along with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). Naval Air Station North Island (think Top Gun) was the birthplace of naval aviation. The Naval Training Center (NTC) San Diego was a hub for new Navy personnel. There was also Fort Rosecrans, that was initially an Army base, but by the 60s had transitioned to support naval operations.

San Diego saw rapid growth in the 60s for a multitude of reasons: the increase in military, aerospace and defense industries. Manufacturing, research, and development were on the rise, attracting a larger workforce and prompting city expansion. New highways, schools, and housing developments sprang up to accommodate the increasing population. The expansion of Highways 5 and 8 made the area even more accessible, drawing in new residents eager to enjoy San Diego’s beaches, parks, and vibrant cultural scene.

In short, the 1960s in San Diego were all about sun, surf, and an exciting sense of growth!

A Family Story from San Diego

Let’s take a moment to look back at San Diego a couple of decades earlier. December 1941 to be exact. My mother, Charlotte, was born in San Diego just 12 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. San Diego was a prime target for enemy fire, so residents were urged to blackout lights at night. This meant turning off or dimming streetlights and covering windows to avoid any visible light—an effort to keep Japanese aircraft from spotting potential targets. It must have been a scary time for my grandmother to care for a newborn. While the blackouts were strictly enforced at first, they eventually relaxed and were only intermittently in place when threats were perceived. By 1945, the need for such precautions had significantly decreased, leading to the end of these blackout protocols.

Left to Right:
My Mom, Papa & Grandma Hill, and my Aunt Charlene
If anyone can identify the car let me know in the comments!

My father, Lloyd, was born in Brawley, California, in 1935, the oldest of what would be a total of eight children. His parents, my grandparents, journeyed to California from Tennessee and Oklahoma, picking cotton along the way. They made their trek during the Great Depression (1929-1939), a time when the state of California had implemented strict measures to manage the influx of migrants seeking work and relief. Family lore has it that once they reached the state of California, they had to prove they had jobs lined up before being allowed to enter. After settling in Brawley for a time, my grandparents eventually moved their growing family to Imperial Beach in San Diego County.

My Daddy: Lloyd (Loyd) 7 months old. 1935

A Decade of Transformation

The 1960s brought a whirlwind of change! In 1960, my mom was just 18 years old, while my dad was 25. Together, they witnessed our country undergo a dramatic transformation in a short span of time. From the Civil Rights Movement to the cultural revolutions in music and fashion, the decade was marked by significant events that reshaped society and left a lasting impact. It was a time of awakening and progress, and their experiences reflect the vibrant spirit of the era!

Fashion Forward: The 1960s Clothing Revolution

The clothing style of the 1960s underwent a remarkable transformation! The decade kicked off with women dressing modestly in skirts that fell below the knees and elegantly fitted outfits, heavily influenced by icons like Jackie Kennedy. Gloves were a staple accessory, adding a touch of class. Meanwhile, men sported slim-fitting suits, narrow ties, and fedoras— I can still picture my great-grandfather putting a fedora on before he left the house. In fact, my son now proudly owns one of Papa Dexter’s vintage hats.

My great-grandfather, Papa Dexter, and one of his many fedoras.

By the mid-60s, the vibrant Mod movement from London made its way to the U.S., and suddenly, women’s skirts got shorter, colors became bolder, and go-go boots were all the rage. I even had a pair of go-go boots, but not until the early 70s. Men started embracing a more casual look, opting for turtlenecks, fitted blazers, and slim pants. The "British Invasion," led by The Beatles, introduced collarless jackets and longer hairstyles that captured the spirit of the times.

As the decade progressed, the hippie movement took center stage, bringing with it free-flowing peasant blouses, bell-bottom pants, tie-dye shirts, and bright floral patterns. Fringe, headbands, beads, and comfy, loose clothing perfectly embodied the laid-back lifestyle of the era. Men let their hair grow long, and beards became increasingly popular, complemented by bell-bottoms, colorful shirts, and ethnic-inspired garments like dashikis and kaftans.

By the end of the 1960s, fashion had embraced a unisex ethos, with both men and women rocking jeans, t-shirts, and tunics. It was a time of self-expression and bold choices, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the decade!

A Blind Date to Remember

My parents' love story began in 1960 on a blind date set up by my Aunt Arla (Mom’s side). From the start, it was clear that they wouldn’t be living the high life with maid service and daily flutes of champagne! Clue number one? Daddy showed up on a scooter—motorized, not a Radio Flyer.

Clue number two was their date destination: the famous San Diego Zoo. Nowadays, a visit to the zoo costs around $75, but back in 1960, it was a bargain at about $1! So, off they went on a budget-friendly date to enjoy the wildlife.

A highlight of the date was when Mama needed to use the restroom. Unfortunately, the zipper on her capri pants got stuck! Embarrassed, she had to ask Daddy to help unzip her pants, and she would tell us later that Daddy got a peek at her underwear on their first date!

The Evolution of the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo officially opened its doors on October 2, 1916, starting with a modest collection of animals spread over about 100 acres. By the 1960s, it had blossomed into a popular attraction, featuring a variety of animals in traditional cages and enclosures. Even back then, it was already known for its innovative approach to animal care and conservation.

Today in 2024, the San Diego Zoo is now one of the most famous and expansive zoos in the world! While the original site still includes those initial 100 acres within Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park now spans an additional 1,800 acres in nearby Escondido, California. The zoo has embraced naturalistic habitats, giving animals more space and allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic wildlife experience.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance runs numerous conservation and preservation programs and is home to over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species. Plus, there’s a stunning botanical collection with over 700,000 plants! One highlight is the panda exhibit, run in partnership with China to protect giant pandas. This year (2024), the zoo welcomed two new pandas, Yun Chuan (a five-year-old male) and Xin Bao (a four-year-old female), marking the first new pandas in the U.S. in 21 years!

The zoo boasts modern facilities and attractions, including the Skyfari Aerial Tram and Kangaroo Express Bus, along with educational and immersive experiences. It continues to lead the way in animal care and conservation.

Personal Reflections

A little side note: I lived in San Diego until I was nine and visited the zoo often during that time. Even after moving away, I made it a point to stop by whenever I visited family. As a kid I sat on the floor of the sky-tram and cried. As an adult I took my young son on it and wanted to sit on the floor and cry, but I put on a brave face and have never been on it again! The fear of heights, acrophobia, is a terrible thing, thankfully my son has never had it.

All in all, the San Diego Zoo is an amazing place to visit. My husband and I even went there for a day during our honeymoon. If you are planning a visit, I recommend starting with the bus tour to get a feel for the layout of the zoo and decide which animals you want to see. We chose a behind-the-scenes tour while visiting during our honeymoon! We fed flamingoes, howled with a wolf, pet a kangaroo, and best of all, we fed and petted a rhino! There was so much more to the tour, but I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise—plus it may have changed a bit over the past 14 years.

To learn more, check out www.sandiegozoo.org or www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org.

If you have any energy left after your zoo adventure, don’t miss a tour of Balboa Park! Although, I recommend spreading it out over a few days, as the park is home to several museums, beautiful gardens, venues for live performances, and spacious picnic areas. It’s all worth checking out!

A Bridge Too Terrifying

Before moving on, I have another tale of crying due to my acrophobia. Across the bay from San Diego lies the island of Coronado. Like San Diego, it boasts beautiful beaches, a military presence, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado—where my dad took my mom for her high school prom.

Daddy taking Mama to her Senior Prom. 1961.
Her dress was pink, and I still have it safe in my Grandma Hill's hope chest.

When I was a kid, you could either take the ferry over to Coronado or make the long drive around San Diego Bay. But in 1969, the San Diego-Coronado Bridge was built, and that was my first experience with the most terrifying bridge I had ever seen at that point in my life. The first—and only—time I crossed it as a child, I ended up on the floor crying! Again!

From then on, it became a running joke in the car that any family member driving would pretend we were taking the exit for that horrific bridge. The only other time I’ve been on it was during my honeymoon. After driving the long way around the bay to get there, my husband drove us back across the bridge after I’d had two adult beverages with our Mexican dinner. I should have had four—it was still terrifying!

Back to the 60s: A Family Lesson

ASK YOUR PARENTS QUESTIONS! Dive into family history—ask your aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, anyone who has a story to share. Trust me, you’ll want to document these tales! Because, as it stands, I have no idea how my dad proposed to my mom. If my sister Tammi or I ever heard the story, we’ve completely forgotten it, and now there’s no one left to ask. It’s pretty heartbreaking!

Unknown proposal story aside, I do know that Mama and Daddy tied the knot at the Paradise Hills Southern Baptist Church in Paradise Hills, a southeastern part of San Diego. They were married on June 17, 1961. The church was built in 1959 and still stands today at 6038 Cumberland Street.

Mama & Daddy, June 17, 1961

Left to Right: Papa & Grandma Apple,
Daddy & Mama, Grandma & Papa Hill

I was born just one year and 12 days after they said, “I do.” If you’ve read my “About Me” post, you know my maiden name is Apple…Candi Apple—well, technically Candi Lee Apple, but no one ever used that unless I was in trouble. Everyone knows it’s time to run and hide when you hear your full name!

While pregnant with me, Mama had quite a craving for shrimp from a drive-in restaurant in the area called Oscar’s, started in 1941. Fun fact: as I was writing this, I learned that one of the co-owners of Oscar’s Drive-In, Robert O. Peterson founded the first Jack in the Box in 1951 in San Diego laying the foundation for fast food restaurants! But back to my story… one afternoon, while Mama was expecting me, my parents visited Oscar’s, where she indulged in her beloved shrimp.

Afterwards, they went to see my mom’s parents. Grandma and Papa invited them to dinner at Oscar’s, and before Daddy could say they had just been there, Mama elbowed him in the ribs to hush him up. So, back they went, where Mama happily ordered another helping of shrimp!

Shortly after I made my grand entrance, the Pastor of the Paradise Hills Southern Baptist Church made a heartfelt announcement during the Sunday service, asking the congregation to pray for poor little Candi Apple, who only weighed in at 9 lbs. 15 oz. at birth. I was one ounce away from being a ten-pound baby! Of course, the congregation roared with laughter. So, as if my name didn’t already guarantee a few laughs, my birth weight did as well. My family went on to affectionately call me… The Blimp Shrimp! Thanks a lot, Mama!

Me, 1962

A Moment in History

I was born during the presidency of John F. Kennedy and was just a year and a half old when he was tragically assassinated. My mother was watching the soap opera As the World Turns, broadcast live on CBS, when the show was interrupted with breaking news about the President’s shooting. Walter Cronkite delivered the somber bulletin, and Mama later told me she sat down and sobbed. Like many Americans, she adored John and Jackie Kennedy, and the country was left in a state of shock.

The 1960s saw two more presidents before the end of the decade. After Kennedy’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson stepped in as the 36th President, famously being sworn in on Air Force One—the first and only President to take the oath of office while aboard an airplane—just hours after Kennedy was pronounced dead. Johnson went on to serve a second term after being reelected in 1964.

Then came Richard Nixon, who served as President from 1969 to 1974. The decade was undoubtedly a time of significant change and upheaval in American history!

A Decade of Change: The 1960s

The 1960s were a whirlwind of monumental events and cultural shifts, from the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race to the Cuban Missile Crisis. We witnessed the assassination of President Kennedy, the escalation of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, and the Music Revolution with iconic figures like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. This decade also saw the rise of the Women’s Liberation Movement, the Hippie movement, the Summer of Love, and the legendary Woodstock festival.

On the home front, the average cost of a house was just $12,700, and rent was about $100 a month. Median household income climbed from $5,600 in 1960 to around $8,000 by the end of the decade. I wish our grocery prices now were the same as they were back then, a gallon of milk cost $1.00, a dozen eggs $0.55, bread was $0.20, and a pound of ground beef was $0.45. You could take a family of four to the movies, buy each person a bag of popcorn and a soda for under $10. Gasoline hovered around $0.30 a gallon, and you could enjoy full-service at the pump—where attendants would fill your tank, check your oil, wash your windshield, and even check your tire pressure! A shiny new car set you back about $2,500 in the early 60s, rising to $3,000 by 1969.

Speaking of cars, the 1960s introduced some legendary models: the Ford Mustang (introduced in 1964…$2,364), Chevrolet Camaro (introduced in 1966 as a 1967 model…$2,466), Pontiac GTO (often considered the first muscle car, introduced in 1964…the base model Tempest was $2,800. The GTO package was an additional $295).

The decade also brought notable inventions and innovations that made home life more convenient. The electric can opener, color television, and central air conditioning became household staples. While the microwave oven was invented in the 1940s, it gained widespread popularity in the 1960s, we didn’t get our first microwave until the early 70s. Automatic washing machines and dishwashers also saw improvements during this time.

A note on dishwashers, there’s a story in my family that one of my grandmothers on my dad’s side invented it, only to have her idea stolen by a man who went on to develop it! While you can take family history with a grain of salt, I did some digging and discovered that my (great+?) grandmother had a patent on a dishwashing machine. I’ll be sure to share more about that in another blog!

The 1960s were truly a decade of innovation, change, and cultural evolution!

A Few Fun Facts from the 60s

A few more fun tidbits from the 1960s!

Popular TV Shows:
The 1960s brought us some iconic television shows that you can still watch today. Keep in mind there were only three primary channels: NBC, CBS, and ABC, not the hundreds we have now. Notable TV favorites from the 60s are:

• The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
• Star Trek (1966-1969)
• Bewitched (1964-1972)
• The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)
  
  

Popular Toys:
The decade was also a golden age for toys! Some of the most beloved toys from the 60s included:

• G.I. Joe: Launched in 1964 and marketed as “America’s Movable Fighting Man.”
• Easy-Bake Oven: Introduced in 1963, this toy allowed kids to bake real treats using a light bulb!
• Spirograph: Debuting in 1965, this artistic toy let children create intricate designs with ease.
  
  
  

A Smile From the 60s:

The iconic yellow “smiley face” was introduced in 1963 by graphic designer Harvey Ross Ball. He had been hired by the State Mutual Life Assurance Company to create something that would help boost the morale of employees. He came up with the simple, yet affective, yellow circle with two black dots for eyes and a curved line for a smile. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that it became a commercial icon, when brothers Bernard and Murray Spain used it as part of a marketing campaign adding the phrase “Have a Nice Day.”

I’ll end this week’s blog with that.

Have a Nice Day!

About Me:

Well, if you really want to know, here it goes… 

Me and my Mama
About 1964

I was born in '62—yes, NINETEEN-62! When I was a kid, anyone my age now was ancient or near death. Thankfully, I’m still alive and kicking! While I like to think of myself as computer savvy and up to date on everything, sadly, I’m not. My son had to set up this entire account for me and explain it in great detail. I’m certain that over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking up a good portion of his daily life by asking a million questions.

Ready for this? My maiden name is...Candi Apple, honestly! When I was about 12, I asked my dad...a man with a very dry sense of humor...why he'd named me this. His answer was, "Because it goes together." So, there you have it.

I have a younger sister, and although many people have asked if her name is Carmel or Red, she has the perfectly normal name of Tammi. Named after the Debbie Reynolds character in the Tammy movies of the late 1950s to early 1960s, although she hated when we sang the song "Tammy", also known as "Tammy's in Love".  

Okay, back to me. I briefly trained as a nurse’s aide, was Chuck E. Cheese, worked as a gas station attendant, and held jobs at a couple of fast-food joints. I was also a waitress for ten years at several restaurants, including Bob’s Big Boy in Salinas, Monterey, and San Jose, California. Eventually, I got my act together and pursued my lifelong dream of becoming a police officer. I competed against over 200 applicants for just seven open spots with the Salinas Police Department. After multiple exams—including physical, mental, written, a polygraph, and a background check—my dream came true. I went on to proudly serve the citizens of Salinas for twenty-two years.

In between all that, I had a son (the computer-savvy one), married, divorced (we’re still friends), 21 years later I met and later married my second (and LAST!) husband, Todd, who was also a police officer. I became a stepmom to his sweet daughter, watched my son marry a wonderful woman, and was blessed with a grandson and a granddaughter. In 2012, I retired, lost both my parents unexpectedly within 8 months of one another, my husband retired four years after me—he is, coincidentally, four years younger than me. After his retirement we sold our little country home and headed to Arizona to be closer to the grandkids. They live on the surface of the sun in the Phoenix area, while we chose to live in the cooler weather of Northern Arizona’s beautiful White Mountains. We moved from our cute little 720 sq. ft. home on 1 acre to a 2,400 sq. ft., 2-story log home on 10 acres with an 800 sq. ft. shop. Our absolute dream home. We got moved in on December 19th, and on the 25th, we woke up to our very first White Christmas. It was amazing!

I decided I wanted to try new things because you’re NEVER TOO OLD! I began playing with paint pour art, which became popular around that time, and then taught it at the local art store for several years. I entered my first county fair at the age of 55 and won blue ribbons for a few of my paintings and a first-place ribbon for a decorated cake, as well as Best of Show! The following year, I received more blue ribbons for my paintings and a People’s Choice Award! I was thrilled!

Next, I sat down, determined to write stories for each of my grandchildren. I spent months writing one for my grandson—a fun futuristic fantasy set in the 22nd century about two young men, Kian and his buddy Sam, who travel the world and eventually space, finding things for clients, like fuzzy dice and antique cars. They eventually travel the universe on a search for Philmore the Extremely Timid and his three cats—Strixen, Flix, and Morty—while encountering unforgettable characters and finding rare spices and even dragons for customers. For my granddaughter, I started writing a cute tale about her love of animals and soon found myself surrounded by sticky notes, pads of paper, and pencils worn to nubs. I spent hours researching endangered and extinct animals. Her story became an adventure to a magical island where a young girl named Shaylee traverses the island with unique guides and her sidekick, an African Gray Parrot named Rupert. Rupert is quite a handful and the comic relief in this story. Shaylee and Rupert experience exciting adventures while subtly showing the impact humans have on creatures worldwide.

I worked so long and hard on these stories, and they became so much more than I expected, that I decided—at 60 years old—that I want to be a published author! My granddaughter’s story has been written, edited, rewritten, edited, and finalized! I sent it to my first literary agent in July 2024 and received my first rejection letter the following month. I let my lovely editor know, and her response was beautiful: “Badge of pride—the only writers without a rejection letter are the ones who’ve never tried. Good luck and keep going!” …and I am! It’s now with a second literary agent. I’m hopeful and will continue to try. Meanwhile, I’m taking my grandson’s story and breaking it into three smaller stories. It’s been a very fun challenge.

But…as if that isn’t enough…I’ve also done the illustrations for both stories. I was a bit rusty with my drawing skills, but after dusting them off, I’m quite pleased with the results.

...and remember that beautiful dream home in Northern Arizona? Well, on my 60th birthday, while camping at a lake, I looked over at my husband and, with a great deal of courage, asked, “What if we sold the house?” Without hesitation, he answered, “Yes!” Four months later, it was on the market, and 2-1/2 months after that, it was sold to a goat farmer with 65 goats! We bought a truck and a 30-foot travel trailer, and we’ve been on the road with our dog, Rascal, and our two cats, Shadow and Stormy, ever since. That’s a story for another day.

So, that’s me—aren’t you glad you asked?