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!