Club discusses the Atomic Age of Science & Technoloy

Submitted by Lana Sue Jones      

The Twentieth Century Club met on Monday, Feb. 10, at hostess Georgia Detwiler’s home with Sue Jones as co-hostess. Glenda Ware, president, called the meeting to order. The minutes were read and treasurer report given.

New business is to decide on the place for our May meeting and program ideas for next year. Both will be discussed at our next meeting.

The opinion was presented by Sherry Wiseman on the documentary, “Coddling of the American Mind” which was about the phone used by our youth.

The article stated that there is no real life experiences, no responsibility, no sense of wonder, and creativity is suffering. All they have to do is google what every they need.

The program was presented by Sandi Eaves on the 1950’s, the Atomic Age of Science and Technology. It also was a drowsy sleepy time with tract housing, tail fins, suburbia, and T.V. Two presidents were in office during this time, Harry Truman 1945-1953 and Dwight Eisenhower 1953-1961. Eisenhower’s term was to contain communism, reduce the federal deficit, end McCarthyism, and sign the Civil Right Act of 1957. Truman was the first president to be televised, ordered the Atomic Energy Commission to develop the Hydrogen bomb, issued first Medicare card and worked for government and health care. Movies of that time were Peter Pan, Bridge on the River Kwai, 20,00 Leagues Under the Sea and the Ten Commandments. Actors and Actress were: John Wayne, James Stewart, Gary Cooper, William Holden, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Doris Day, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Books and authors were: Hemmingway, Faulkner, Steinbeck, “Charolette’s Web,” “Old Man and the Sea,” “Cat in the Hat” and “The Grench Stole Christmas.” Singers were Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, the famous Elvis Presley, Dinah Washington and Ella Fitsgerald. Popular toys were: the hula hoop, frisbee, Lincoln Logs and Corn Popper, The fashion was casual yet formal. The gray  felt poodle skirt came about with bobby socks and saddle shoes. Men had casual sport coats or suit jackets with two buttons and padded shoulders. Food was: meat dishes, stews, tuna, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, fried vegetables, veal cutlets and French fries. T.V. Dinners and the first microwave were introduced. The classic cars in 1957 were the Chevrolet Bel Air and Ford Thunderbird which had a sleek design and powerful performance and was a symbol of prosperity. The 1950 years brought back many memories.