Retro Recipes
This powdered gelatin product was a mainstay of 1960s aspics, like the iconic Perfection Salad.
What is Jell-O? The 1964 edition of The Joy of Cooking devoted an entire chapter to Jell-O salads, but the popularity of gelatin aspics declined by the mid-1970s.
On April 4, 1975, this company was co-founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
What is Microsoft? The company is still around today and helped popularize personal computers during the 1980s and ’90s.
This camera company produced its first disposable cameras in 1987.
What is Kodak? The camera was designed for tourists who wanted to take vacation photos, but it had widespread appeal due to its convenience and affordability.
In 1962, this president presented his “Special Message on Education” to Congress, proposing financial aid for children who are disabled, illiterate adults, and other improvements.
Who is John F. Kennedy? In the message, he said that “expanding and improving the educational opportunities of all our people” was the most important task for the nation.
This Hasbro doll was introduced in 1973 and was advertised as “the doll that eats, drinks, and wets.”
What is Baby Alive? The doll swept the nation with its realism and would even get a voice in later versions (much to the annoyance of parents everywhere).
This ooey-gooey, dippable cheese became a popular favorite after it was featured in the Switzerland exhibit of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
What is fondue? The Swiss traditionally eat this treat with crusty bread and a side of wine or tea.
On April 30, 1975, the conflict in this country came to an end after decades of fighting.
What is Vietnam? North and South Vietnam were reunited after the fall of Saigon in 1975.
Apple first introduced this computer in 1984 and changed the future of personal computing for good.
What is the Macintosh? Mac computers are still popular today, but they look little like the original clunky and low-resolution Macintosh.
This mathematics curriculum of the late 1960s and early ’70s focused on abstract theory.
What is new math? The space race prompted Americans to reexamine how math was taught, and the concept of new math was born. However, by the late 1970s, math classrooms were returning to more traditional curricula.
Kids in the 1970s didn’t have to worry about feeding or walking this pet, invented by Gary Dahl.
What is a pet rock? The fad of pet rocks was fading by the late ’70s, though you can sometimes still find pet rocks for sale today.
During the 1960s, Swedish meatballs became a wildly popular appetizer, and the most popular gravy choice was this canned soup.
What is cream of mushroom? During the 1960s, Scandinavian design and food were very popular in America.
In 1975, she became the first woman elected to lead Britain’s Conservative Party
Who is Margaret Thatcher? She replaced Edward Heath as the leader of the Conservative Party and earned herself the nickname “The Iron Lady.”
This portable music player from Sony was first introduced in June 1980, meaning people could take a stereo with them anywhere.
What is the Walkman? This battery-operated personal cassette player remained popular throughout the decade, with the company branching out into CDs and MP3s as well.
On August 18, 1963, James Meredith became the first Black person to earn a bachelor’s degree from this university, also called “Ole Miss.”
What is the University of Mississippi? After graduating, he subsequently earned a law degree. He is remembered as a civil rights activist and politician.
This Atari video game released in 1972 was based on the sport of tennis.
What is Pong? In just two years, Atari had sold over 8,000 Pong games.
This Hormel canned meat product gained popularity during the 1960s as a breakfast side dish and in sandwiches.
What is Spam? The meat product became a staple for troops serving in World War II, and its popularity spread across the globe.
This seaside thriller directed by Steven Spielberg was released on June 20, 1975.
What is Jaws? It was based on a novel by Peter Benchley and starred Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss.
In 1989, this company released its now-iconic Game Boy, a handheld video gaming device.
What is Nintendo? One of the earliest (and best-selling) Game Boy games was Tetris.
In April 1965, this president passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), authorizing funding for educational programs, free lunches, and special education.
Who is Lyndon B. Johnson? The ESEA was an integral part of Johnson’s War on Poverty and was intended to provide a high-quality education for all Americans.
Kids in the ’70s loved to play with this flexible latex doll from the Kenner Company.
What is Stretch Armstrong? The toy has made several comebacks throughout the years, including as recently as 2017.
Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, this two-ingredient appetizer made from Lipton soup mix remained popular. It was sometimes called “California Dip.”
What is Lipton Onion Soup Dip? The surge in Lipton sales led the company to sponsor Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts as a way to advertise their “California Dip.”
On January 12, 1975, this team lost Super Bowl IX to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who are the Minnesota Vikings? This game was the first Super Bowl win for the Steelers, who were considered the underdogs.
On December 2, 1982, a dentist named Barney Clark became the first person to receive the Jarvik 7, a permanent replacement for this internal organ.
What is the heart? The Jarvik 7 represented a huge step forward in artificial heart technology. Today, artificial hearts can support a patient for months or even years.
This government department began operating on May 4, 1980. The first part of the department’s mission statement is to “Strengthen the Federal commitment to assuring access to equal educational opportunity for every individual.”
What is the Department of Education? It was established by Congress after the Department of Education Organization Act was signed into law by President Carter.
Famously, these toys of the ’70s “wobble, but don’t fall down.”
What is a Weeble? Inspired by the kids’ show Romper Room, Weebles were brightly colored characters that appealed to children and parents alike for their durability.