Retro Rhyme Time
This mellow phrase is closely associated with the 1960s hippie movement: “Go with the _____.”
What is flow? This expression encapsulates the easygoing hippie mentality, though similar sayings date back to the time of Marcus Aurelius.
Kicking off the decade with a classic, this 1960 book features the persistent Sam-I-Am.
What is Green Eggs and Ham? After a publisher bet that he couldn’t write a story using only 50 words, Dr. Seuss penned this beloved book.
“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
Who is John F. Kennedy? One of his most famous quotes comes from his 1961 inaugural address, in which he talked about defending freedom.
In 1973, Congress passed a law allowing citizens to elect a mayor and a city council for this capital city for the first time.
What is Washington, D.C.? Prior to this law, the president chose the mayor of the city. Walter Washington was the first person elected by the citizens of D.C. and the first Black mayor.
This actress with a rhyming name is known for her role as Bonnie Parker in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde.
Who is Faye Dunaway? Dunaway is known as one of the stars of Hollywood’s “second Golden Age.”
This exclamatory rhyming phrase was often used in the ’50s and ’60s: “Jeepers _______!”
What is Creepers? The phrase is believed to have originated from a 1938 song by Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.
We were first introduced to this nature-loving character who “speaks for the trees” in 1971.
Who is the Lorax? The Lorax centered on environmental themes during a decade when environmentalism was gaining popular momentum.
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Who is Cassius Clay (or Muhammad Ali)? He first uttered the iconic line before his 1964 fight with Sonny Liston.
On April 15, 1983, the first Disney park outside of the United States, opened its gates in this capital city in Japan.
What is Tokyo? The theme park was built on land reclaimed from the Tokyo Bay and designed to mimic the look of an American theme park.
In 1970, we learned that Mr. Brown Can _____! Can You? (Well, can you?)
What is moo? Did you know that Dr. Seuss credited his mother with fostering his love of rhyming words?
This is a rhyming term for a hairstyle like that of John, Paul, Ringo, and George.
What is mop top? The iconic Beatles hairstyle, with its long bangs, became a popular look in the 1960s.
There’s a wasket in my basket and other fun rhymes in this 1974 book: There’s a Wocket in My______!
What is pocket? Researchers have found that the made-up rhymes in Seuss’ stories help children learn to read.
“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Who is Neil Armstrong? This quote from the historic 1969 moon landing is one of the defining moments of the decade.
Sir Laurence Olivier opened the National Theatre Company in 1963 in this English capital city.
What is London? Originally housed in the Old Vic Theatre, the company’s first play was Hamlet, starring Peter O’Toole.
From a brochure at his 1968 art exhibition in Sweden: “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.”
Who is Andy Warhol? Once attributed to the artist himself, the quote may have first been uttered by a colleague or friend and then associated with Warhol.
Also called punch buggy, slug bug is a childhood game inspired by this classic car.
What is the Volkswagen Beetle? This car was popular during the ’60s and ’70s and spawned a road trip game where children would punch their siblings and friends if they spotted one first.
This book has been a classic since 1960: One ____ Two ____ Red ____ Blue____.
What is fish? Dr. Seuss was known to write for at least eight hours a day. No wonder he was so prolific!
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Who is Martin Luther King Jr.? This quote from his most famous speech was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.
On April 21, 1960, this planned city became the capital of Brazil.
What is Brasilia? Construction on the grand city included a presidential palace, monumental government buildings, and planned green spaces.
Picasso’s painting Guernica was displayed in this Spanish capital in 1981 to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary.
What is Madrid? The painting was returned to Madrid after spending decades on loan to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
This two-word rhyme was coined by Allen Ginsburg to describe the anti-war demonstrators of the 1960s.
What is “flower power”? Ginsburg used the term to invite everyone to join a movement of peace, hope, and unity.
Dads everywhere hope their children won’t take the title of this 1963 Seuss classic literally, but sometimes they do.
What is Hop on Pop? In 2013, the Toronto Public Library considered banning this book because it encouraged children to jump on their fathers, but ultimately the library decided to keep the book on its shelves.
“You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?”
Who is Clint Eastwood (or Dirty Harry)? The iconic movie line is often misquoted as “Do you feel lucky?”
The 1984 Olympic games were held in this capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (hertsuh-go-VEE-nuh).
What is Sarajevo (ser-uh-YAE-voe)? This winter Olympics was the first time a woman had competed in six winter Olympic games. Marja-Liisa (Hämäläinen) Kirvesniemi (MAR-ya-LEE-sah HAM-al-AIN-en KEER-ves-nee-EM-ee) from Finland made a splash at the games that year
At the time of its completion in May 1973, this Chicago skyscraper was the tallest building in the world.
What is the Sears Tower (or Willis Tower)? It is now the 12th-tallest building in the world and stands at 1,450 feet tall.