New Year's Through the Decades
It was on New Year’s Day 1976 that this bronze Philadelphia landmark was moved out of Independence Hall.
What is the Liberty Bell? The Liberty Bell cracked around 1835 and has not been rung since 1846.
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.
M is for this first female prime minister of the U.K. who served as the “Iron Lady” from 1979 until 1990.
Who is Margaret Thatcher? She started her career as a research chemist and first entered politics in 1950.
This navy special operations force was created on January 1, 1962.
What is the Navy SEALs? Originally, there were two SEAL teams: one in California and the other in Virginia.
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.
B is for this Brit-rock band who announced their split in 1970.
Who are the Beatles? Paul McCartney was first to announce the split, though at the time it was uncertain if the split would be permanent.
At the Cotton Bowl stadium on January 1, 1967, this team from Green Bay won a 34–27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Who are the Packers? The game was lauded as one of the best NFL championship games of all time.
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.
J is for this 1975 hit film about a seaside town beset by a shark.
What is Jaws? The film is considered the first summer blockbuster, as it attracted an audience of over 67 million people upon release.
This Star Trek actor known for playing Spock married Susan Bay on New Year’s Day in 1989.
Who is Leonard Nimoy? Did you know Nimoy was best man at his Star Trek costar William Shatner’s 1997 wedding?
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.
P is for this video game, whose simple design was based on a game of table tennis.
What is Pong? Pong is considered the first commercially successful video game and was sold as an arcade game as well as a console system.
On January 1, 1966, “The Sound of Silence” by this duo topped the Billboard charts.
Who are Simon and Garfunkel? The duo first met in 1953 and began making music together at the age of 16.
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?”
V is for this publication, which in 1974 became the first major fashion magazine to feature a Black cover model.
What is Vogue? Beverly Johnson was the cover model for the August 1974 issue and went on to be a cover model several more times throughout her career.