The ’50s were deemed the “Baby Boom” and the “Golden Age” with its population rates flying and prospering economies in Canada and the US. There were many interesting things going on in the ’50s. In this article by Infogram: https://infogram.com/1950s-canadian-culture-1gdx3pwx84r42gr and By GenealogyBank https://blog.genealogybank.com/1950s-fun-facts-pop-culture-historical-usa-trivia.html. Here are a few fun facts:
TV Dinners were Introduced in 1953 - Swanson's frozen meals - originally sold for 89 cents and included turkey, gravy, cornbread dressing, whipped sweet potatoes, and peas.
Disneyland opened in California on July 17, 1955.
The Trans-Canada Highway - in 1942 it became possible to drive across Canada on Canadian roads, even though most were gravel. In 1950, construction would commence on the highway. In this really great website “Candian History Ehx, it gives a full History and even some podcasts - https://canadaehx.com/2020/07/25/the-building-of-the-trans-canada-highway/
Rock and Roll was born. … Rhythm and Blues developed from the Blues, and Rock and Roll developed from Rhythm and Blues (R&B)
On the Canadian side, we had our own Paul Anka who debuted in 1955 - This Canadian chart-topper was born right here in Ottawa, Ontario. His two biggest hits of the ’50s were “Diane “ 1957 and “Lonely Boy” 1959 - These are original videos. Enjoy:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar-zZ21iW9w & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKcCaCgMLBE
One of the firsts of the era to emerge in the U.S. was Little Richard. Little Richard's History according to Wikipedia, one of the great innovators in 1950's rock music.
TV was starting in Canada. On September 6, 1952, the first to air was our beloved CBC. On October 11, 1952, The First “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasted. Here is an original short clip for your viewing pleasure - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kR-26cCsTw Also, a clip of the First Weather Forecast aired January 14, 1952 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiAyWYCcAI0
On the U.S. side, I Love Lucy Debuted. March 2, 1951.
Air Date: November 19, 1951 - On this link from Youtube , there are some great scene clips. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkQ58I53mjk&list=PLjx3nuq6lvwFJZKWqND-o7Eq3-yzS9eeJ
The Hula Hoop was a hit in Canada and the U.S. with both countries even holding Hula competitions!
Lastly, Barbie was introduced in 1959
Seen in this Original Video on YouTube https://youtu.be/9hhjjhYGQtY - The first-ever Barbie commercial aired during the Mickey mouse Club.
We hope you had as much fun reliving the 50's with your parent as we did compiling this list!
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