Articles NostalgiaStep back in time: to 1961
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Step back in time: to 1961

By Melina - Assistant Editor Aug 20, 2020

Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look at life back in 1961.

By 1961 much of the world was in a state of change. We were moving out of the post-World War II era, and into both the Cold War and the Space Age.

Some of the most influential popular music saw its beginnings and there were many ‘firsts’ in technology and innovation. With the average price of a house in the UK only £2,770 and the cost of a loaf of bread at 5p, times were certainly different.

Historical Events

John F. Kennedy

The inauguration of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy took place in January 1961. The youngest person to be elected president at the time, was also the first Catholic president. Kennedy was a decorated World War II veteran who had served in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives and a Senator from Massachusetts. JFK’s inauguration is remembered for his memorable speech “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy was U.S. President until his assassination in November 1963.

First man in space

Soviet cosmonaut Major Yuri Gagarin became the first human in history to travel in space. Gagarin was awarded the Order of Lenin and a Gold Star medal of the Hero of the Soviet Union for his achievements.

Bay of Pigs

US Cuban exiles backed by the US Government, invaded the island of Cuba, attempting to overthrow the government of the dictator Fidel Castro. The invasion was unsuccessful with 90 of the invaders killed, and the rest captured within 3 days. The disastrous attempt was known as the Bay of Pigs.

The Berlin Wall

Soviet and East German leaders decided to erect a wall in Berlin in a bid to halt the flood of refugees crossing from East to West Germany.  The concrete wall took 10 years to build and was 87 miles long. It was demolished in 1990 after the re-unification of East and West Germany.

Innovative ‘Firsts’

  • Although the mini was introduced in August 1959 that small car was launched as the Morris Mini Minor and the Austin Seven. It wasn’t until 1961 that it was renamed the Austin Mini, and eight years after that Mini became a marque in its own right.
  • IBM introduces the Golf Ball typewriter
  • Proctor and Gamble unveils Pampers – the first disposable nappy
  • Phillips develop the first mini tape cassette
  • In-flight movies are introduced by TWA
  • Ultrasound is invented in Australia by scientists at the Commonwealth Health Department
  • The female contraceptive ‘pill’ becomes available on the National Health Service.

Popular music

In March 1961 the Beatles make their first appearance at Liverpool’s Cavern Club and end the year by agreeing to be managed by Brian Epstein.

The Supremes are signed with Motown Records.

Elvis Presley’s ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ hits number one.

The Beach Boys record their debut single “Surfin”, introducing a new musical style.

Popular films

The Young Ones, starring Cliff Richard, Robert Morley and Carole Gray premieres in London.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is released, starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard with Henry Mancini winning 2 Oscars and 4 Grammy Awards for the score which included the hit ‘Moon River’.

The film adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story is released starring Natalie Wood.

Disney released its 17th animated classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians in January 1961 and it becomes the highest grossing film of the year.

Famous births

There were many notable births in 1961 some of which were:

Diana Spencer

Diana Spencer, future Princess of Wales; Barack Obama, future President of the United States; Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score at the 1976 Olympic Games; Michael J Fox and George Clooney, American actors and Viscount Linley, son to Princess Margaret.

While a student at Harvard Law School, Barack Obama became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review

What do you remember about 1961?

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Melina - Assistant Editor

Hi I'm Melina, a mother of 3 teenage children and with a particular interest in all things health related. I run a busy household and smallholding alongside my work with Silversurfers, which currently includes dogs, fish, hens, ducks and pigs!

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