Happy Faces and "Peace Signs" were both common while I was in the army in
Germany in early 1969 and more so while stationed at Ft. Bliss in late 1969
and early 1970.* * I remember "peace signs" from the army in 1968 and before
I was drafted (in 1968) back in 1967.

:-)



On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 4:16 PM, Cami McCraw <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Matthew,
>  -Also building on what Ron May just posted, I really think it came around
> 1970. I know for sure I had never heard of it in elementary school, but it
> was the 'in-thing' at some point in 6th grade, (1970-71).
>  Now, maybe it was 'invented' before that, but just became popular at least
> where I was in 1970. Back then with no internet and limited television, fads
> took a little bit longer to spread. (I'm not an archaeologist BUT we are
> radio/TV/editing folks.)
>  By the time I entered high school ('73), we were also beginning to see
> these same smiley faces in various colors instead of only yellow. (But of
> course those were never as popular as the yellow!)
>  I do think it was very much tied in with the Nixon era, and wasn't Nixon
> always flashing the 'Peace' sign on television? So yes, the smiley face was
> tied in to 'Peace & Love and general happiness'. I believe the 'flower
> power' stuff may have started in the late-60s, so just before the smiley
> faces. (But you are right- not much difference.)
>  If anyone ever has a chance to see old TV reruns of 'The Wonder Years',
> you'll get an accurate window into the fads of those times and even the
> political ties, especially if you pay attention to the small details in the
> show. (Folks my age won't need that, but for younger listmembers it may be
> helpful.)
>  -Cami
> http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NewChronology/
> http://stretchproductions.com/RohlProducts.html
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Tomaso" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 3:27 PM
> Subject: Re: question re "happy face" pins
>
>
>   I remember them from the early 70s as well.  I was never quite sure
>> whether to symbolically associate them with flower power or the 'don't worry
>> be happy' rhetoric of the Johnson and Nixon Administrations.  Perhaps there
>> isn't much difference.
>>
>> Matthew S. Tomaso, M. A., RPA
>> Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager
>> Cultural Resource Consulting Group
>> O:  732-247-8880 x-30
>> Cell:  908-875-0345
>>
>


-- 
Smoke Pfeiffer

Remember: When seconds count, the police are only minutes away!