Speaking of "fad" pins, this past year I researched a house owned by a
scientist who was so good at calculating the precise moment the Sputnik passed
over San Diego that the U.S.G.S. installed a survey point on his roof. Everyone
in 1957 went out at night to watch this small white point move from one point
to another in the sky, so the TV, radio, and newspapers always interviewed
him for the precise time. Many companies produced pressed metal "Sputnik
Watcher" pins that you can now get on Ebay (I got 2 for the report).
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
In a message dated 10/21/2008 2:24:48 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
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
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