In Aug. 16 issue, Russell County News
By Ron Cowell, Columnist

For those of us who were around in the 60's we remember things like "Hippies", Free Love and drugs. It seems like younger people believe the same thing. There was a lot more to the 60's. Lets take a cruise back through the 60's and look at some of the events of that decade.

In Music the 60's brought the twist. Psychedelic music hit the scene.

Mini Skirts, leather boots and fake eyelashes became very popular.

The Beatles suits became popular for men. Bright colored clothes became the thing to wear. Hot pants for women. The first hand held calculator was invented by Texas Instruments at a cost of $2,500.00 each.

A lot happened in the 60's, these are just a few highlights of the decade. This busy decade was probably one of the most fun decades you ever lived through or will ever learn about. If you were not fortunate enough to live through this time you will share the fun and excitement of just learning about it.

1960

• The first debate for a presidential election was televised. It was     between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

• NASA sent up ECHO, the first communications satellite that could be seen by the naked eye.

• American "U2" spy plane was shot down over the USSR.

1961

• John Kennedy moved into the White House. He gave his famous speech "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"

• The Soviets send the first man into space. America follows up on May 5th of 1961. Alan Shepard went into space in the Freedom 7. President Kennedy wanted a man on the moon before the decade was over.

1962

• John Glen was the first man to orbit the earth 3 times. It was a five hour flight.

• Rachel Carson, a scientist and writer warned that our earth would die of pollution and chemicals if we were not careful. Especially chemicals that would kill insects. DDT was such a chemical, it not only killed bad insects but the good ones also.  Five states banned DDT.

1963

• Martin Luther King Jr. made his speech "I have a dream.

• President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas Texas on Nov 22nd. The man blamed for the shooting, Lee Harvey Oswald  was also shot and killed by Jack Ruby while being transferred to another jail. The question of who really killed President Kennedy is still ask today.

1964

• The Beatles, known as the Fab four became the biggest thing in music since Elvis.

• The first cigarette box came out with the warning printed on it "Smoking can be hazardous to your health".

1965

• President Linden Johnson ordered bombing raids on North Vietnam. Right away Americans started protesting the war.

• The first roofed stadium was built in Houston Texas, known as the Astrodome.
1966

• Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, Davy Crockett and Pioneer films died of cancer on Dec. 15th, but the Disney legend still lives today.

1967

• The very first heart transplant was performed by Doctor Christian Bernard in Cape Town, South Africa.

1968

• Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis. Two months later Robert Kennedy, John's brother was assassinated also. Both were Civil Rights leaders.

1969

• A half a million people headed to a 600 acre Farm in New York for a festival called Woodstock.  Many top rock and roll acts were there. The festival of love, peace and music lasted three days.

• On July 20th of 1969 at 4:18 PM Apollo 11 landed on the moon with astronauts on board. Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon.

If your Car Club is having an event you would like us to tell everyone about drop me a line with all the information at djron47@yahoo.com. All information on events needs to be turned in at least two weeks before the event.

Also with summer here you may want to have one of the Clubs in the County bring their cars for display at your club or church or function.

Once again drop me a line and I will get you in touch with the Clubs in the area. The clubs of Russell County are more than happy to show off their cars.. Till next time - Keep Cruisin