Technology of the 1950’s

1. Take Quiz Technology of the 1950’s Transistor Radio-1954 USA Texas Instruments The First Home Microwave Ovens Manufactured-1955 by Tappan Mr. Potato Head released-1952 • First All Electronic Color Television Set- May 1954 RCA • Disneyland In California Opens-1955 First Issued Barbie-1959 Ruth and Elliot Handler SOURCES

2. Television and Radio Television In modern day America, the average person watches more than 4 hours of TV each day. In the 1950’s television became the dominant mass media as people brought television into their homes. In the early fifties, the number of hours young people watched TV steadily increased. The effect on print news media and entertainment media was felt in lower attendance at movies and greater reliance on TV news sources for information. In 1954, black and white broadcasts became color broadcasts. What was portrayed on television was accepted as normal. The ideal family, the ideal schools and neighborhoods, the world were all seen in a way which had only partial basis in reality. People began to accept what was seen and heard because they were “eye witnesses” to events as never before. Popular shows included I love Lucy, The Twilight Zone, Superman and The Mickey Mouse Club.

3. Radio Today the radio has mostly been replaced with CD players and IPods. By the early 1950s, radio already had begun to erode its popularity. News, sports, entertainment and music was listened to on the radio. KDKA in Pittsburgh was one of the first radio stations in the United States. The Depression had a major impact on the number of radio listeners. The cost of radios became more affordable with the sale of table-top models, and the radio provided free entertainment in a period of economic hardship. Programming had become more developed, and news, dramas and comedy were becoming standards on all the stations. The introduction of the transistor radio was able to positively impact radio growth in the face of the threat of television by allowing for the production of cheap, portable radios that could be used in cars or outdoors. http://www.pbs.org/transistor/background1/events/tradio.html

4. Toys Barbie In 1959 the first Barbie Doll was introduced at the New York Toy Show by Ruth and Elliot Handler. The couple was inspired by the German Lilli Doll to make Barbie. They named the doll after their daughter Barbie. Later they made Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, who was named after their son. In 1958 the patent for Barbie was obtained. At the New York Toy Show Barbie was viewed as risky to buyers since she was not the typical style selling baby doll of the times. Upon seeing Barbie on store shelves, the public decided differently and the doll has been one of the best selling ever since. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM8l8bkt-DI&feature=player_embedded

5. Toys Mr. Potato Head • Released in 1952 • Originally only came with face pieces. • Supposed to use a real potato. • First toy ever advertised on television. • George Lerner of New York City was the inventor

6. Appliances Microwave Oven • First home microwave issued in 1955 • Manufactured by The Tappan Stove Company • Tappan Stove Company reduced size of original microwaves, and cost making them for home use. • First model priced at $1,295 • Not until 1967 was counter top, domestic, microwave oven was invented. http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/50selectrical.html

7. Leisure • During the 1950’s lifestyles and living standards were progressing rapidly. • America’s standard of living was one of the highest in the world. • Computers were introduced in the 1950’s. • In 1950 the Diner’s Club Card was first issued. This allowed for the paying of restaurant bills. • 1955 Disneyland opened in California

8. Works Cited: • The 1950's: A Decade of Fun, Excitement, and Induviduality! Molly. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://www.kidsnewsroom.org/elmer/infoCentral/frameset/decade/1950.htm>. • The 1950's. The People History. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1950s.html>. • Television History - The First 75 Years. Tom Genova. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. <http://www.tvhistory.tv/History%20of%20TV.htm>.