Driving in Ontario in the late 50s and early 60s

Cameron Bevers has created a web site detailing the History of Ontario's King's Highways.  Full of over 6,300 historical and current photos, as well as route maps, signs, and more this site is a treasure trove for anyone who drove in Ontario, as Bill most definitely did!

Books in 1961

There were lots of great books published during the year 1961, many of which are still read today.
This list from wikipedia is a good place to start looking at books published in 1961. Some of the better known books from that year include Margaret Laurence's The Stone Angel, Ian Fleming's Thunderball, Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Joseph Heller's Catch 22, Madeline l'Engel's A Wrinkle in Time, Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, John Wyndham's The Chrysalids, and J.D. Salinger's Franny & Zooey. Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child is a culinary classic.
The Pulitizer Prize for fiction went to Harper Lee for To Kill a Mockingbird, which had been published the previous year.
The Nobel Prize for Literature went to a Yugoslav (Bosnian) writer named Ivo Andric.
Significant non-fiction works that year included John Howard Griffin's Black Like Me and Memos from Purgatory by science fiction cult author (and soon-to-be Star Trek script-writer) Harlan Ellison.
Information on the (American) National Book Awards can be found here, while Canadian literary awards for 1961 can be viewed here.

Three classic television shows debuted in 1961

During 1961, three classic and highly influential television shows debuted:

•  The Avengers, in the United Kingdom (ITV).  Click here for an overview and clips from BFI's screenonline, a great source for British film and television history.
•  The Dick Van Dyke Show in the United States (CBS).  Click here  to view stills and footage from the original, pilot episode.
•  Reach for the Top in Canada (CBC).  Click here for some clips from CBC's digital archives.

More nostalgic treats can be found when you click here for a quick list of summaries and clips of North American shows broadcast during the 1961 fall season.

Music sets the mood

If you're interested in music of the 50s, you know about rock pioneer, Buddy Holly.  At the end of the month, Rave On, a tribute album to Buddy will be released.  Artists like Paul McCartney, Florence and the Machine, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, and She and Him, cover many of Buddy's famous songs, paying reverence to his legacy, as well as giving these iconic tunes a modern twist. 

This is an album all generations can enjoy. If you're interested in getting a preview, click here, as NPR is streaming the entire album.

Bring your good wishes and fondest memories

The invitations have been sent out by mail and we all hope that you can join us on July 29th for  the 50th anniversary celebrations . Rather than presents, please bring your good wishes, best memories, and finest stories.  These are the gifts that Bill and Lorraine will treasure the most.