We happened upon this kind of funny, kind of embarrassing video from the 1950’s that we think you might enjoy (or get mildly enraged at) when you watch it. That period in time was really a turning point in the USA. On the negative side (and we say all of this with the benefit of hindsight) because much of it won’t pass muster in today’s world. But, that world of the 1950’s was nothing like today. Racism was still rampant, as was “putting women in their place.” The US was grappling with the Korean War. Senator Joseph McCarthy gained power, and McCarthyism (1950–1954) begins; not a stellar moment in our opinion. On the positive side, The comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz, is first published – a classic in almost everyone’s eyes – to this day.
But, for sure one of the most notable advances that came out in the 1950’s was better access to travel (which is why we’re writing about it.) Recently, we happened upon a video on YouTube recently that featured the rather spectacular Lockheed Constellation airliner, one of the fifties’ best products. (see image above.) Probably its most noteworthy attribute was that the Constellation series was the first pressurized-cabin civil airliner series to go into global use. It could fly higher, which meant it was faster, which meant that more flights were available to book. People started to have more money again after the war, and also, tourism rose. So too did the continuing allure of TV and movie stars. And those TV and movie stars certainly had a pull on your average Joe and their pocketbooks.
So, where are we going with this? Those were different times and we’re lucky to be able to reach deep down into the world’s history archives to share with you. So, close your eyes and envision yourself in 1957. Watch the video below and get pulled back in time to see what it was like being there, especially if you were a trim smiling hostess. (That phrase will never fly now!)
For you Avgeeks, here are the stats for this magnificent beast: Maximum speed: 330 mph (530 km/h, 290 kph) Cruise speed: 304 mph (489 km/h, 264 kn) · Range: 5,150 mi (8,290 km, 4,480 nmi)
Click here to see a shiny, clean example of the Connie (and so much more) at the Smithsonian. in Washington DC, USA.
Expedia’s Viator brand can get you into the Smithsonian. Click above to look & book.
Take the train to Washington DC. Do the right thing. Click here to book an Amtrak rail trip.