Today, I’m looking back to 1955, when Gene and Bessie gave birth to their first daughter, Eugenia. It’s hard to believe; I’m 66 years old today, September 16. Happy Birthday to me!
First of all, let’s talk about all my names. My birth name is Eugenia, meaning well-born. One must admire my Mom’s determination for her children, especially her daughters, to attend college. My sister and I attended Catholic private girl college preparatory schools growing up in Philadelphia.
Then, of course, one has to have an affectionate childhood name, mine, Cookie. Perhaps the name Cookie because Eugenia is not the easiest name for children to pronounce and even some adults. And I do still enjoy sweets and cookies. Who remembers penny candy?
In the third chapter of my life, I get to be GIna. Interestingly, only my hubby, Trent, calls me Gina.
Now back to looking back at the year 1955:
1955 World News:
♠ Winston Churchill retires as British Prime Minister
♣ Israel and Egypt agree to a cease-fire
♥ The Geneva Conference Is held to discuss peaceful uses of atomic energy.
1955 National News:
◊ Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
♠ Captain Kangaroo and The Mickey Mouse Club make their debut
♣ Albert Einstein passed away from heart failure at the age of 76.
♥ Harland “Colonel” Sanders goes on the road selling his fried chicken.
♦ Disneyland opens in California.
1955 Television Favorites:
♦ What’s My Line
◊ I Love Lucy
♦ Ed Sullivan Show
1955 Cost of Living:
New House……………..$10,950.00
Average Income………..$4137.00 per year
New Car……….$1910.00
Average Rent………$87.00 per month
Tuition to Harvard………$800.00 per year
Movie Ticket ………..75¢ each
Gasoline………..23¢ per gallon
First-class Postage Stamp……..3¢ each
Cost of (Living) Food:
Granulated Sugar………..85¢ for 10 pounds
Vitamin D Milk……….92¢ per gallon
Ground Coffee………80¢ per pound
Bacon………..58¢ per pound
Eggs………27¢ per dozen
Fresh Ground Hamburger……..56¢ per pound
Fresh Baked Bread……..18¢ per loaf
As a child, I remember saying I was never getting old. If you are over 50, we say seasoned. When I look back at the cost of living, you could feel ancient, but I still believe the best is yet to come.
I plan to spend the day relaxing at the Spa at the Hotel Hershey to celebrate my birthday.
As always, thank you for reading.
