The 1950s often are portrayed as a time of youthful exuberance and post-World War II suburbia happiness as the economic engine continued to hum along. And it was, of course, a magical time of growing up for those who are now in or approaching their eighth decade of circling the sun.
But it was also a period of incredible history in the making. The Library of Congress has a great 1950s timeline that outlines some of these events, including the ascension of Queen Elizabeth, the start of the Korean War, the start of trials with the polio vaccine and the Montgomery Bus Boycott and rise of the Civil Rights Movement.
On the literature front we saw the publication of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” Kerouac’s “On The Road” and Miller’s “The Crucible.” We added Alaska and Hawaii as states. And on the local front: The Boerne Public Library opened in 1952, which has promoted our year-long celebration of all things 1950s!
We have a great team working on a 70th celebration, with multiple events planned each month. Many thanks to Natalie Morgan, Sandy Johnston, Mary Urh, Libby Quintero and Erica Metz for all their hard work!
Our celebration continues this summer with a great lineup of summer reading programs for all ages. Stop by soon for a brochure detailing all the events or keep an eye on our calendar.
But two programs I especially want to highlight today include our oral history program and our July 21st Live! At the Library concert.
With equipment purchased from our Silver Library initiative, we now have two mobile oral history video units ready to record the stories of our community. During the months of June and July, we’ll be utilizing this equipment at the Kronkosky Center to hear about what it was like living in the 1950s.
Whether you grew up right here in Boerne or as far away as Oregon, we’d love to hear from you. We’ll be taking reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Call Caren at the library for more details. Each story recorded will be saved digitally in the Dietert Historical Archives and a copy will be given to participants.
Mark your calendar now to attend the July 21 Live! At the Library concert at 7 pm. at the amphitheater with The New Buddy Holly Band. All of your favorite 50s gals will be on hand to guide you through a hula hoop competition, a hand jive contest and, of course, all the great music from that time period.
The library staff has all its “yearbook” pics up in the gallery for a fun walk down memory lane as well. Stop by to see the beauty school dropout and who was voted most talkative!
There’s a lot more programming in store for you throughout the year as well! Hope to see you soon at the liveliest library in Rockville!
Other programs in May:
Don’t miss this Thursday’s Live! At the Library with the Haywire Bluegrass Band. The quartet will have you toe-tappin’ in no time to the sounds of the south. Like jazz and the blues, bluegrass is a unique American music tradition. You won’t want to miss this one.
There is still time to RSVP to the May 26 Magical History Tour trip to Fredericksburg, which celebrated its 175th anniversary last year! But if you are interested, please let me know ASAP, so we can make the appropriate lunch reservations and give the museum a head count.
Historic structures abound in the German-infused community of Fredericksburg, and you are invited to join us that day starting at the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. in downtown Fredericksburg. On its three-plus acres is a clutch of distinct architectural treasures that were originally owned by some of Fredericksburg’s earliest pioneers. Here we will tour buildings and view artifacts and displays.
After the Pioneer Museum tour, we will regroup at the Markplatz (126 E. Main St.) and visit the Vereins Kirche Museum. With its origins grounded in 1847, the original Vereins Kirche was a multi-purpose building which stood in the middle of Main Street for 50 years (1847-97). The building was a church, school and meeting place for the people of the young community.
The original building was demolished in 1897and rebuilt in 1935. Due to its distinctive shape, it has been nicknamed “the Coffee Mill.”
If you would like to join us, please plan to arrive at 9:45 a.m. The cost for the morning tour is $12.50 per person (check, cash or credit card) and will be collected at the museum. Lunch, if you are interested in joining, will be Dutch treat.
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