1953

In 1953, car dealers began to offer “buy now, pay later” financing options.  Labor unions began to gain strength as more an more workers became members.  The average salary for a teacher was $4,254 and the cost of a pound of round steak was 90 cents.  Transistor radios also became available.  Here are a few other historical events and facts about 1953:

World

• January 7 – President Harry S. Truman announces the development of the hydrogen bomb.
• January 20 – Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower becomes the 34th President.
• March 5 – Joseph Stalin dies after complications from a stroke.
• May 29 – Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first to climb Mount Everest.

Entertainment

• January 1 – Country music star, Hank Williams, dies at age 29.
• April 13 – Ian Flemming publishes the first James Bond book, Casino Royale.
• August 11 – Terry Bollea, aka pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, is born.

Pop Culture

• June 30 – Chevrolet builds the very first Corvette.
• December 1 – Hugh Heffner publishes the first issue of Playboy magazine.
• December 30 – The first color television goes on sale for about $1,175

Prices

• Gallon of gas – 20 cents.
• New home – $9,550.
• New car – $1,650.
• Average annual wages – $4,000.

Popular Films

• Shane
• From Here to Eternity
• War of the Worlds
• Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Popular Songs

• That’s Amore – Dean Martin
• Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes – Perry Como
• Your Cheatin’ Heart – Hank Williams
• The Doggie in the Window – Patti Page