At Discovery Villages, our supportive communities give Senior Citizens opportunities to make meaningful friendships and connections. We help Seniors actively engage in the world around them so that they can continue to live a life of meaning, joy and wonder.
What a difference seventy years can make! Seventy years ago it was 1945. World War II ended that year, and would forever change the modern world as we know it. Do you remember what you were doing in 1945? Who you were with and how old were you?
At Discovery Villages our Senior Citizens have opportunities to be in community with each other, discussing memories and shared experiences with other like-minded individuals. Come take a stroll back in time, and see if you can remember any of these facts with your friends and community. As Doris Day sings in Sentimental Journey, “Gotta Take That Sentimental Journey, That Sentimental Journey Home!”
- The cost of an average home in the USA was about $10,000
- An average annual salary was about $2,900
- Gas cost 15 cents a galloon
- An Average car cost $1,020
- Minimum wage was 40 cents an hour
- A galloon of milk was 62 cents
- A loaf of bread was 9 cents
- A postage stamp was 3 cents
- The World Series was played against Detroit vs. the Chicago Cubs (4-3)
- Wimbledon was not held due to World War II
- Percy Spencer invented the microwave oven, discovering that it could heat food
- Raymond Libby developed oral penicillin
- The Electronic Numerical Integrator Analyzer and Computer (ENIAC) is completed, which is the world’s first general purpose electronic computer. It takes up 1800 feet of floor space!
- Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin make plans for a post-war world with the Yalta Agreement. Months later, in San Francisco, the United Nations is established.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt is the 32nd president of the United States until his untimely death later that year.
- President Harry Truman succeeds Franklin D. Roosevelt as the 33rd president of the USA.
- Winston Churchill is the British Prime Minister until his resignation later that year.
- Clement Attlee succeeds Winston Churchill serving as Prime Minister for six years.
Movies & Entertainment
- On March 15, 1945, the 17th Annual Academy Awards were celebrated.
- Leo McCarey’s Going My Way won best picture at the Academy Awards about a man that joins the Roman Catholic Clergy after living a colorful life. His worldly knowledge helps him to overcome obstacles and make a difference in his new parish.
- Best Actress goes to Ingrid Bergman in Gaslight.
- Best Actor goes to Bing Crosby who played Father Chuck O’Malley in Going My Way.
- Another notable film that had seven academy award nominations but no wins was Billy Wilder’s classic film noir picture, Double Indemnity. Today it is considered one of the best films of the 20th Century.
- The Musical “Carousel” by Rodgers and Hammerstein debuts on Broadway. Years later, Rodgers admits it was his favorite musical he ever made.
Popular Songs in 1945
- Perry Como Til the End of Time
- Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters Don’t Fence Me In
- Les Brown and Doris Day Sentimental Journey
- Harry James It’s Been a Long, Long Time
- Sammy Kaye and his Orchestra Chickery Chick
Popular Books published in 1945
- George Orwell’s Animal Farm
- Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie
- John Steinbeck’s The Pearl
- E.B. White’s Stuart Little
Fashion Trends in 1945
- Dresses and skirts become shorter so that money can be saved on fabric, resulting in legs becoming a desirable asset to showcase.
- Shoulder pads became fashionable.
- Practical clothing was mainly preferred for work and freedom of movement.
- Leather, peep toes and t-strap shoes were popular, as well as flat shoes for work.
- Long hair was made stylish with Rolls, pin curls and finger waves.
- Buzzcuts for men were the norm, especially enlisted soldiers.
- Fedora hats worn at an angle were on trend for men.
- Men frequently wore their Soldier Uniforms at civilian events even after the war ended in 1945. It was common to see such uniforms worn at weddings, restaurants, and other occasions.
In 1945, many notable people were born including:
- Bette Midler- Singer-songwriter, actress, comedian, film producer and entrepreneur
- Steve Martin- Comedian, actor, writer
- Goldie Hawn- Actress
- Neil Young- Musician
- Robert Munsch- Children’s author known for such books as The Paper Bag Princess, Love You Forever, A Promise is a Promise, and more!
- Phil Jackson- A former professional basketball player, coach and current President of the New York Knicks
- Diane Sawyer- Renowned American Journalist
- Aung San Suu Kyi- Civil Rights Activist and Leader of the Burmese Opposition
- Azim Premji- Indian Businessperson, Entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Alan Mulally- Business person, Engineer and retired CEO of Ford Motor Company
- August Wilson- Pullitzer prize-winning playwright
Do you remember any of these facts or trivia? From $10,000 houses to 1800 feet of floor space for a computer, things have sure changed in seventy years!
At Discovery Villages, our wonderful communities give Seniors the opportunities to joyfully reminiscence about the past, while keeping them actively engaged in the future. Come visit us today and see how we can support your lifestyle.
Discovery Village at Sandhill offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 803.836.9545
