This Week in Danvers: The Mid 1950's

We can easily find out what was making the national headlines this week in world history.

But what about the important things happening this week in Danvers history?

Here are some fun tidbits of information from back in the day, found in the archives at the . Let us know if you remember any of them, or feel free to share what your life was like back in the 50's in town.

1953:

At the beginning of the month, Millions watched as Danvers couple, Gloria Ann Gilliiland and Robert Jospeh LeBlanc, got married in New York City on the daily TV program "Bride and Groom."

One headline read "Highly Controversial Town Meeting Seen Here Monday." The highly controversial issues included the Finance Committee's "no action" recommendation on articles pertaining to the off-street parking area proposal and the new school plans. Other issues included a proposal for a new hospital on Lindall Hill. The agenda that night had 42 articles.

1954:

Polio vaccines for second grade students who were eligible were in the beginning planning phases, according to the town's Health Agent, Tracey Flagg, although the vaccine had not been proven to prevent polio. "We do not know yet whether it really prevents paralytic polio, but we cannot wait until then for planning for the protection of as many children as possible," the department said.

1956:

Ever wonder what types of foods were in the ' cafeterias back in the day? Here's a look at this week in March 1956:

• Monday: Frankforts, whipped potatoes, stewed tomatoes, milk and cookies.
• Tuesday: Turkey salad, potato sticks, cranberry sauce, ice cream and milk.
• Wednesday: Baked beans, fish cakes, tomato juice, chocolating pudding and milk.
• Thursday: Pork pie, potato, vegetable, cake and milk.
• Friday: Fish sticks, harvard beets, whipped potato, apple juice, mixed desserts, and milk.

The Sugar Bowl, which featured groceries, cigarettes and cigars, and ice cream and candy, reopened on 5 Conant Street. Their advertisement stated "You've been waiting for it! The reopening of the popular Sugar Bowl. For a light lunch or during your coffee break, visit our snack bar."

The issue of the Lord's Prayer not being said in the morning exercises at was a hot issue. At the school committee meeting, one who spoke out stated "If we should cease to include the Lord's Prayer in the morning exercise and make it discretionary of the teachers, will we be responsible for starting a trend away from God through the county, state and nation? What new giant are we creating in these complicated, selfish, somewhat Godless times? Are we going to bring about fertile conditions for fostering and nourishing Communism? The crimes of witchcraft have finally been cleared, let's not create another monster."