Somerville in 1959

[mzrowan.livejournal.com]

This video is long but fun. It was made in 1959 as part of the re-election bid of Mayor Donovan (which failed). The first eight minutes is a bit dry unless you're really into trucks, but after that it picks up. I especially enjoyed the list of disasters at the end. Remember: "This is Practical Progress!"

Comments

[ronhaha108.livejournal.com]

Wow, devastating hurricanes Carol and Edna and the St Patty's Day blizzard leaving behind 44" of snow as well as flash floods, sounds like early signs of global warming. If only mayor Donovan had said something back then. Practical Progress!

Fun to watch, thx for posting.

[ron_newman]

I'm wondering what practical use a half-hour campaign film had in 1959. Surely it was not shown as a TV commercial.

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Possibly it was part of a fund-raising pitch to businesspeople or community groups? Like, shown at a fundraising dinner or something? Just a guess.

[freetobeme18.livejournal.com]

Awesome!

[fefie.livejournal.com]

This video is fascinating! Thanks so much for posting about it.

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

Love the line about Ford choosing the Somerville plant to manufacture Edsels. LOL

[smammy]

"The first eight minutes is totally awesome unless you're not into trucks…"

[abilouise.livejournal.com]

I love how they say that there are so many more trucks to show, but they're only showing the best ones because, as exciting as it would be to watch for 20 minutes, there's limited time.

[masswich.livejournal.com]

So many great references in here for the Somerville junkie. He heralds removing unsightly trees and dangerous brick sidewalks too.