State Fair 1962

Fifty years ago yesterday, the State Fair of Texas opened for a two week run. 1962 was Big Tex’s, and according to my mom, my 10^th Fair. Martha and I went again in Friday, it was not my 60^th Fair, as I missed the rest of the ‘60s except for 1967 and early ‘70s when away at college and in the military service, and one or two other times.

Many of the details are different. In 1962, it opened on Saturday morning rather than Friday, and remain open for two, not three, weeks. The Comet roller coaster was still there. So was the monorail that ran between automobile building and the Midway – that was supposed to be the transportation of the future. The last proponent of that mode was the late Mad Max Goldblatt, Pleasant Grove hardware store owner and City Councilman in the late 1970s - 1980s.

Nearly all of the cars exhibited were American made. The only foreign cars of note on the streets were of German, British, and occasional Italian and French, make. I believe the Datsun (which I understand Nissan Motors is re-introducing soon) made its debut in ‘62.

The movie State Fair with Pat Boone, Ann-Margret, and Bobby Darin that was based on our State Fair of Texas had its debut in 1962.

One major detail difference: I recall in ‘62 nearly all women of any age wore dresses. This year, I only noticed one (and there was not much to it).

The essence of the Fair is the same. Hope to make it many more years to come..
        

On Friday in Waco, the Rangers won 14 -12 over University High. The big play was when Don Erler caught a 23 yard pass to score in the second quarter. The big defensive players were Gilbert Trevino, Steve Seward, and Richard Jackson.

 

Fast forward 50 years, Jesuit beat Richardson Berkner 52 - 7 at home.

Here’s the weather for the ‘62 Fair.