Backyard Almanac

1959.  One of the best-selling cars in the US was the "fins and flash" Ford Fairlane. Kids were rockin' 'round the clock to Bobby Darin, Frankie Avalon, the Platters, the Coasters ... and more than a few Northland teens had seen Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Frankie Valens and the Big Bopper at the Winter Dance Party  in January at the Duluth Armory. Folks shopped at Kresge's or Oreck's Department Store or Glass Block downtown and brought home treats from the Danish Bakery on the west end. Northland Foods was still making and distributing Chun King brand oriental foods, and you could have a nice meal at The Flame restaurant and then take a boat tour on the Streamliner.   In the evening, families gathered in the flickering light of the black and white set to enjoy The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, Rawhide andThe Ed Sullivan Show. 1959.  Oh yeah, that was the last time Duluth made it all the way through December without any subzero temperatures, too.