1963 Technology & Gadgets

The Zip Code - It was the year Robert Moon, known at the time as Mr. Zip, gave us the Zoning Improvement Plan, the 5 digit Zip Code.

Touch tone phone - AT&T introduces touch tone phones. First used in 1941, and presented at the Seattle World Fair in 1962, it first came into our homes in 1963, though a couple buttons seem to be missing.



Valium (diazepam) -

In 1959 scientist Leo Sternbach invented valium for Roche Labs who brought it on the market in 1963. It was the first t blockbuster drug becoming the largest selling pill of the era

Flymo Hover Mower -

Swedish engineer Karl Dahlman designs and sells the first flying lawn mower in Britian. Cheap, lightweight and convenient they were - and still are - a big success for the small lawns of Western Europe.

Tape Cassette - Philips introduced the compact audio cassette in Europe in 1963, and in the United States in 1964 under the trademark Compact Cassette. It was used primarily for dictation and was not until the early 1970's that the sound quality of the tape and the players made it viable for hi fidely music.

Oral Polio Vaccine - The Sabin oral Polio Vaccine which is taken with a lump of sugar is given nationwide in US and UK. No more doctors having to chase the little ones around the office with a big needle.

Measles Vaccine - John Enders developed the vaccine against measles which was approved in 1963.

1963 Toys & Gadgets

Harvey Ball invents the ubiquitous smiley face symbol.

Instant Fish

They weren't really fish, but Instant Tiny Crustaceous Plankton Used for Live Food (Brine shrimp eggs) which had been around for some time without the catchy a title.

The Easy-Bake Oven - America's first working toy oven. From Kenner Products (now a division of Hasbro) it sold 500,000 in the first year for a hefty price at the time of $15.95.

Sindy - The British version of America's Barbie which debuted in 1959. Sindy had a better boyfriend than Barbie's Ken, she had Paul, a Beatle!

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