On this episode of Our American Stories Brownie Wise didn't invent Tupperware but she turned it into an American institution A single mother with little formal education Wise discovered a talent for direct sales and eventually convinced inventor Earl Tupper to take his plastic containers out of department stores and sell them through parties held in American homes Tupperware parties Mary Lisa Gavenas tells how Wise rose to become Tupperware's vice president of sales built a nationwide army of mostly female sellers and transformed the Tupperware party into a cultural phenomenon of s America But after landing on the cover [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories by the late s something was happening at Malibu Surfboards were getting lighter and faster the waves were crowded with a new generation of riders and a loose fraternity of beach bums craftsmen competitors and characters was beginning to create a culture that would soon spread far beyond the California coast Our regular contributor Roger McGrath returns with the story of surfing's golden age He remembers characters like Terry Tube Steak Tracy the Malibu surfer who helped inspire Gidget along with Phil Edwards Mickey Dora Marge Calhoun and others who gave the sport [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories few television comedies have had the lasting impact of I Love Lucy When the show debuted in the early s Lucille Ball quickly became one of the most recognizable performers in American entertainment Her success did not arrive quickly For years Ball struggled to find a role that truly fit her talent moving through small film parts and studio setbacks before television offered a new opportunity Kathleen Brady author of Lucille The Life of Lucille Ball joins us to tell the story of Lucille Ball's long road to success and the breakthrough that [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Frankie Avalon became a household name before he turned twenty With hits like Venus and Why he dominated the Billboard charts during the golden age of American pop But while many teen idols faded Avalon evolved He starred alongside Annette Funicello in a string of beach party films that captured the imagination of a generation Decades later he returned to the spotlight in Grease performing Beauty School Dropout as Teen Angel a moment that introduced him to millions of new fans Frankie Avalon reflects on his music career and how he kept performing [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories when Roger McGrath first paddled out at Malibu as a boy in the s surfing was still a small fraternity with only a few decades of history in California The boards were heavy the crowds were thin and many of the men riding those waves were quietly reinventing the sport Roger grew up among them and decades later he shares the story of the surfers who built the culture he fell in love with It begins with George Freeth who brought stand-up surfing to California and Tom Blake who made the massive wooden [... more]

Pat Boone recounts his journey to fame, from winning amateur contests to becoming a rock and roll singer, selling over 45 million records and holding the record for 220 consecutive weeks on the singles charts. He shares his humble beginnings as a Christian kid in Nashville, his early days as a singer in church, and how he was thrust into the spotlight without seeking it. [... more]

The Apollo missions marked a pivotal moment in American history, as the country successfully landed a man on the moon for the first time. The story of how America got to the moon is one of determination, innovation, and sacrifice, as astronauts like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Frank Borman pushed the boundaries of space exploration. From the early days of the space race to the historic moon landing, the Apollo missions left an indelible mark on the world. [... more]

The story of Richie Valens, a 17-year-old rock and roll pioneer who died in a plane crash just eight months after his breakthrough, is told by his discoverer, Bob Keene, and Greg Hengler. Richie's rapid career ascent, his struggles with fame, and his devotion to his music and heritage are all explored in this poignant and inspiring tale. [... more]

Lucille Ball's life story is one of determination and perseverance. Born in Jamestown, New York, she faced years of rejection before her breakthrough at age 40. With her unique blend of physical comedy and charm, she defied the conventions of her time and became a household name. Her marriage to Desi Arnaz was a key factor in her success, and their partnership on the hit show I Love Lucy is still remembered fondly by audiences today. [... more]

Elvis Presley's life in show business is revealed through stories from his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and his associates. From the Elvis Exploitation Office to the Snowman's League, a club that became a status symbol in Hollywood, these stories showcase the king's personality and relationships. [... more]

Pat Boone recounts his rise to fame as a singer, from winning amateur hour contests to selling millions of records, and how his Christian upbringing and a cappella singing experience helped shape his unique voice and style. [... more]

Caregivers often struggle with emotional and spiritual well-being, but finding ways to cope and maintain hope can make a significant difference. Peter Rosenberger shares his insights and experiences as a caregiver for his wife, Gracie, and discusses the importance of spiritual WD-40, faith-based programs, and the impact of hymns on emotional well-being. [... more]

The story of how Florida was built and sold, with the Mackle brothers and Rosen brothers playing key roles in transforming the state from a rural agricultural area to a popular retirement destination, through innovative marketing and sales techniques, including installment land sales and mass media advertising. [... more]

Frankie Avalon shares his life story, from his early days as a South Philadelphia kid to his rise as a teen idol, and later, a successful actor and singer. He talks about his experiences in the entertainment industry, including his time working with John Wayne and his role in the movie 'Greece.' Avalon also shares his passion for health and wellness, and how he's created a product called Zero Pain to help people manage pain. The story of Frankie Avalon is a testament to his perseverance and determination to succeed in the face of adversity. [... more]

Kemmons Wilson, the founder of Holiday Inn, was a working-class man who turned his struggles into success. He created a chain of hotels that revolutionized the industry with standardization and franchising, making it possible for ordinary people to achieve their dreams. [... more]

Greg McDonald shares three Elvis Presley stories, including his experience as a teenager working for Colonel Tom Parker at MGM Studios and the formation of the Snowman's League, a prestigious club in Hollywood. McDonald also recounts a humorous anecdote about Elvis trying to install a mailbox and a chaotic scene at Jermaine's Liquor store in Palm Springs. [... more]

Soldiers were exposed to the psychological and health effects of nuclear tests in the Nevada Proving Grounds. One soldier, Toby Madrid, witnessed the detonation of a 19 kiloton bomb and described the intense light, thunder, and wind. Many people got sick and died due to exposure to fallout. [... more]

A daughter shares the remarkable story of her father, an Irish immigrant who turned his love of people into a successful New York City restaurant, and the strong family traditions and faith that defined their lives. [... more]

Pat Boone recounts his rise to fame, from winning national contests to selling millions of records, and how his Christian upbringing influenced his music career, including his experiences with rhythm and blues and his encounters with Elvis Presley. [... more]

Florida's transformation from a rural state to a popular retirement destination is a story of innovation and entrepreneurship. The Mackel brothers and the Rosen brothers, two families of land developers, played a significant role in shaping the state's landscape. Through their use of installment plans and mass media advertising, they sold millions of acres of land to northerners seeking a piece of the American Dream. However, their methods were not without controversy, and the federal government eventually stepped in to regulate the industry. [... more]