1950s era remembered at library show

HUNTLEY — Singer Heather Brauodakis and her knowledge and singing talents highlighted the many advances made in the “Fun, Fabulous Fifties” during a Monday morning Huntley Area Public Library show.

The hour of toe-taping music and 1950s trivia was enjoyed by an audience of about 20 on June 19, many of whom answered the tidbit questions correctly.

“The 1950’s stood out for many reasons, including innovation and inventions,” she said.

Dressed in 1950s clothes for the show, Brauodakis started her program with the song “Rock Around the Clock” and concluded with “A Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

Among the fun facts of the decade included: in 1950, the cost of the average home was $8,450 and grew to $12,000 a decade later; the cost of a gallon of milk started at 83 cents and rose to $1; the average cost of a car was $1,510 and in 1952 three of five families owned one; and gas was 18 cents a gallon. Entertainment stars included Elvis Presley and his first No. 1 song, “Heartbreak Hotel”; Connie Francis, Little Richard, Frank Sinatra. Top TV shows of the early 1950s included “I Love Lucy”; “Perry Mason” and “Lassie”. Brauodakis explained her start in singing, with a 20-year anniversary June 22.

“One day a friend of mine, who was an activity director at a Chicago senior citizens residency, suggested that I should try singing because there weren’t enough female singers,” said Brauodakis, of Hoffman Estates.

Brauodakis has expanded her themed shows to total more than 30, from musicals to patriotism and Elvis Presley songs and movies.

Her singing talents have led to performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and renditions of the National Anthem. “My favorite singer of all-time is Karen Carpenter,” Brauodakis said.

Also at the library, a program is “Legends of Surf Music” with  musician and historian Randy Walker from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 24.