Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: May 4th, 2007
Hula Hooping, Somewhere USA, 1958
For experiencing the craze that’s sweeping the nation, this man sports
a cool weather plaid wool work shirt with double patch flap pockets over thin-belted jeans with navy socks and green thongs –a perfect ensemble to experience the ultimate exercise accessory- the hula hoop.
Spinning a hula hoop is an essential human experience quite unlike anything else. Far more vigorous than the moody and melodic Hawaiian dance the space age plastic hoops were cleverly named for. Like freeways, fast food, movie making, theme parks, car culture, drive-ins, and shopping malls, the hula hoop wasn’t invented here in Southern California but it was perfected here. Humans have been spinning hoops around their waists for ages. But it was Wham-O, the innovative Southern California toy maker that also brought us Frisbees, Slip ‘n Slides and Superballs, that first mass produced hula hoops in 1958. The masses bought them in epic numbers and a hula hoop fad that swept across the nation.
Speaking of Hula Hoops, Matt Plendl, the World’s Greatest Hula Hooper will join me on stage next Friday Night, May 11, at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater for —THE UNITED STATES OF CHARLES PHOENIX— my BIGGEST RETRO SLIDE SHOW EVER! Live music by legendary roller rink organist, Domenic of Moonlight Rollerway, and I will make desert for everyone on stage. Vintage dress, boos and pre-show picnics encouraged! Tell your friends!!!
Tickets & Info
Here’s to Hula Hoops, the BIG SHOW and YOU!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
May 2007
9 Comments on “Hula Hooping, Somewhere USA, 1958”
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May 4th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Just look at Mr. Shoop-shoop Hula Hoop go! Looks like he’s in front of Yamishira’s, LOL. My husband and I play frisbee in the park every weekend and I’ll surely bring my ‘hoop next time, hehe
May 4th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Sadly, my hula hoop skills never developed. It must be my hips. I am rarely envious, but I am of those who can hula hoop with the greatest of ease. Whistling, too. Not anyone can whistle!
I just noticed that he’s wearing slippers with socks, or vice versa. Did he pick those slippers up while stationed in the Philippines?
May 5th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
I love you! Applaud your work. Check out my photography at www.TomAtwood.com.
Tom
May 5th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Slippers??, I think not. Those “slippers” are what we used to call thongs, zorries or the more current name: flip flops. And he’s wearing them with black socks??!!?? A fashion DON’T to be sure.
May 5th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
I love what you do. Especial the Bob Baker piece. What memories that brought back for me. Thanks, Bruce A
May 7th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Just discovered this site. We hula hooped our hips off when it was the rage. I wish it would return. It is a great exercise. Baby boomers should be working on this, if not belly dancing!
May 7th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Great slides - thanks for sharing!
May 7th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Cool picture. Looks like one that could be taken in the present.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I’m looking forward to my first slide.
I’ve lived in Los Angeles most of my life and I even ate, regularly at the Brown Derby. What about Mokkas, Dupars, Edwards Steakhouse or The Stockyard? Any pictures of those?