Looking back, history suggests that 1963 was a pretty significant year.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Much like today, sports, pop culture and politics competed for the headlines.  The year started with ominous economic news; first-class postage was going up a penny from 4 cents to 5 cents.  In exchange, however, the American public got some added value from the US Postal Service as zip codes were introduced.  To compound this hike in postage, the price for a gallon of gas was hovering around 29 cents.

Not unlike today, this was not much cause for concern to the superstars out West as the "Say-hey Kid" signed a record $100,000 contract to continue playing centerfield for the San Francisco Giants, and Hollywood was buzzing in the after-glow of "Lawarence of Arabia" winning the Oscar for "Best Picture."  Shockingly, Willie Mays' contract wasn't the biggest news to come out of the sports world.  On the other side of the globe, James Whitaker would become the first American to summit Mt. Everest.  In Cincinnati, a buzz-cut second baseman full of hustle would triple to lead-off his career, go on to win NL rookie of the year honors, and was an early, sure bet to become the Major League all-time hit king.  Meanwhile, down in Augusta, GA, Jack Nicklaus was also making a name for himself by becoming the youngest (at the time) to win the Masters at age 23, his first of six.  Still, all these boys would be out done by a sweet-swining Southern Californian gal named Mickey Wright who won an astonishing 13 LPGA tournaments, in one season.

Not to be overshadowed by the star athletes of the day, the young celebutants would wrestle their share of the spotlight.  The art establishment was shaken to its core as Andy Warhol held his first "Pop Art Expo" and "General Hospital" made its TV debut.  Still, the brightest stars wouldn't be found in a hip New York Gallery, or on a Soap Opera soundstage.  From across the pond came "Beatlemania" as the four chaps from Liverpool made their first US TV appearance and released "I Want to Hold Your Hand."  As for the ground-breaking technologies of the day to support and broadcast this Cultural Revolution, the country was introduced to the "touch-tone" phone and the audio cassette.

Still, poltics ruled.  After careful deliberation, The Supreme Court decided that all defendants had the right to leagal counsel.  Ironically, the notorious Alcatraz was closed as a Federal Penitentiary this same year.  In the freeze-grip of the Cold War, President Kennedy delivered his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech.  Sadly, the President followed his triumphant trip to Europe with his fateful visit to Texas and American life would never be the same.  Fortunately, before that grave November Day, JFK had inspired the Nation.  Earlier that August, approximately 200,000 citizens converged in Washington, DC to march for jobs and freedom.  In the audience that day were such icons as Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte and Joan Baez.  Amazingly, these legends were just faces in the crowd compared to the thirty-four year old preacher who stood taller than the rest when he took his rightful position in front of the Lincoln Memorial and spoke of his "Dream" for America.

Meanwhile, in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, Camelback was getting ready for its first season of operation.

Today, March 24, 2009, Camelback Mountain Resort celebrates another milestone.  Today is our 123rd day of operation for the 2008-2009 winter season.  Making this season, the longest season in its history. 

To celebrate, we are offering a remarkable $12.40 lift ticket on the biggest "Hump Day" at Camelback, ever -- Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

We will continue the celebration on Saturday, April 4, 2009 with an incredible, $9.99 lift ticket.  The fourth is scheduled to be our final day of operation for this season.  At minimum, this will cap a 130 day season. 

Fittingly, this historic season will come to a close on 4/4 @ 4.

Over the coming days and weeks, please visit this blog to gain further insight into some of the characters and personalites that have made this historic season possible.  For instance, did you know that if you measure the combined experience of just four of our master snowmakers and groomers you have over 125 years of expertise and know-how.  Yeah, that's just experience here at Camelback. 

Cheers,

Ricky (and The Camel)