A new form of family entertainment grew more popular during 1951 as television lineups expanded to include comedies, adventures, mysteries and game shows. Several new series premiered during 1951, including the Red Skelton Show and Edward R. Murrow's See It Now. Adventures of Ellery Queen, Captain Video and What's My Line continued to succeed with high ratings and loyal audiences. Another series, featuring the comedic genius of a goofy redhead and her husband, premiered the same year, titled I Love Lucy. Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, created characters that touched the funny bones of generations of people throughout the world.

The preservation of I Love Lucy, as well as many other shows, was made possible by advances in the technological side of television. Since 1951, the invention of the videocassette recorder (VCR) in 1971, high-definition television in 1989 and digital video discs (DVDs) in 1995 have drastically changed the way families enjoy television's entertainment. In early 1951, American audiences received a technological advance of their own - color television. The first color television broadcast was transmitted from CBS in New York in 1951.

Technological innovations in motion pictures were also apparent in 1951. The technical Oscar awards from 50 years ago are interesting to note. Jack Gaylord of the MGM Studio Construction Department won a technical achievement award for the development of balsa falling snow. Fred Ponedel of Warner Bros. Studio also received a technical achievement award for his creation of an air-driven water motor that provided wake, flow and white water for marine sequences in motion pictures. Oh, how the times have changed!

Today, Automotive Service Association (ASA) members have opportunities to reach their customers using the medium of television that was so new to the public in the 1950s. In addition to radio and television commercials that shops can independently produce to promote their business, ASA has radio and television commercials designed to increase your flow of business - capitalizing on the mediums that were so important to businesses even half a century ago.

History Quiz:

What two New York baseball teams played a “subway series” during the 1951 World Series?

See the October issue of AutoInc. for the answer.

History Quiz answer for August:

What famous “blue-eyed” crooner did Ava Gardner marry Nov. 7, 1951?

Answer: Frank Sinatra wed Ava Gardner Nov. 7, 1951

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