Then: When first introduced to the market and going into commercial production after World War II, televisions were scarce.
At the time of the 1952 elections, television use was picking up steam and more consumers were purchasing a set for their homes. Many listened to radio broadcasts to find out that Dwight Eisenhower beat Adlai Stevenson in the presidential race, but a lucky few were able to see televised reports.
Now: As prices dropped, televisions became more common until 1960, when 85 percent of households had a television set, according to the Federal Communication Commission.
On Tuesday night, television sets across the nation will be tuned in to watch the election results pour in.
For Harriet McFeeley of Hastings, watching the election results is a trip down memory lane.
“I think of it every year, especially when you see election parties on TV,” she said.
The first election party she can remember was in 1952 when McFeeley was 7 at the home of her parents, Harry and Murl Graham.
To read more, see Friday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
