Once upon a time in a far away land…
Olympic Valley, Calif. – In 1960, the entire population of Placer County stood at a mere 57,000. Roseville’s population teetered around 13,000, Lincoln’s hovered over 3,000, while neighboring Rocklin was home to just about 1,500 residents.
Just imagine the thrill of local residents in these small communities at the time they learned that the 1960 Olympic Games would be coming to Placer County at Squaw Valley. (Squaw Valley renamed to Palisades Tahoe)
Check out a few fun facts below along with YouTube videos users have shared that capture some of the spirit from this bygone era as we flashback to 1960 in Placer County.
History Channel
Facilities
This color film is about the facilities being built to host the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Copyright 1960 by Harrah’s Club, a casino hotel located in downtown Reno, Nevada.
Opening of the 1960 Games
Skiing in Action
USA vs USSR in Hockey
Winter Olympics Now and Then
| 1960 Winter Olympics | Today | |
|---|---|---|
| # of athletes | 665 | 2,834 |
| # of events | 27 | 109 |
| # of teams | 30 | 91 |
| Calif min wage | $1 | $16 |
| Gas prices | ~.31 cents | ~$4.00 |
| Popular Music | The Sound of Music | Taylor Swift |
| Price of a stamp | .04 cents | .68 cents |
| Movie | Ben-Hur (religious) | Barbie (comedy) |
| TV Show | Gunsmoke | Suits |
| Comedian | Lenny Bruce | Kevin Hart |
