Overheard in Detroit December 1962

I just heard that Wayne State is raising tuition all the way up to $11.20 per credit hour; preposterous…that works out to nearly $1500 in tuition, over four years.

JFK had better damn well have something to say about this madness; Lord knows…it’s sweeping the nation.


“I heard the Tigers are looking at a colored kid to play the outfield this season. Some day a colored guy will beat out Ruth and Maris as home run champs.”

Yeah, and some day a colored kid will be president of these United States.”


Man, that dance “The Twist” is the craziest, Daddio.
Sometimes you can even see women’s lower calves when they gyrate.
Is this moral?
Better ask the Pastor.


“How will Cuba Embargo Affect Detroit’s Big 4?”

“When will Detroit host World’s Fair?”

“Are you going to the Auto Show?”

“Are you going to the Fireworks?”

“Are you going to the Parade?”

“What’s that smell at Hudson’s?”

“Why is Ann Arbor trying to be part of Detroit?”


“Oh my God, a colored family just moved into the neighborhood”

“My friend has this penpal from some town in England called Liverpool. Anyway this English person was telling my friend about some band called the Bittles or Beatlers or something, that just got signed, says they could be big. We will probably never hear about them over here”


And the winner is:


Overheard in homeroom on Monday morning —

“Did you hear that little colored boy singing at the sock hop last Saturday night?

Yeah, I was right at the front of the stage watching him. You know he’s blind, right?

Really? Well, regardless - he can sure sing!

Hummm…wonder if we’ll ever hear about him again?”