Celebrating a holiday after a national tragedy, 54 years ago

Thanksgiving of 1963 came six days after the assassination of President John Kennedy.  The U.S. TV networks aired only news programming for four days after the Kennedy shooting, but by Thanksgiving, they were back to regular programs, including the Macy’s parade in New York and others.  NBC coverage of the Macy’s event was described by “Bonanza” star Lorne Greene and Betty White.  On CBS, Betty’s husband, Allen Ludden…host of “Password”…was among several celebrities hosting holiday parades on that network. 

On a typical Thursday night in the fall of ’63, the nighttime version of “Password” could be seen on CBS, followed by “Rawhide” and “Perry Mason.”  “Dr. Kildare,” Donna Reed, and “The Jimmy Dean Show” also were popular on Thursdays.

Milwaukee’s downtown Christmas parade went on as usual, the day after Kennedy’s death.  Like the New York parade, Milwaukee brought in huge balloons in 1963, such as Porky Pig, Felix the Cat, and a 55-foot-long replica of Noah’s Ark.  The shooting did lead to the postponement of the Wisconsin-Minnesota college football game, moved to Thanksgiving Day, and won 14-0 by the Gophers.

The Packers were the visitors in the traditional Detroit Lions football game on Thanksgiving.  The teams played to a 13-13 tie…in 1963, yesterday in La Crosse.