1

Dance marathons

Image: Ardian Lumi

Dancing has always been a praised activity for having some fun and passing the time. It’s simple and requires nothing but a music-playing device. So, back in the ‘20s, people felt the need to find a new twist for this basic entertainment and so they thought making dance marathons was a great idea.

How did they work? The concept was as simple as dancing: Couples would compete to see who could dance the longest all for a shot at cash prizes. But we’re not talking hours here—the contest could last for days! Audiences watched in fascination (and a bit of morbid curiosity, we might add) as exhausted dancers pushed their bodies to the limit. Remember, this was a time when missing out on a chance for quick money and a bit of fun was not a possibility!

2

Flagpole sitting

Image: Jonathan Simcoe

We don’t know if he was trying to break a record or if he just needed some alone time, but after Alvin "Shipwreck" Kelly climbed atop a flagpole in 1924 and stayed there for over 13 hours, a new fad was born: flagpole sitting.

And speaking of basic trends, this is exactly as you read it: People all over America were climbing up and sitting on flagpoles to see how long they could stay up there. We can all agree that these people were after entertainment and a bit of competition. And it got so serious the record eventually stretched to an astonishing 49 days!

By the 1930s, though, the thrill wore off and the fad faded, but the absurdity of it all remains—and earned it a spot on this list!

3

Stickball and stoopball

Image: Jeremy Stewardson

Sports today are no longer just about playing the game. For most of them, you need a lot of equipment, which is rather expensive, especially if you’re going to use it in the streets with your friends from the block.

Back in the ‘20s, baseball equipment was hard to come by. As a result, American kids in crowded urban areas came up with their own inventive versions of the game: stickball and stoopball. The fun behind this trend? Using whatever they had on hand to play: Broomsticks for bats, rubber balls, and parked cars or stoops as bases. The games required nothing more than creativity and a few friends. And no one can deny—the 1920s were indeed a creative time!

4

Johnny on a pony

Image: freestocks

This is a trend that started in the 1940s, and the names used for this game are simply hilarious: "Strong horses, weak donkeys," "Hunch, Cuddy, Hunch," just to name a few.

Johnny on a Pony, or Buck Buck, was a rough-and-tumble game in which one team bent over to form a "horse" while the other team took turns jumping on their backs, trying to knock them over .

You may think this was innocent, but not quite—it was chaotic, sometimes painful, and, more often than not, left participants in a pile of tangled limbs.

Kids do not care for those things, but the game’s physical nature made it exhilarating and dangerous at the same time. That’s why, eventually, concerned parents and schools stepped in and banned it—one too many injuries to keep it going!

5

Drive-In movie theaters

Image: Tim Mossholder

Movie theaters are great, but drive-in movie theaters are even better—they were the ultimate fusion of America’s love for cars and entertainment.

The first official drive-in theater opened in 1933, and it was an alternative for families to a fun and affordable night out under the night sky, watching a movie from the comfort of their car . No wonder this quickly became a beloved American pastime. And you can already imagine whose favorite this was: Teens and young couples, who enjoyed the privacy of their cars while watching the latest films of the time.

The trend slowly faded as film rentals became more popular, and later with the rise of streaming platforms. However, keep an eye out for this one, because it’s definitely making a comeback!

6

Miniature golf

Image: Will Porada

Some may argue that the fad behind miniature golf never actually died, and that’s partially true. But let’s go back to the time it first appeared and all the craze that erupted around it.

It wasn’t until Garnet Carter opened his "Tom Thumb" golf course in 1927 that miniature golf became a true sensation . Located in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Carter’s course wasn’t just about putting greens; it also featured miniature goblins, gnomes, and other fun obstacles for players.

We don’t know if he knew this would be so successful, but Carter went all in: He patented the design, and it hit the jackpot—miniature golf became a nationwide success.

7

Hood ornaments

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Funny thing about the past: You didn’t always need to be extravagant to be trendy—sometimes, just a tiny ornament on your car was enough.

In the 1920s and ‘30s, no car was complete without a stylish hood ornament adorning its radiator . At first, these ornaments were designed to check on the engine temperature. But they soon evolved into artistic expressions of each brand to showcase wealth and personality.

We all recognize the winged goddess or the jaguar jumping out of the car, right?

However, this trend didn’t last long. As car designs modernized and safety became a concern, hood ornaments became less common, and eventually, all but disappeared. If you see a car with one of these today, you can bet it’s worth more than one can get in a lifetime!

8

Kilroy was here

Image: Richard Cohrs

There are two generations: One is looking for Waldo, and the other is looking for Kilroy. Which one do you belong to? Now, if you’re wondering who Kilroy is, let us tell you.

Kilroy was a doodle, and the complete drawing consisted of Kilroy and a message that read "Kilroy Was Here." This graffiti popped up just about everywhere during World War II.

The doodle, featuring a bald, long-nosed figure peeking over a wall, was a symbol of American presence and humor. It’s said that Kilroy was originally the work of James J. Kilroy, a shipyard inspector who scrawled it on equipment he inspected.

But that was just the beginning—the drawing spread to every corner of the globe. Have you ever come across one?

9

Swing dancing

Image: Clarisse Meyer

Few things are as time-sensitive and culturally reflective of an era, don’t you think? In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s and 1930s, the dance that dominated every dance floor was swing . And it makes perfect sense—this was the Jazz Age, so swing dancing perfectly matched the exuberance of that music!

Dances like the Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Jitterbug took over dance halls, with young people spinning, jumping, and flipping to the infectious rhythm of big bands.

Older generations sometimes frowned upon the flashy, intimate dance styles, but that only made them more appealing to rebellious youth. Some things never change!

10

Stamp collecting

Image: Tolga deniz Aran

Philately is the collection of stamps or the study of them, and it became a fad across the United States during the 1920s and the ‘30s. Why? Here is the reason.

Stamps offered people a way to explore history, geography, and art. They were everyday items, easy to access, and nobody could escape them. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an avid stamp collector. Not that he needed them to learn about history or art—it was just a way to have fun.

Contrary to other trends we have discussed, schools encouraged this hobby, because it was both educational and enjoyable. Collecting stuff is a never-ending trend; there are all kinds of collections today and stamp collections today are almost invaluable!

1

Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe

Image: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Strange as it may sound, Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe developed a beautiful friendship in the 1950s. Hollywood's favorite blonde was a big fan of Fitzgerald's music and went to see her perform in Los Angeles in 1954. When they met in person they became inseparable.

Monroe helped her land a gig at the famous Mocambo nightclub in Los Angeles, which had previously turned Fitzgerald down. These performances were a turning point in the career of the Queen of Jazz. Marilyn used to say that Ella was her favorite person and that she loved her as a person and as a singer. They remained friends until Monroe's death at the age of 36.

2

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams

Image: Tholey, A. (Augustus), artist, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are perhaps America's most famous pair of "frenemies". Their historic relationship began in 1775. Despite their very different political views, the two Founding Fathers maintained an on-and-off relationship for five decades, tinged by a mixture of mutual respect and contempt.

Their relationship began to crack when George Washington decided not to run for a third term, and Adams and Jefferson had to compete for the presidency. They stopped speaking to each other for 12 years, but finally, in 1812, they resumed contact. Perhaps as proof of their troubled but strong friendship, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died just a few hours apart on July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

3

Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot

Image: Flybynight

One was a comedian of the absurd, the other a melancholic poet and Nobel laureate. Believe it or not, Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot were friends and admired each other. In 1961, Eliot wrote to Marx, telling him he was a fan and asking for an autographed photo. Marx agreed to the request and asked the same of Eliot. For the next three years, the two became pen pals, exchanging many letters.

According to Groucho Marx, they shared three things: an affection for good cigars, a love of cats, and a weakness for puns. However, when they finally met in person in 1964 they realized that they didn’t have that much in common after all and their relationship started to fade.

4

Ulysses S. Grant and James Longstreet

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ulysses S. Grant was the commander of the Union Army during the Civil War. James Longstreet, on the other hand, fought for the Confederate Army and became one of General Robert E. Lee's most trusted officers. That should make them enemies, right? Well, not exactly.

Grant and Longstreet became friends as young officers in the US Army and served together in the Mexican-American War. Years later they went their separate ways but were reunited after the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Court House. In fact, it was Longstreet who convinced General Lee to surrender, knowing that Grant would offer him generous terms. As soon as Grant saw Longstreet, he shook his hand warmly and asked him to play a game of cards for old time's sake.

5

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Image: DawesDigital, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Susan B. Anthony is known for having been a tireless activist who dedicated most of her 86 years to achieving women's suffrage. In 1851, Anthony met suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, with whom she developed a lifelong friendship. Together they launched a national women's suffrage movement, published a newspaper called The Revolution , and gave many lectures.

Stanton died in 1902 and Anthony in 1906. It was not until 1920 that women were allowed to vote legally for the first time in U.S. federal elections, yet the legacy of these two friends was certainly invaluable.

6

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla

Image: Marija Zaric

Can a literary genius and a giant of science become good friends? In the case of Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla, the answer is definitely yes. Although the professions of writer and inventor seem very different, they actually have something very strong in common: creativity.

Tesla, who had been bedridden for nine months because of cholera, found in Twain's work a refuge that made him completely forget his state of despair. Meanwhile, Twain was fascinated by technological innovations and, in particular, by electricity. When the two men finally met in the 1890s, they became close friends. Over the years they maintained an assiduous correspondence and supported each other both professionally and personally.

7

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett

Image: ENERGY.GOV, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the richest men in the United States, have been friends for more than 30 years. They met in 1991 at a Fourth of July celebration, and although they thought they had nothing in common, they spent 11 hours discussing business and philanthropy.

Bill and Warren played ping-pong together, traveled the world for business and pleasure, and shared several initiatives to encourage billionaires to invest their money in social and charitable endeavors. The creator of Microsoft also claims that Warren Buffett's advice and business vision were indispensable for the growth of his company.

8

Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley

Image: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 1860s, Elizabeth Keckley, a former slave who had managed to buy her freedom and start a sewing business, landed an important position in the White House as Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln's personal dressmaker. Despite their different upbringings, the two women developed a close relationship. In fact, the first lady came to describe her as her best friend.

Over the years Keckley became a confidant of Mrs. Lincoln; the two women traveled and worked together to raise money for the war effort. Unfortunately, their friendship ended when Keckley published her memoirs in 1868. Keckley had wanted the book to celebrate Mrs. Lincoln's legacy, but the First Lady felt betrayed as it revealed some private conversations.

9

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bob Hope

Image: NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout his long career, comedian Bob Hope was a frequent White House visitor who had the honor of entertaining 11 different commanders-in-chief. In fact, he considered them the best possible audience. But of all the presidents who laughed at his jokes, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the one with whom he formed the most enduring relationship.

They met in Algeria in 1943 when Eisenhower was a General for the U.S. Army and Hope was performing at a United Service Organization show. They immediately hit it off. Even when Ike became president 10 years later their friendship continued. They often exchanged letters and played golf together.

10

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

Image: Bill Ingalls, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck met in the 1980s in Cambridge, Massachusetts when they were still young children. They bonded over their passion for basketball and acting, and have been friends ever since. In fact, while in high school, they often traveled together to audition.

Damon and Affleck's partnership is arguably one of the most successful in Hollywood. They not only acted in movies together several times, but they also co-wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting , which earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1997.

11

Truman Capote and Barbara "Babe" Paley

Image: Eric Koch for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another controversial friendship was that of author Truman Capote and New York socialite Barbara "Babe" Paley. This odd couple met in the late 1960s after Capote published In Cold Blood and became something of a celebrity. They quickly became close friends and confidants.

However, when in 1975 Capote published a preview of his forthcoming book Answered Prayers in Esquire magazine airing some of his friend’s secrets, their relationship was forever ruined. Although the writer admired Babe and considered her perfect, he could not resist the temptation to betray her.

12

John F. Kennedy and Frank Sinatra

Image: FotoshopTofs

No one knows exactly when and how they met, but it is not surprising that US President John F. Kennedy and music legend Frank Sinatra were friends. In addition to their mutual admiration, their relationship was beneficial to both. Sinatra gained access to the halls of power, while Kennedy relied on The Voice's charm and popularity to win votes in the 1960 presidential election.

When Kennedy won, the president-elect publicly thanked Sinatra for his campaign efforts. Unfortunately, the friendship fell apart after JFK entered the White House. According to lore, First Lady Jackie Kennedy didn't like the singer. And, let's be honest, Sinatra's alleged connections to organized crime weren't a good look for a head of state anyway.

1

Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N’ Roses

Image: Kyle Buss

Fans of Guns N’ Roses will tell you how fast "Sweet Child O’ Mine" was written. In under an hour, the band developed the accompaniment for a melody one of them had come up with—a hand-warming riff that guitarist Slash was playfully improvising. That same riff, by-now famous guitar melody, opens the song.

Hearing the result, Axl Rose wrote lyrics inspired by his then-girlfriend, Erin Everly, whose smile, it seemed to him, reminded him of childhood memories. Remarkably, he completed the poem in a single day. Later, while recording in the studio, the band made another on-the-spot call: they decided to include a sung line that Axl Rose had been repeating while searching for an ending to the song, "Where do we go now?"

2

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Image: Call Me Fred

Michael Jackson didn’t shy away from saying that he always knew "Billie Jean" was going to be a hit. While writing it, he was aware that he had hit material in his hands, and he worked on it accordingly. Thanks to his rigorous daily vocal training during the production of Thriller , Jackson recorded the main vocal in a single take. The song was mixed 91 times , while he and producer Quincy Jones strived for perfection. In the end, they settled on mix number two—the version we know today.

But here is the most impressive anecdote behind "Billie Jean." Jackson was driving his Rolls-Royce between recording sessions, obsessed with finding the best ideas for his song. He was so absorbed that he didn’t notice the underside of his car had caught fire —until a passing biker alerted him.

3

You Give Love a Bad Name - Bon Jovi

Image: Benjamin Farren

Can you imagine the iconic opening vocals of "You Give Love a Bad Name" belted out by any other voice than Jon Bon Jovi’s? A female voice, perhaps? Surprisingly, the melody was originally written by hitmaker Desmond Child for Bonnie Tyler . Her version, titled "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)," featured different lyrics, and was released earlier that same year in 1986.

Dissatisfied with the final result of Tyler’s song, Child decided to take the same seed of an anthem and team up with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora to rework it. The result was a powerhouse anthem that propelled Bon Jovi to the top of the charts. It also marked a radical change in the band’s career, which veered from then on to a more radio-friendly, arena-rock sound that would define their style.

4

Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey

Image: Kristina Chuprina

If you strip this '80s rock anthem of its drums, bass, guitar, and even its melody, you’re left with a simple yet powerful plea: "Don’t stop believing." Those words have a heartfelt origin. When Jonathan Cain was invited to join Journey, he started working on a song, first deciding that he was going to name it after the words his father would repeat to him over the phone while he was still a struggling musician in L.A.: "Don’t stop believing or you are done , dude."

Cain wrote the emotional chorus first before sharing the project with the band to complete it together. That’s why it’s said that the song was written "backward ." The arrangements were carefully crafted to build up to the climactic final chorus. If you pay attention, this one doesn’t appear until near the end of the song—a structure that sets it apart.

5

We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel

Image: David Clode

119 significant events are mentioned in the famous 1989 song by "Piano Man" Billy Joel. A rapid-fire history lesson, covering science, sports, music, politics, cultural icons, movies, and so many more, is uttered to assemble an image of the 40 years the artist had lived until then—from 1949 to 1989. The story of how he stumbled upon the idea for this musical whirlwind is just as fascinating.

Legend has it that Joel was in the studio one day when Sean Lennon, John Lennon’s son , visited with a young friend. The 20-year-old started complaining about the hardships of growing up in the ‘80s, and Joel replied that the ‘60s weren’t exactly easy either. This sparked a discussion where each mentioned world-relevant events they had lived through. Inspired, Joel jotted down the events and began piecing them together, eventually crafting the iconic song.

6

I Will Always Love You - Dolly Parton

Image: Wes McFee

"I Will Always Love You," immortalized by Whitney Houston ’s rendition for The Bodyguard (1992), was actually written 18 years earlier by Dolly Parton. Although it became a romantic power ballad in the voice of Houston, the original version hadn’t been written with romance or heartbreak in mind—it was a heartfelt farewell.

In 1972, after having become a performing regular in The Porter Wagoner Show , Dolly Parton decided it was time to leave and pursue her own path. Her deep appreciation for Wagoner and her love for her colleague drove her to write a sweet, sincere song to express her feelings. Explaining that, despite needing to move on, and regardless of where life took her, she would always love him. Touched by the song, Wagoner loved it and asked to produce it himself.

7

Maniac - Michael Sembello

Image: David Monje

"Maniac," made famous for its inclusion in the Flashdance (1983) soundtrack, is another example of a song that started with a very different theme. Its original name was still "Maniac," yes. But it wasn’t originally about a passionate dancer—it was about a serial killer.

Dennis Matkosky, the song’s author, had seen in the news a story about a psychotic criminal and conjured in his mind a song that warned of his deeds . Together with his friend Michael Sembello, they finished that version for their own amusement. The demo ended up being one of the songs used in the set of Flashdance for being upbeat, catchy, and danceable. Director Adrian Lyne grew so fond of it that he asked Matkosky and Sembello to rewrite the lyrics to better suit the film. The reworked song became a global hit, reaching the top 10 of pop charts in multiple countries that year.

8

Shout - The Isley Brothers

Image: Brett Sayles

If hearing the song "Shout" by The Isley Brothers makes you think of a festive event where a band interacts with a dancing audience, it means the song retained its original spirit. The iconic phrase "Jump up and shout now" was part of a series of playful instructions the band improvised during a live performance. At the time, they were covering "Lonely Teardrops," a Jackie Wilson hit, and went off on a tangent building on the climax of that song.

The band began shouting ad-libbed lines , encouraging the crowd to participate. That responsorial dynamic became the foundation of "Shout," and evolved further through subsequent performances. Once the song was written down and recorded, it became a timeless classic. Today, this 1959 hit remains a staple at celebrations around the world.

9

You’re So Vain - Carly Simon

Image: Dinielle De Veyra

A song with the famous line "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you," has sparked decades of speculation about who inspired it. Mick Jagger, James Taylor, and Warren Beatty were all rumored to be the subject behind Carly Simon’s famous song. The singer and songwriter delighted in keeping the identity of any precise man a secret, and at some point declared that it had been written about a type of man in general.

However, in 2003, for a charity auction organized by Martha's Vineyard Possible Dreams organization, Simon decided to offer one big treasure to the highest bidder: The truth behind the song. Her friend Dick Ebersol paid $50,000 for the revelation. Under sworn secrecy, Simon revealed the person to Ebersol. He kept the secret, only telling the public that he found the answer "very surprising."

10

Walk the Line - Johnny Cash

Image: Simon Migaj

"I Walk the Line" was Johnny Cash's declaration of commitment and faithfulness, a song written for his first wife, Vivian Liberto. As he prepared to embark on long tours, Cash penned this song as a vow to assure her that he would remain true to her.

Beyond the inspiration for the lyrics, the song showed an array of singularities that made it stand out back in 1956. For example, each iteration of a verse is sung in a different key, a unique technique that can be heard in the gradual shifts of Cash’s voice. The low hum before each verse is Cash’s preparation for singing in each corresponding key. He also innovated by attaching a piece of paper to his guitar’s end which he would hit while playing, simulating the sound of a snare drum that can be heard in the song.