After 50 years, the world has changed more than ever. Many new businesses, inventions, and historic events have come to fruition in Charlottesville and worldwide. 

Here are 10 places, people, inventions, and historic events that are now 50 years old!

McGuffey Park

McGuffey Park is located next to the McGuffey Art Center. In 1974, the land was given to the McGuffey Art Center, whose owners decided to make it a local park. The park was later renovated in 2007, adding new play features and modernizing it. Because of its location right next to the Downtown Mall, it is easily accessible to families at the downtown mall.

Shenanigans Toy Store

Shenanigans Toy Store is a popular store where you can buy all types of toys. It opened in 1974 and has faced many challenges as an independent business, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But with innovative ideas and modernizing their business, they were able to make it through. 

Stony Point Volunteer Fire Company

Stony Point Volunteer Fire Company (SPVFC) services primarily Albemarle County, as well as the surrounding areas of Charlottesville and other nearby counties. In 1974, locals from Stony Point felt there was a need for more fire protection. They gathered together to create a Volunteer Fire Station. The first fire chief was Ted Armentrout, and the other spaces were filled quickly by enthusiastic volunteers. The SPVFC was quickly opened in 1975 and is still open today. 

Integral Yoga

Integral Yoga is a local health store right off Preston Avenue. It opened in 1974 with a focus on providing locally grown produce. With food from local businesses and a smoothie bar, they say their values are to provide “wholesome, nutritive, and real” groceries. 

Saturday Night Live 

Saturday Night Live is a comedy show that has aired for 50 years. It was first created in 1974 by Lorne Michaels. It has grown in popularity with new episodes every Saturday and celebrities appearing on it weekly. In September of this year, a movie called “Saturday Night” came out about the history of creating Saturday Night Live. It is currently available in theatres for anyone interested in learning more!

Pop Rocks Candy

In 1956, chemist William Mitchel wanted to create an instant soda. After five years of working on this, he created “Pop Rocks,” a candy that popped inside your mouth. It was released in 1975 and grew in popularity quickly. 

First Barcode Product Scanned

In 1974, a piece of gum was scanned with a barcode scanner. This revolutionized how we buy items today, and is a necessity for the commercial business today with every item now having a barcode. 

The First Coeducational Graduated Class of UVA

In 1972, the University of Virginia (UVA) first allowed women to be admitted and over 450 women started attending classes at UVA. UVA graduated its first class two years later with both men and women. This marked a historic moment in the history of both UVA and Charlottesville. 

First Ever Presidential Resignation

In 1972, the Watergate Scandal was uncovered under President Nixon. The Watergate Scandal uncovered governmental corruption by Nixon’s fundraising group. This caused a lot of public rage. President Nixon was put under investigation and resigned two years later.

Dr. Malone

Dr. Malone is the principal of Charlottesville High School and is turning 50 soon! Before taking on the role of principal at CHS, he was the principal of Jackson-Via Elementary School and the assistant principal of CHS as well. To learn more about him, check out this article by Zoё Kershner.