The History Of The Hula Hoop

I've been waxing nostalgic lately, maybe because I'll be turning 50 in about a month, but I've been thinking back to when I was a kid. I have come across a great website that features old commercials and clips from classic television shows. 

I came across an ad for the Hula Hoop from Wham-O that aired on August 12, 1977.

Here's some fun Hula Hoop facts:

It was invented in 1958 by Arthur K. Melin and Richard Knerr.
It was marketed by Wham-O and became popular instantly in the late 50's before dying down in popularity in the 1980's.
The longest verified record holder for hula hooping is by Aaron Hibbs from Columbus, Ohio. He hula hooped non-stop for 74 hours and 54 minutes in October 2009
The most hula hoops twirled at once is 132 by Paul Blair in June 2009

I was a kid that preferred the simple toys. Give me a ball, matchbox cars, a bike and I'd be a happy camper.

Here's the Wham-O Hula Hoop ad that first aired on this date in 1977.