Hula Hoop Champion Janet Davis, Seattle, October 4, 1958

In 1958, children, teenagers, and a fair number of adults mastered the latest American fad, the Hula Hoop. In Seattle, Frederick & Nelson held Hula Hoop contests for children ages five to fifteen. During three days in early October, more than 700 boys and girls crowded the department store’s usually-quiet Tea Room to compete for prizes. Winners received Frederick & Nelson gift certificates.

This October 4, 1958, photo shows seven-year-old Janet Davis of Medina, winner of the five-to-seven-year-old Hula Hoop competition at Frederick & Nelson. She twirls four of the brightly-colored plastic hoops around her waist and one around her right arm.

Photographer: Phil H. Webber

Image Date: 1958

Image Number: 1986.5.4352.1

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