AMAC
An AMAC Member Asked Us…
In 1975, for a whopping $3.95 (that’s about $20 today), anyone could buy a “toy” found beneath almost every square foot of American soil . . . a rock. The mastermind behind this scheme I mean “toy” was Gary Dahl. Born Decem- ber 18, 1936, in Bottineau, ND, this freelance copywriter drunkenly spewed the idea to his friends when the conversation arose about society’s newfound obses- sion with pets. In the mid-1970s, America’s fast-paced, self-indulgent consumer market was on the rise, meaning the concept of a “pet” that required no work had become more enticing. It took no convincing for Dahl to have his friends invest in his idea. Together, the friends purchased millions of Mexican beach pebbles for about a penny a piece. This purchase ultimately launched one of the country’s most outrageous (and successful) marketing schemes in history. America went crazy for this little rock nestled inside a tiny cardboard box, with 1.5 million Pet Rocks sold in a matter of months. Dahl traded in the cabin he could barely afford for a mansion and the keys to a Honda for ones to a Mercedes. The quick rise, however, was met with a quick end. Despite the convincing air holes and handy owner’s manual, it didn’t take long for kids to teach their new pet how to “play dead,” leaving their attention to drift elsewhere. After being the must-have gift for the 1975 holiday season, the rock’s popularity plummeted. Despite Dahl’s efforts to keep sales alive, like painting on an Amer- ican flag and offering accessories like mini college degrees ($3 for a bachelor’s and $10 for a Ph.D.), nothing worked. Even with Pet Rocks graduating from the Pebble School of Medicine, sales never matched the height immediately follow- ing its launch. Today, you can still find variations of this toy online. But if you’re strolling through Was America’s Strangest Toy A Rock?
An AMAC Member wrote, “I read your arti- cle in the March/April issue regarding the Democrat-run cities. No one ever talks about good, well-run cities . . . I want to travel some this summer and . . . [i]t would certainly be nice to spend a few days in a good, safe city, but I am not sure which large cities are run by conservatives.” Wendell H. While no city is safe from the possible encounter of a Biden–Harris bumper sticker, we agree with Wendell that safe, conservative-centric destinations deserve some recognition before this summer’s vacation season begins!
Fairhope, AL (81% Conservative)
Pros: Safer than 74% of cities in the US, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular place for retirees. Of course, the great weather, low wind, and classic historical feel are an added benefit! Cons: High hurricane risk.
Coeur d’Alene, ID (79% Conservative)
Pros: With more than 57% of this city’s population being over the age of 50, this lakeside destination also offers water sports, beaches, trails up the Canfield Mountain, and clean, modern appeal. Cons: Harsh winters.
your garden and considering taking on the responsibility of having a rock as a pet, remem- ber those three words that every animal activist (and their car bumpers) never wants you to forget: Adopt, Don’t Shop!
New Braunfels, TX (75% Conservative)
Pros: Home of Texas’s oldest bakery and dancehall, this city offers a perfect
44 • AMAC Magazine
Powered by FlippingBook