A little LEGO magic, a dream car, and a catchphrase that still makes me grin.

Evening, friend. Jack Reynolds here. January 28 always takes me back to 1958, when a little toy brick got its big patent and suddenly every kitchen table could turn into a whole town. Wait till you see that dream car we all stared at, and the old stomach remedy ad my wife still quotes after a big supper. Brings it all back, doesn’t it?

On January 28, 1958, LEGO filed the patent for that little stud-and-tube brick, and I still smile thinking how one good idea can last. They even logged it at 1:58 p.m., and six 2x4 bricks can make 915,103,765 combos. Click for the “clutch power” story and how it works.

The 1971 AMC Javelin AMX 2-door hardtop listed for about $3,432 new, and J.D. Power shows average retail around $17,500 today, with high retail touching $62,200. I remember seeing one in a neighbor’s driveway and staring a little too long. Click for the full price ladder.

That chrome diner on Route 6 in Wellsboro looks like a promise, hot coffee, a warm grill, and a slice of pie after dark. This photo was taken in 1980, but the doors first opened in 1939, and folks say it still looks much the same today. Click for more photos and the story behind these movable diners.

“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” fit every holiday table I ever sat at. This 1972 Alka-Seltzer ad made the Clio Hall of Fame, and they even remade it in 2005 for a new crowd. My wife still says it after pie. Click to watch the full spot and hear that groan again.

Carol Burnett owned Saturday nights when her variety show ran from 1967 to 1978. The profile says it drew about 30 million viewers per episode, which is hard to picture now. My wife and I never missed it. She has seven prime-time Emmys, and in her 90s she is still stealing scenes. Click for her full journey and the late-life comeback.

Tonight’s “Your Memory” comes from Janet in New Jersey, thinking back to her paper route in 1975, because January always makes folks remember early mornings. She bundled the papers with twine, then biked home with cold cheeks and warm pride. When payday came, she counted dollar bills on the porch step. My dad always said honest work builds steady hearts.

Tonight’s Quote comes from Red Skelton, who said, “If by chance some day you’re not feeling well, and you remember some silly thing I’ve said or done, and it brings back a smile, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.” That feels like a good way to live. I grew up with shows like that in the house. You can learn more about him here. Click and see why he mattered to so many families.

See you tomorrow. Same time, same station.

– Jack

Images are AI-generated or sourced from public-domain archives. Reader photos used with permission.