LIFE Magazine dated January 12, 1962

Object number2000.044.0001

Date01/12/1962

ClassificationsNewspapers & Magazines

ObjectMagazine

Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection

MediumPaper, Metal

Dimensions13 11/16 × 10 9/16 × 3/16 in. (34.8 × 26.8 × 0.5 cm)

Terms

Collections

DescriptionLIFE Magazine from January 12, 1962, discussing the increase in fallout shelters due to the possibility of nuclear war with the Soviet Union and Cuba. This issue is Vol. 52, No. 2, and has 118 pages. The front cover is illustrated to show a community fallout shelter in an urban metropolitan area. Text on the cover highlights articles titled "New Facts You Must Know about Fallout" and "The Drive For Mass Shelters". In the lower right corner of the cover is a caption: "Cutaway Plan of Community Shelter under Bridge". This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.

Curatorial Commentary

This Life magazine from January 1962 provides a fascinating perspective on how individuals viewed fallout shelters at this time. A number of "ordinary citizens" were asked about shelters, and most of the featured quotes are critical. A cab driver said, "If I can't survive in my own basement, the hell with it." A barber offered, "Shelters are just something they're pushing...someone's going to end up with a lot of money." A bank teller put it simply, "We'd die in those shelters. Our best chance is to work for peace, put all our efforts toward it." - Stephen Fagin, Curator