The summer of 1979 was a time of great innovation. The iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal rolled out across America, families flocked to see “The Muppet Movie,” and Sony changed how we listened to music as it introduced the portable Walkman. Later that summer, a campy new newspaper called Bear Essential News for Kids arrived

at schools throughout Tucson!

Although prices were beginning to rise rapidly, things were still shockingly low compared to today’s costs. The introductory price of a Happy Meal was $1.10, which would get you a hamburger, fries, kids drink, McDonaldland cookies and a toy. Today, a Happy Meal starts at $7.23.

A candy bar back then was just a quarter. These days it will set you back about $1.79. And if you wanted milk to go with your chocolate, a gallon of fortified whole milk was just over $1. Today, it’s $4.

The average movie ticket cost $2.47 in 1979. Released on June 22, “The Muppet Movie” was a hit, earning almost $66 million to set a new record as the highest earning puppet film!

The first Walkmans only played cassette tapes and delivered good stereophonic sound through lightweight headphones. For $150, you could enjoy your tunes just about anywhere.

Bear Essential got its start because kids didn’t have a newspaper that delivered news at their level. The monthly paper included news blurbs, local happenings, and fun artwork and puzzles. Like most newspapers back then, Bear Essential News was just printed in black and white. And instead of Boomer Bear, the original mascot for the newspaper was simply called, “The Bear.”

The first issue arrived at schools in September 1979. A year later, the newspaper launched its Cub Reporter Program so that kids could develop as young writers and have a voice in the media! Today its Young Reporters also get to broadcast their stories on TV with KVOA-4, an NBC affiliate. Stay tuned for Bear’s

45-year contests and giveaways.