My First Social Security Card

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

On this date 61 years ago I first acquired my Social Security Card. I made the following note in my journal and expanded upon it later in my book "A Million Tomorrows...Memories of the Class of '64".

Monday, January 20, 1964

20th Day - 346 days to follow

Clear

...After school, Mary Jean, Bob, and I went to Mullin's and then I went and paid the light bill and telephone bill and got my social security card.  My number is xxx-xx-xxxx (actual number erased).  After that I came home...

My remembrance of the note made 25 years later was: "Two things stand out about my activities of the day.  The first was the acquisition of a social security number and card.  I wrote the number down in the journal so that I could remember it.  Little did I know that it would be almost impossible to get through the rest of my life without having to use the number almost every day.  The simple card used to show the number, is still carried in my wallet even today.  On the day I received it, I signed it in my high school signature.  The signature of then is nothing like the way in which it is now written, but then again, neither is the person.  Everything else changes, but the number remains the same."

Today my research uncovered the following: Social Security numbers (SSN), those nine-digit numbers printed on your card, were created to help administer President Roosevelt’s New Deal Social Security program, or what we know now as the Social Security Act. The original purpose of the Act was to provide benefits to retirees, the unemployed, certain children and the disabled. Since the original purpose of Social Security numbers was tax-driven, it used to be that Social Security cards expressly stated that they were not to be used for identification purposes. This stance was meant to allay fears in a postwar society that the number would be treated as a “national identification number.” In the 1970s, that message was removed from the cards. Today, Social Security numbers are used for all kinds of non-tax reasons, making them a hot button for identity theft.

Since Social Security numbers were meant to track wages and contributions, it used to be the case that minors under the age of 14 weren't required to have Social Security numbers unless they needed one to file a tax return. As part of President Reagan’s Tax Reform Act of 1986, the law was changed to require parents to list Social Security numbers for each dependent over the age of five. The age threshold was reduced again in the 1990s, and today a Social Security number is required for federal income tax purposes for all children claimed as dependents (unless an exemption exists, such as the early death of a child).

While  the Social Security Administration (SSA) discourages individuals from laminating their Social Security cards, the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance indicates a laminated card is acceptable but employers cannot accept metal or plastic reproductions.

The Wayback Machine

The Songs of 1965

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

I asked Microsoft's Artificial Intelligence Copilot to write an essay on the songs of 1965. Here is what I received:

The Songs of 1965

The year 1965 was a pivotal time in music history, marking the height of the 1960s music revolution with an impressive array of diverse and innovative songs. This period saw the rise of many iconic artists and genres that significantly influenced the music landscape. The number one song of 1965 was "Wooly Bully" by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs.

The Beatles, continuing their dominance from previous years, released several memorable tracks such as "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride." Their sound evolved significantly, incorporating more experimental techniques and reflective lyrics, setting the stage for their later, more mature works.

Meanwhile, the American rock scene was thriving with The Rolling Stones releasing "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," which became an anthem of youthful rebellion. This song's raw energy and provocative lyrics resonated deeply with the younger generation, cementing the Stones' place in rock history.

Bob Dylan, a central figure in the folk-rock movement, made waves with "Like a Rolling Stone." This track challenged the conventional structure of pop songs with its length and poetic lyrics, showcasing Dylan's ability to blend profound storytelling with compelling melodies.

Soul and Motown were also making significant strides in 1965. The Supremes dominated the charts with hits like "Stop! In the Name of Love" and "Back in My Arms Again," showcasing the polished production and catchy melodies characteristic of Motown's success. Otis Redding emerged as a powerful voice in soul music, with his emotionally charged performances leaving a lasting impact.

In addition to rock and soul, 1965 saw the continued popularity of surf rock and pop. The Beach Boys released "California Girls," a song that encapsulated the sunny, carefree spirit of the genre, while The Byrds introduced folk rock to mainstream audiences with their cover of Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man."

1965 was indeed a year of eclectic musical innovation, with artists pushing the boundaries of genre and style. The songs from this year not only defined the era but also laid the groundwork for future musical developments. Their enduring influence is a testament to the creativity and passion that characterized the mid-1960s music scene.

The Top Ten songs of 1965 were:

1. "Wooly Bully" - Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

2. "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"- Four Tops

3. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"- The Rolling Stones

4. "You Were on My Mind"- We Five

5. "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - The Righteous Brothers

6. "Downtown" - Petula Clark

7. "Help!" - The Beatles

8. "Can't You Hear My Heartbeat" - Herman's Hermits

9. "Crying in the Chapel"- Elvis Presley

10. "My Girl" - The Temptations

Here is a two minute clip of all the number one songs of 1965.

I hope all of you readers can enjoy the music of our time, even if you were not attending Lee when the songs became popular. For me, 1965 was more memorable as songs I danced to when I was in college, but still, my Lee classmates were on my mind.

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Tom Provost, LHS ‘66, "Tommy, you brought back so many terrific memories this week!! The Ed Sullivan Show especially. Waiting and then watching it with GREAT anticipation. Thanks for the info on Joe Adcock, a very good friend of days gone by."