In a time when reality television introduces us to mega-multiple births, yesterday's birth of quadruplets at WakeMed still makes the front page. In 1963, the front page of The News & Observer announced the birth of the Fisher quintuplets in South Dakota, the first surviving American quintuplets.
The babies, born two months early, were something of a surprise to Mary Ann and Andrew Fisher, already parents to five children, aged 3 to 7. They had learned only three days before, from an x-ray, that Mrs. Fisher was expecting quints.
"About a half hour after the doctor told her, she started crying and cried all night," said the father, 38.
As for himself, Fisher said, "I was shook."
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Fisher said he seldom drinks coffee, but downed plenty of it and smoked two packs of cigarettes while awaiting the births.
"Keep a pot of coffee on the stove," he told hospital aides before heading home to give his other children the news. -- The News & Observer 9/15/1963
The boy was named James Andrew. The girls were all named Mary and received their second name some days later.
Mr. Fisher was a shipping clerk, making $80 a week. He had moved his family to a small farm where they kept a couple of cows to cut down on milk bills for the youngsters.
President and Mrs. Kennedy sent a telegram of congratulations to the family.
