DAYS OF OUR LIVES, which has aired on the NBC Television Network since November 1965 initially focused on the Horton family: Dr. Tom (Macdonald Carey), his wife, Alice (Frances Reid); and their children (twins) Tommy, Jr. (role not cast until 1967) and Addie, Mickey, Bill, and Marie. The other original characters in 1965 were Julie Olson (Susan Seaforth Hayes, #4, Addie's daughter), Craig Merritt (Marie's first husband), and Anthony Merritt (Craig's son).
Mrs. Dr. Horton's maid would have likely used a HOOVER Dial-A-Matic or an ELECTROLUX.
Addie Horton Olson Williams' maid could have done house cleaning with a KIRBY or a SINGER.
Marie Horton Merritt Curtis may have cleaned her house with a RICCAR.
*Julie Olson Williams' maid probably uses a DYSON.
*Maggie Simmons Horton Kiriakis's maid likely uses a SIMPLICITY.
*character part of the current cast
Notes: The opening sequence of the show first included a voice over by announcer Ed Prentiss. Since 1966 it has been voiced over by Macdonald Carey (with updates). When Mr. Carey passed away in 1994 the second sentence of his voice over "Like sands through the hourglass so are the days of our lives. This is Macdonald Carey, and these are the days of our lives" was omitted.
DOL Openings Playlist:
Other original and early Horton family members' tenure on the show: Frances Reid remained on contract with Days of Our Lives through her death on February 3, 2010, though she last appeared on the show in December 2007; Maree Cheatham, portrayed Marie Horton from 1965-68 and 1970-73 under contract and 1994, 1996, and 2010 as a guest; John Lupton, portrayed Tom Horton, Jr. from 1967-72 and 1975-1979; John Clarke, who played Mickey Horton, left the series in 2004. Suzanne Rogers, who plays Maggie Horton, Mickey's former wife, has been on the show since 1973, and Susan Seaforth Hayes has played Julie Olson Williams since 1968 with a few breaks in between and also her husband Bill Hayes, who has played Doug Williams since 1970, though neither Seaforth Hayes or Hayes is employed with the serial on contract. Miss Hayes is the only cast member to have appeared on the show during all of its six decades.
Here is a 1965 photo of Dr. and Mrs. Horton:
