Bongos were a 1960s thing I can't see much information about on the web. The Wikipedia article on bongos depicts them as entirely a Cuban instrument with minimal attention to their role elsewhere. As I remember them in the 60s and 70s, they went along with the folk stereotype (acoustic guitar, long hair, flowery shirt or crocheted dress) and had absolutely nothing to do with Cuban music (which was entirely unknown in the First World). So...

How did they get started as a young folkie's instrument?

Why did they go away? - did all their players take up beer and bodhrans?

Anybody out there admit to still playing them?