It’s difficult to get an answer when not sure of what info to give. Make sure the gas valve is turned open; you might have forgotten that’s how you turned off the gas. When you turned it on some weeks later, it should have been in the same condition of high heat. Some machines start at high heat, in 1962, most only had one heat output and no complicated electronics. It is more probable there were loose connections and a part failed during that time.
A fast, surer way to get heat is to either start replacing parts until you hit it, or call a qualified experienced gas furnace repairman.
http://www.HeatProUS.com energy businessmen’s knowledge
Yes, you really have to find out the MAKE and MODEL to get good answers. There IS more than one machine made.