SOVIETS SAY ICBM TEST IS SUCCESSFUL
Moscow, USSR (JFK+50) The Soviet Union announced today that it has successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with the capability of being fired from anywhere in the world.
The Soviet government provided no additional information.*
*This announcement initiates a debate in the United States as to whether or not a "missile gap" exists with the Soviets being in the lead. JFK will raise the issue during his 1960 campaign for President.
Dnepr Launch Vehicle
Photo by ISC Kosmotras
August 26, 1959
BRITISH MOTOR COMPANY UNVEILS "MINI" CAR
London, England (JFK+50) The British Motor Company today unveiled the "Mark I" front wheel drive Mini" car.
The "Mini" is priced at $800 & will be marketed as the "Austin 7" & the "Morris Mini".*
*By 1962 both cars would be called the "Mini. Production halted in the year 2000 with 5.3 million units produced & it was proclaimed the "European Car of the Century."
1st Morris Mini Sold
in Arlington, Texas (1959)
August 26, 1960
JFK SPEAKS AT VFW CONVENTION IN DETROIT
Detroit, Michigan (JFK+50) Senator John F. Kennedy, 1960 Democratic Nominee for President of the United States, spoke to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Convention here in Detroit today.
Senator Kennedy said to the veterans:
"I would like to be able to say...that the United States is the first in the world militarily, economically, scientifically & educationally....but I cannot make these claims. The harsh facts....are that our security & leadership are both slipping."
JFK continued...
"I believe that there can be only one possible defense policy for the United States.....FIRST.....PERIOD!"*
*JFK's father brought his children up to believe that if you are going to compete, nothing is acceptable but first. He would say: "Second is a loser."
JFK Speaks to VFW
August 26, 1964
LBJ NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT BY DEMOCRATS
Atlantic City, New Jersey (JFK+50) President Lyndon Baines Johnson was nominated here in Atlantic City tonight by the delegates of the 1964 Democratic National Convention.
Mr. Johnson assumed the Presidency upon the death of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.*
*LBJ will choose Hubert Horatio Humphrey of Minnesota as his running mate & the ticket will win in a landslide victory in November.
August 26, 1968
DIVIDED DEMOCRATS CONVENE IN CHICAGO
Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) The delegates of the 1968 Democratic National Convention convened here in Chicago today in what may prove to be the most divided party in US history.
Senators Eugene McCarthy & George McGovern proposed a platform to halt the bombing of North Vietnam & to negotiate a withdrawal of both US & North Vietnamese military forces from South Vietnam.
Other delegates support President Johnson's efforts to reduce American involvement & begin peace talks.
With the convention in session, thousands of anti-Vietnam War protesters have gathered in the streets of Chicago.
Democratic National Convention
Chicago, Illinois (1968)
August 26, 1974
CHARLES LINDBERGH DIES AT AGE 72
Maui, Hawaii (JFK+50) Charles Augustus Lindbergh, the 1st man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, died here in Maui today at the age of 72.
Lindbergh, born in Detroit in 1902, died of lymphoma.
He will be buried at the Palapala Ho'omau Church in Kipahulu, Maui.
August 26, 1939
FIRST MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAME TELEVISED
Brooklyn, New York (JFK+50) W2XBS (later WNBC) televised the 1st Major League baseball game in history today with Red Barber providing the audio.
The game between the Cincinnati Reds & Brooklyn Dodgers was played at Ebbets Field.
There are only about 400 TV sets in the New York area & the television is being showcased at the 1939 New York World's Fair.*
*The black & white image quality was poor as the cameras of the day could not capture motion with clarity.
1st Televised Baseball Game
Princeton v. Columbia (1939)
