Real Time 1960s

Oct. 2, 1963 - Here is President Kennedy’s statement today in the White House Cabinet Room at the signing of H.R. 5555, an act to amend Title 37 of the U.S. Code by increasing the rates of basic pay for members of the military. In his speech, President Kennedy explains that members of the military deserve these new benefits because they protect the country’s overall security, as well as the safety of individual citizens. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Oct. 3, 1963 - Johnny Podres, who can frustrate his followers by pitching lousy ball and then amaze them with a gem, today reasserted his reputation as a money pitcher by subduing the Yankees, 4-1, as the Dodgers made it two in a row in the World Series. Willie Davis drilled a two-run double in the first inning off loser Al Downing, Moose Skowron homered in the fourth, and Ron Perranoski got another save by working two-thirds of an inning in the ninth. The Yankees, who have beaten the Dodgers six times in seven World Series, are in some kind of trouble at this point. They’ll face the formidable Don Drysdale when Series action resumes Saturday at Dodger Stadium, and then they’ve got a date with Mr. Sanford Koufax on Sunday. No team ever has recovered from two first-and-second game defeats in its home park in World Series play. Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle went hitless for the second day in a row. “Podres looked just the way he did last time I face him in the Series,” Mantle said. “We thought he would tire about the sixth inning, but he didn’t. He knows how to pitch. He is not as fast as Koufax, but he’s just as good.” In the meantime, Tommy Davis is 5-for-8 and Moose Skowron has hurt his ex-pals at a 4-for-7 clip while knocking in three runs. “The Yankees hit a lot of balls real good,” said Podres afterward. “Mantle probably would have had three home runs today if we had been playing in Dodger Stadium. Mickey hit me real good. The fellows made some outstanding plays behind me.” Podres had not faced the Yankees in a World Series since 1955, when he beat them twice, pitching a 2-0 victory in the seventh game. Dodger skipper Walter Alston was asked how he felt about going home with a two-game lead. “It don’t mean a damn thing,” he said, “if we don’t win two more.” Maury Wills said the Yankees “are not invincible.” “They apparently haven’t discovered that yet in the American League,” a newsman said. “Maybe they haven’t got the proper thinking,” said Wills. “But don’t make me sound like a popoff.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

This is the original, unaired pilot episode of "The Fugitive" television series. A revised version of the episode, "Fear in a Desert City," was broadcast as the first episode of the series, which ran from Sept. 17, 1963 to Aug. 29, 1967. Starring in the pilot are David Janssen (Dr. Richard Kimble), Vera Miles (Monica Welles), Brian Keith (Edward Welles), and Barry Morse (Lieut. Philip Gerard). This episode was directed by Walter Grauman. Please support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Here is a motion picture assembled from footage taken during the 11-state conservation tour made by President John F. Kennedy in September 1963. States visited include Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Utah, Oregon, California, and Nevada. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 28, 1963 - Here are some highlights of today's game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Oilers at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo. The Oilers won the AFL contest, 31-20. Support us at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 27, 1963 - As classes were ending today at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Calif., 21-year-old heavyweight Cassius Clay made a surprise appearance. He reportedly is in the Bay Area at the invitation of the Afro-American Association for a weekend civil rights conference in Oakland. But his impromptu talk to the students was about his favorite topic — himself. “I’ll hold the title for eight years and then turn it over to my brother Rudolph, just like the Kennedys. I’ll do it in five, so see it live.” An aide then whispered a reminder that he was supposed to say something inspiring to the students. “Oh yeah,” he said softly, and then in a loud voice: “Honor grades make you feel good like a black kid should.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 27, 1963 - Here are President Kennedy’s remarks today at the dedication ceremony for the Flaming Gorge Dam held at the Salt Lake City Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his speech, President Kennedy explains how dedicated, innovative resource conservation and development programs will benefit future generations. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 26, 1963 - Here are President Kennedy’s remarks today at the Hanford Electric Generating Plant in Hanford, Washington. In his speech, the President explains the necessity to preserve existing natural resources, and discusses his Administration’s energy development plan, which focuses on innovative coal technology, low-cost atomic power, and efficient interconnections between electric systems. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 28, 1963 - Here is a brief except from President Kennedy’s remarks today at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada. In his speech, the President commended Nevada for its recent efforts to conserve natural resources and proposed his Administration's plan to preserve the natural environment, which consists of high quality education for children, natural resource conservation and development programs, and the promotion of peaceful international relations. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 29, 1963 - Here is a clip from today's NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. The Giants dominated the Eagles, 37-14. Support us at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Just after Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, the leaders of the March on Washington visited the White House. This clip of that meeting features Vice President Johnson. A longer clip of the meeting, including remarks by JFK and Walter Reuther, can be seen by subscribers here: https://tinyurl.com/bdzucf7x

Sept. 24, 1963 - Here are some of President Kennedy’s remarks today at the Pinchot Institute of Conservation Studies in Milford, Pa. In his speech, the President discussed Gifford Pinchot's contributions to the American conservation movement, suggested that conservation efforts incorporate technological advancements, and explained that the Federal government must provide a national policy framework for conservation and resource development. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 29, 1963 - Stan Musial, who broke in with the Cardinals with two hits 22 years ago, ended his career the same way today in a 14-inning, 3-2 Cardinal victory over the Reds in St. Louis. After his second hit, a single in the sixth inning, Musial left the game for a pinch runner. His two hits brought his career total to 3,630 in 3,026 games. He ended with a .331 career batting average. Before the game, Musial was given one standing ovation after another by the crowd of 27,576. After civic and baseball officials praised him in brief speeches, the 42-year-old Musial stood at a battery of microphones and said: “As long as I live, I will always remember this day. For me it is both a great joy and a great sorrow. It is a joy because of this wonderful day for me, and it is a sorrow because it is a farewell. I want to thank my wife and children for their strong support for a part-time husband and father. I want to thank God for giving me the talent I have and the good health I’ve been blessed with.” Musial, who held back the tears most of the time, continued: “I want to strike a serious note. Baseball has taught me the opportunity that America offers any young men who want to get to the top in anything. I hate to say goodbye, so until we meet again, I want to thank you very much.” Ken Boyer, captain of the Cardinals, presented Musial with a ring with diamonds arranged in the shape of his uniform number — 6. August Busch Jr., the club’s president, said the number would be retired. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 29, 1963 - Here are some highlights of today's game between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. The Bears won the NFL contest, 37-21. Support us at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 2, 1963 - Here is video of President Kennedy’s interview with CBS Evening News anchor Walter Cronkite. In the interview, the President assesses how four current issues will affect his chances of reelection in 1964: civil rights, unemployment, the partial test ban treaty, and the Vietnam War. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 20, 1963 - Here is President Kennedy’s address today to the 18th General Assembly of the United Nations. In his speech, the President discusses the recently signed treaty banning atmospheric nuclear tests. President Kennedy also explains that the task of maintaining peace and decreasing global tension must be shared by all nations. He proposes ways for the U.N. to increase and improve their efforts in developing countries, specifically focusing on health, human rights, agriculture, communication, and the environment. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 12, 1963 - At today's press conference, President Kennedy was asked how his stance on civil rights might affect his chances for reelection. To support this project, visit patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 12, 1963 - At today's press conference, President Kennedy responded to criticism made by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller (R-NY). To support this project, visit patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 11, 1963 - Here are President Kennedy’s remarks today upon presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to entertainer Bob Hope in the White House Rose Garden. Please support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 12, 1963 - At today's press conference, President Kennedy responded to criticism made by Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.). To support this project, visit patreon.com/realtime1960s

The complete 5-minute transcribed phone conversation of Aug. 16, 1963 between JFK and LBJ can be seen by subscribers here: https://tinyurl.com/z7mrpne9 The conversation deals with a possible appointment and how it relates to the '64 election.

Sept. 9, 1963 - Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy conceded today that President Kennedy’s drive to pass civil rights legislation is having an adverse political effect on his brother’s chances of reelection in 1964 — in the North as well as the South. But he commented: “I think we have to do it.” Mr. Kennedy said in an NBC-TV interview that northerners are becoming aware of racial problems, “and I think this kind of awakening is having an adverse political effect upon the Administration.” The Attorney General also spoke critically of some of the Negro demonstrations that have occurred in recent months. He said, “There have been a number of those, where the leadership has fallen down and the people have gone into the streets and created disorders without any purpose.” Mr. Kennedy added that the legislation urged by the President is “an important step forward and a necessary step, but I think there are going to be many problems that are going to be with this country and our people for a long period of time.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 8, 1963 - Here are some highlights from the Buffalo Bills' season-opening contest against the Chargers at San Diego's Balboa Stadium.

Sept. 15, 1963 - Four Negro girls were blasted to death today and 23 persons injured in the daylight bombing of a church in Birmingham, Ala., setting off more violence in that city. Killed in the bombing were Cynthia Wesley, Carol Robertson, and Addie Mae Collins, all 14, and Denice McNair, 11. They apparently were in a lounge in the basement of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Cynthia Wesley was hit by the full force of the blast. She could be identified only by clothing and a ring. The bombing came during Sunday school. The lesson was “The love that forgives.” Within hours after the dynamite explosion shattered an already shaky racial calm, two Negroes were killed in shootings and three others were wounded. Police said two white youths fatally shot a 13-year-old Negro boy shortly after policemen shot to death Johnnie Robinson, a 16-year-old Negro. Officers said the older boy was killed as they fired over his head when they saw him throwing rocks at cars. In another shooting, a white man was wounded by a Negro, police said. Rock-throwing by Negroes was reported in many areas of the city. Leaders of the 125,000 Negroes in the city pleaded against retaliation for the bombing, which brought a climax of horror to the city’s first week of school desegregation. Mayor Albert Boutwell, voicing shock and disbelief, urged everyone to keep off the streets. Leaders of a white segregationist group seeking to start private schools called off a rally and asked followers to go home. Heavy police patrols roved the city as night fell. They sealed off the bomb-shattered church, used last summer as an assembly point for anti-segregation marches. Governor Wallace rushed in 300 state troopers. The Governor alerted 500 National Guardsmen in Birmingham. “The entire forces of the state will be utilized to maintain law and order,” said Wallace in a statement. Dr. Martin Luther King, who led a summer desegregation campaign in Birmingham, prepared to go to the city “to plead with my people to remain non-violent in the face of this terrible provocation.” Support us at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Sept. 15, 1963 - Here is a clip from today's NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings at Kezar Stadium. The Vikings won the contest, 24-20. Support us at patreon.com/realtime1960s