Digital Extra: The Journal's 175th Anniversary

07.21.2004

The passing news

The world's press gave the stocky spaceman a standing ovation when he appeared before a long, beige-covered table in front of a white bust of Lenin. Scores of autograph-seeking newsmen mobbed him at the end of the conference, producing the first sign of nervousness from the man who conquered space and sailed through a hero's reception here Friday.

-- From a wire story about a news conference with Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, published in The Journal April 16, 1961

Experience has shown in large cities of the nation that the private-run lottery of the numbers game is supported by the nickels, dimes and quarters of the worst-off segments of the population. If the sales tax is regressive in taking its biggest bite from those least able to pay, what in God's name is a state lottery? . . . Rhode Island has a serious problem of finance, but it won't be solved by running away from it in pursuit of the glitter of a huge gold brick.

-- Editorial opposing a state-run lottery, April 17, 1961

Ever fancied yourself sunbathing on a beach in Tahiti, watching the surf break on a coral reef? Wish you could really feel the breeze on a ski slope in Switzerland? Or rest in the deck chair of an ocean liner? Step into the living room of your home of tomorrow. No need to go further. With as much effort as you need today to flip the switch of your electric toothbrush, you'll be able to -- no kidding -- create the stuff that dreams are made of.

-- From a technology feature on the idea of personalized "fun rooms" at home, which would combine stereo, heating, lighting and air conditioning devices to simulate exotic locations, Nov. 4, 1963

There are encouraging signs from the Far West that Gov. Ronald Reagan of California may yet confound his critics, of whom there are many, and turn out to be a capable state executive.

-- Editorial, Jan. 6, 1967

How do you report -- or even ascertain -- progress? The 1st Air Cavalry Division sweeps through the Ia Drang Valley in the Central Highlands. It engages North Vietnamese army units in a bloody battle. The North Vietnamese withdraw, and with no one to fight, the 1st American division switches its operations elsewhere. But a month, or six months, later the U.S. troops are back in the Ia Drang, seemingly fighting the same fight all over again. The enemy is being killed, but is progress being made?

-- Commentary, Jan. 11, 1967

The one point that comes indisputably clear is that the early expectations of what the bombings might accomplish have not materialized. In the beginning, proponents of the bombings hoped that they would stop the flow of men and munitions from North to South Vietnam and force the North Vietnamese to the negotiating table to discuss peace. Neither of these hopes has been realized. Indeed, there is evidence that the bombings may have had a reverse effect on both counts.

-- Editorial on the U.S. air war against North Vietnam, July 2, 1967.

Up to the plate strode the irrepressible Yastrzemski -- with the bases loaded and none out. The count went to 1-0 and then -- bang! He drilled a two-run single to center, and an explosion of jubilant sounds poured from the throats of the witnesses.

-- Game story, Oct. 2, 1967, as the "Impossible Dream" Boston Red Sox closed in on the American League pennant. Carl Yastrzemski won baseball's triple crown that year by leading the league in batting average, home runs and runs batted in.

The Providence Police Department received many calls last night asking whether the city's parking meters are observing the partial holiday today. The answer is no. All city traffic regulations will be enforced. Motorists ticketed in the downtown area will be at a disadvantage. They will not find anyone at the police traffic court to accept their fines. The employees who man the traffic court have the day off in observance of the moonflight.

-- From a news brief published on July 21, 1969, as The Journal reported man's first steps on the moon. One small step for man, one parking ticket on your windshield . . .

End to Tooth Decay

By 1975 Is Predicted

-- Headline on a medical story in The Evening Bulletin, Dec. 29, 1969