A Look Back October 1961
By Wally Peel
Tsar Bomba – King of Bombs
We knew it was coming, but that didn’t help calm our nerves.
The Soviet Union had threatened to test a 50 megaton bomb, and from all indications it appeared they would do so by the end of the month.
On the 23rd of October, a giant explosion took place in the Novaya Zemlya region. Although experts could not say for sure, many believed it to be Big Ivan, the dreaded “Tsar Bomba”, or King of Bombs.
Four days later another test occurred in the same area. That lower yield explosion was the 25th by the Russians since their resumption of nuclear weapons testing on September 1st.
All eyes were on the skies as we awaited the uncertainties of nuclear fallout.
Then on Monday Morning, October 30, 1961, the Soviets made good on their threat and dropped Tsar Bomba, the largest, most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. The event took place at 11:32am Moscow time, 1:32am local (Helena, Montana) time.
Premier Khrushchev earlier told the Communist Party Congress that the current series of tests would conclude by exploding a 50 megaton bomb.
We later learned details about Tsar Bomba.
It was delivered by a specially modified Tu 95v aircraft. The bomb was so large, the planes bomb bay doors and fuselage tanks had to be removed.
Dropped from an altitude of 6.5 miles, an attached parachute slowed its descent to allow the release, and give observer planes time to clear ground zero by some 28 miles. Tsar Bomba was detonated 2.5 miles above the earth’s surface through the use of barometric sensors.
The fireball nearly reached the altitude of the release plane and could be seen for 620 miles. The mushroom cloud was 40 miles high.
Khrushchev said the Soviet Union was capable of building a 100 megaton bomb, but said they would not test a bomb of that size because they did not want to blow out their own windows.
Tsar Bomba was capable 100 megaton force, but was modified in order to reduce nuclear fallout, which would have primarily fallen on populated Soviet territory.
Only one King of Bombs was ever built. Casings for two other Tsar Bombas are on display in Russian museums.
World Angered by Soviet Test
Waves of anger and condemnation circled the globe in response to the Soviet Union’s test of Tsar Bomba.
Many government leaders condemned the explosions as open defiance of world opinion. Newspapers denounced the blast as madness, a brutal crime against humanity, and as an act of terror intended to force the non-Communist world into cowering surrender.
Among the reactions, Prime Minister Nehru of India used unusually strong language, declaring the explosion was highly regrettable. and said no amount of argument that it was done in self defense could wash off the wrong.
A British newspaper said the blast was wanton disregard for the welfare and safety of the human race.
A Cairo newspaper said future generations “will curse the hour of the Soviet blast,” which it said marked “the beginning of the end – the end of light and humanity:”
No official statement had yet been released by the U. S. Government.
Standoff at Checkpoint Charlie
Russian and American tanks turned guns on each other in the center of Berlin.
The standoff between American and Soviet tanks occurred at the dangerous Friedrichstrasse Crossing Point known as “Checkpoint Charlie”
To signal American and Allied determination to maintain access rights to East Berlin, the U. S. moved ten Patton tanks and three armored personnel carriers to the crossing point that was normally manned by military police. The next day Soviet tanks moved into position
Tanks from both sides faced each other at point blank range across the line that separated the two sectors.
American military and diplomatic personnel with military police escorts continued to move through the checkpoint, exercising their right to travel into the Soviet sector.
After more than sixteen hours, the Soviet crewmen closed their hatches, turned around, and rumbled away. When it was clear the Red tanks had left, U. S. tanks withdrew.
Violence Erupts in Paris
As Algeria continued to gain its independence from France tensions mounted in the French Capital. The Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) representing the Algerian nationalist independence movement, decided to organize a boycott of the curfew ordered by Maurice Papon, head of the French National Police.
What was meant to be a peaceful demonstration on October 17th turned violent when unarmed Algerian Muslims demonstrating in Central Paris were beaten, shot, strangled and even shot and drowned by police and special troops. Thousands were rounded up and placed in detention centers. About 200 of the demonstrators were killed.
A few days later terrorism erupted again in Paris. Six plastic bombs damaged some buildings but caused no injuries. A police force 11,000 strong stood on alert for a possible upsurge of violence.
Saturn a Sizzling Success
The first test flight of the gigantic Saturn Rocket was a huge success.
With its eight engine power plant generating 1.3 million pounds of thrust, the Saturn thundered away from the launch pad, spewing a tremendous tail of fire, sending an unearthly roar across the test center.
With incredible precision, the rocket, larger than the Statue of Liberty, was pushed 95 miles high to the edge of space. Then, as planned, it plunged back to earth and sank in the Atlantic about 200 miles southeast of the Cape.
The test went so well one scientist described it as 150% perfect.
The brief but historic flight signaled America’s intention to race Russia to the moon, a pledge made earlier in the year by President Kennedy.
Licensed Manslaughter
Calling the highway death toll “licensed manslaughter”, Judge Lester Loble of Helena told the Montana Motor Transport Association that a law having a realistic speed limit should be enacted by the people.
It was his belief that since the legislature had refused to pass a satisfactory speed law for Montana’s highways, the Association would be an excellent group to sponsor an effort to put a speed limit law before voters by circulating petitions to get a measure on the ballot.
The judge suggested a higher speed limit for four lane highways, and a realistic limit on two lane highways. Violators would be subject strict penalties including loss of license for willful violations.
Loble predicted that the press, and the people would back such a measure. He suggested that various organizations get involved, setting up tables in public places where voters could sign petitions. Once 23,000 signatures had been collected, the proposed speed limit measure could be placed on the ballot and voted on in the next election.
No Winner-No Loser
The Montana School of Mines Orediggers came to town to play Carroll College in what turned out to be one of the biggest upsets in state college football, and probably one of the biggest upsets in the nation that weekend.
The boys from Butte brought with them a woeful record of 37 losses and one tie in their last 38 outings. They had not won a game since 1953.
The potent Carroll offense couldn’t get rolling on the snow covered field. They got to the Mines two yard line in the second quarter, only to give up the ball on downs.
The Orediggers managed to get to the Carroll ten yard line in the third quarter, but fumbled.
After four grueling quarters of action in Vigilante Stadium, the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
The stunned Saints fell out of first place in the Montana Collegiate Conference race.
Also in the News
Governor Nutter stood firm on his refusal to recognize United Nations Day saying doing so would be equal to blanket endorsement of the failures of the organization. He instead proclaimed the day United States Day.
A troop train carrying 403 members of the Wisconsin National Guard crashed into a gravel truck near Miles City. The troops had been ordered to active duty, and were on their way to Fort Lewis, Washington. Six civilians were killed, all 403 soldiers survived.
Fourteen planes of the 32nd Aviation Company were grounded in Helena because of the weather. They were also on their way to Fort Lewis.
Paul Stewart, President of Garden Spot Market, filed suit in District Court, challenging the constitutionality of the law known as the “kill ‘em dead” trading stamp act passed by the 1961 Montana Legislature.
Montana Civil Defense Director Major Robert Keyes warned the public to avoid “fly-by-night” salesmen with shelter building schemes.
Bigfork hunter A. E. Bard bagged a pheasant without firing a shot. While in tall grass, he noticed a bird at his feet. He stepped on its tail and scooped it up by the neck.
“Fish Story” Free
It’s hard to imagine anglers getting together without exaggerated tales of the fish they caught, and even more incredible yarns of the ones that got away.
Improbable as that may seem, the fishermen all told the truth at a meeting of the Rod and Reel Club of Miami Beach.
How could that be?
Warren Holmes, chief polygraph operator of the Miami Police Force was the guest speaker. He demonstrated the use of the lie detector and explained its operation.
That might be the reason their meeting was “fish story” free.
Here at the Station………
On “The Real McCoys”, Grandpa believed he had witnessed a miracle when $200 floated to his feet from out of the sky.
Bret found himself an unwilling partner in an embezzlement scheme on “Maverick”.
The “Ed Sullivan Show” featured guests Phil Silvers, Nancy Walker, the comedy team of Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster, and singer Matt Monro.
On “The Rifleman”, two drunken guards who let a murderer escape, captured Lucas McCain to take the escapee’s place.
Mayberry almost went bankrupt when an impoverished citizen discovered a 100 year old bond valued at three quarters of a million dollars on “The Andy Griffith Show”.
On “Hennesey”, Martha’s father flew to San Diego to conduct an inspection of his future son-in-law Chick Hennesey.
Mountain men overpowered Slim and Jess and forced them to take part in a murder plot on “Laramie”.
On “Dobie Gillis”, Maynard got his hand caught in the Gillis Grocery gumball machine, and threatened to sue.
A singer arrived at the gym and found Cauliflower McPugg asleep in a punching bag. The singer believed he could bring McPugg to ring greatness by rehabilitating him with music. Bobby Rydell was the guest on the “Red Skelton Show”.
When Sudsy Pfeiffer got a pedigree dog that did tricks, the Douglas family tried a cram course to educate their dog Tramp on “My Three Sons”.
As a college prank, Kelly talked her friend Howard into stealing a rival schools stuffed owl mascot on “Bachelor Father”.
Gwen Verdon and Jack Carter were the guests on “The Garry Moore Show”.
That's
At the last eleven days in October 50 years ago.
U. S. Troops to Viet Nam a Last Resort
While on a fact finding mission, President Kennedy’s personal military adviser, General Maxwell D. Taylor made the recommendation that the United States send troops to South Viet Nam only as a last resort to save the Southeast Asian nation from Communism.
Taylor and fifteen specialist-aides arrived in Honolulu to talk with Admiral Harry D. Felt about current conditions in South Viet Nam, which was under increasing red guerrilla assault.
Felt, the U.S. commander for the Pacific had just returned from a tour of South Viet Nam, Laos and Thailand, where he attended a meeting of SATO-the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
A decision on whether or not to recommend the use of U. S. troops in South Viet Nam would not be made until military leaders and the President had the results of what was expected to be a two to three week study of the situation.
Sources indicated that any recommendation by Taylor to send American GI’s to South Viet Nam would be made reluctantly.
The Big Bomb
Premier Khrushchev advised the world that the Soviet Union would soon explode a nuclear bomb that was equivalent to 50 million tons of TNT.
That was the first time the Soviet Union had issued advance notice of one of its nuclear tests.
Speaking before the 22nd Soviet Communist Party Congress, Khrushchev said “We have a 100 million ton bomb, but we do not intend to explode it. If we happen to explode it in the wrong place, we might break our own windows. May God grant that we never have to explode such a bomb.”
For an idea of the extent of damage such a bomb would cause, experts turned to nuclear scientist Dr. Ralph Lapp.
He estimated that a bomb of that size would dig a hole 400 feet deep and a mile and a half wide. It would kill all persons within a seven mile radius if they were not in well constructed shelters. If dropped on Washington D. C., according to his estimates, most government buildings would be converted into a giant crater.
In such an explosion, all wood frame houses within sixteen miles would be destroyed. Brick structures within ten miles would be leveled. Steel buildings within six miles of impact would be smashed.
In addition, Lapp said, the explosion would result in injuries from flying glass up to 30 miles away. People within 35 miles of the blast in all directions could suffer second degree burns.
The Soviet test of their 50 megaton would take place on October 31st.
Red Police Use Tear Gas Grenades
East German police hurled tear gas grenades at a West Berlin crowd after five East Berliners jumped from a second story window of a border house into a sand filled truck.
The escape occurred at Bernauer Strasse, in an area where the apartment houses on one side of the street are in the Soviet sector, while the sidewalks below are in West Berlin.
At about noon, a truck pulled up to one of the apartment houses. Seconds later three men and two women jumped into it.
As nearby West Berliners cheered, East German police realized what had just happened, and began tossing tear gas grenades into the crowd of West German onlookers.
Guarding the border was dealing a serious economic blow to the East German economy. According to economic chief Alfred Neuman, the withdrawal of workers from factories for outside activities not connected with their trades needed to be stopped. He said industrial output was up, but overall production was falling short of the targets fixed in the regime’s seven year economic plan.
Observers noted that the brown uniformed militiamen that had played a large role in building the Berlin Wall seemed to have disappeared, apparently to go back to work in the factories.
Sky Shield II
A mock but mighty aerial war raged high in the skies over the North American continent.
On signals from three big command centers, hundreds of jet interceptor planes began screaming aloft from runways in the U.S. and Canada, to meet a simulated invasion of 200 “enemy bombers”.
Jet bombers headed down from the Polar Regions, hugging the terrain to avoid detection as they flew routes that Soviet pilots would likely take in the event of an attack.
Antiaircraft missile launchers were pointed toward targets but were never fired.
The exercise began at high noon with a simulated mass missile attack that theoretically knocked out hundreds of bases of the North American Air Defense Command,-NORAD- and the Strategic Air Command –SAC.
Almost instantaneously, a signal was flashed for a declaration of war, and counteraction. Jet fighters were scrambled to look for invaders.
During the twelve hour exercise, all commercial flights were cancelled, and no civilian planes were allowed to take off.
Here in Helena the City-County airport was at a standstill. Northwest Airlines and Western Airlines had been advised of the test in advance, and had not taken any reservations for the grounding period.
Air Force Reserve Squadron members from Helena, Butte and Bozeman were alerted and on standby for refueling aircraft, and to assist with any emergency situation.
Britain, France, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands were all conducting similar exercises at the same time.
The outcome of the exercise would be kept top secret, as details of its success or failure would give Soviet strategists useful information.
Sky Shield II was the second in a series of three defense testing operations. The first was conducted on September 10, 1960.
Air Force Catch
An Air Force Flying trapeze attached to the rear of a cargo plane successfully plucked a 300 pound space capsule from the sky.
The trapeze of steel poles, hooks, and nylon rope, caught the gold-plated Discoverer 32 capsule as it parachuted back to earth after 18 polar orbits of the earth.
The capsule contained a variety of experiments designed to determine the effect of exposure to space radiation. Samples of gold, iron, magnesium, titanium and nickel were used as targets of energetic particles that could cause changes in the materials.
The aerial recovery was performed by Captain Warren C. Schensted and his crew in a four engine turboprop JC130. It was his second “catch” in the area known as the “ballpark”.
Yellowtail Dam Groundbreaking
The push of a button detonated five and a half tons of explosives, and marked the start of the $100 million Yellowtail Dam project in south central Montana.
Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall was the featured speaker at groundbreaking ceremonies.
Accompanied by Montana Senator Mike Mansfield, Udall assured those in attendance that the Kennedy administration was not proposing a valley authority such as the TVA for the west. The Secretary told the gathering “We look forward to working with public and private utilities alike in the integration and use of Yellowtail Dam power and its contribution to the economic development of the area.”
Udall said the Interior Department eventually hoped to take the Yellowtail Dam reservoir into the national park system. Officials who had studied the rugged area determined that it could become one of the most scenic lake areas in the United States.
It was hoped that the Crow Indians on whose reservation the dam was being built would have the opportunity to develop and profit from its recreational potential.
About 600 people attended the groundbreaking ceremonies held in Hardin and at the dam site 40 miles to the south.
Fire Destroys Lakeside Bar and Cafe
An early morning fire destroyed the Lakeside Bar and Café on the west shore of Hauser Lake.
The blaze was believed to have started shortly after the 2 a.m. closing. It drew a large number of spectators despite the early morning hour.
The East Helena Fire Department answered the call. They were able to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby structures.
The fire was believed to have started by an overheated compressor. Damage to the leveled structure was estimated at $30,000. A Deputy on the scene indicated there was little insurance to cover the loss.
The Bar and Café had been recently remodeled.
A “Shoe In” For His MOS
In the Army, MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty. The area of expertise a soldier will be trained in.
The MOS listed for Sgt. Charles Paris of Billings was Veterinary Specialist. He was serving as one of only three Army blacksmiths.
Stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the next assignment for Sgt. Paris was that of official shoer for horses used by the U. S. Olympic team.
Nuts!!
In Tampa Florida, the battle was on between a determined man, and an even more determined squirrel.
Cling Peterson had a pecan tree in his back yard. A neighborhood squirrel had picked it out as her personal supermarket.
Peterson managed to get a couple handfuls of nuts from the tree. The four legged felon had managed to heist a couple pounds.
The man was willing to split the harvest 50-50, but the greedy varmint wanted it all.
Determined to get his share of nuts from his own tree, Peterson put a mesh wire barrier around the tree trunk. He then cut down an orange tree the little lady had been using as a launching pad.
Never doubting his foes ingenuity, he trimmed back the plum tree that became her new home when the orange tree was removed.
He them fitted a wash tub around the pecan tree’s trunk, and wired low hanging branches up to prevent the squirrel from leaping up to them from the ground.
Peterson wouldn’t say he had won yet, but at least for the moment he had the upper hand. Something told him the clever critter would think of something new.
Here at the Station………
An attractive woman was arrested for speeding and the entire system of justice in Mayberry was threatened on “The Andy Griffith Show”.
On “Laramie”, Slim Sherman staked the lives of five people on the word of a bank robber he captured.
Determined to have Dobie for her very own, persistent Zelda Gilroy stopped at nothing to discourage competition from the other girls on “Dobie Gillis”.
Crooked Sheriff Deadeye faced a dire threat to his looting when Mr. Pallid, a San Francisco gunfighter rode into town. Don Knotts was the guest star on the “Red Skelton Show”.
On “Peter Gunn”, Gunn was in danger when he acquired a little black book that contained information on an underworld figure.
Trail boss Gil Favor feared some of his hands were too old to withstand the rigors of a cattle drive up the Chisholm Trail on “Rawhide”.
On “Featherstop”, a witch transformed a scarecrow into a dashing young man who promised not to succumb to love. The musical fantasy was based on a Nathaniel Hawthorne legend.
On “The Untouchables”, Eliot Ness offered his full cooperation to Willard Thornton, new head of the crime commission. He was unaware that Thornton was also the head of an underground syndicate.
Three historic women, Mata Hari, Cleopatra, and Florence Nightingale were all represented in song and dance on “Sing Along With Mitch”.
That's
At the third week in October 50 years ago.
Soviets Claim U.S. Plans Viet Nam Invasion
The Soviet Union charged the United States with planning an aggressive invasion of South Viet Nam, saying such action would lead to serious consequences in Southeast Asia.
Radio Moscow claimed American troop movements were designed to strengthen the regime of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, and to frighten neighboring Laos away from its neutrality.
President Kennedy told reporters that he was awaiting a report from General Maxwell Taylor before deciding whether or not there was sufficient Communist intervention in South Viet Nam to dispatch American or Southeast Asia Treaty Organization forces.
Radio Moscow claimed it was evident that the U. S., before the eyes of the world, had decided to trample on the Geneva agreement which prohibited sending troops to South Viet Nam.
The broadcast contained no direct threat to send in Soviet troops, and there was no mention of North Viet Nam or Communist China.
East German Defectors
Ten East Berlin police, in search of defecting comrades, invaded West Berlin territory..
The raid took place near an elevated railroad station on the northern part of the French sector border.
When West Berlin police responded to the invasion, the East Germans retreated behind the barbed wire barrier in their own sector.
The East police, called Vopos by West Berliners, were evidently searching one for four defectors who remained at large after fleeing to the West during the night.
Traffic was held up for about an hour while the search was conducted.
(Vopos was short for Volkspolizei which meant “people’s police”.
He’s Back
It would be quite some time before voters would go to the polls to elect the next Governor, but there was already one hat in the ring. A familiar hat at that!
Billings furniture dealer Mike Kuchera became the first official candidate for the 1964 Governor’s race when he sent in his nominating petition and $220 filing fee to Secretary of State Frank Murray’s office.
Kuchera sought the Democratic nomination for Governor in 1960, running on a platform of legalized gambling. He gained a great deal of recognition during that campaign through his televised Polka Dance Shows, featuring Kuchera, his wife, and the Polkateers. In that race he finished third in a field of six.
In the 1964 campaign, Kuchera would once again capitalize on his polka prowess. He, his son, and some of the workmen at his furniture store wrote the lyrics to “The New Governor’s Polka”. The song, recorded by his polka band, was placed in 1,000 juke boxes across the state. That minimal $600 investment had people paying to hear his message, and he got a weekly tabulation at no additional cost.
With his unblemished 30 year record of losses for city, county and state office, Mike Kuchera was one of the many colorful campaigners in Montana politics.
One thing’s for certain…if they have elections in Heaven, you can bet Mike’s halo is in the ring.
Power Poll
According to the Federal Power Commission, Montanan’s were paying slightly higher than the national average for their electric bills in 1960.
The report showed the national monthly national average for 250 kilowatt-hours of residential electric service was $7.50. That figure was based on an analysis of bills for towns with a population of 2,500 or more.
The Montana average was just a penny higher at $7.51.
Whitefish and Kalispell had the lowest Montana bills, averaging $6.00.
In Helena the average bill was $7.53. Anaconda, Butte, Billings, Bozeman, Conrad, Deer Lodge, Dillon, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Hardin, Lewistown, Livingston, Missoula and Roundup residents paid the same.
Highest average electric bills for 250 kilowatt-hours of service in Montana were $8.25, reported in Glendive, Miles City, Sidney and Wolf Point.
New Post Offices
Postmaster General J. Edward Day announced that the Post Office Department had accepted a land option for the site of a new Post Office building in East Helena.
The land, on the corner of Main and Cleveland Streets was owned by Edward Maronick of East Helena and A. J. Maronick of Great Falls.
Bids would be sought for the project. The site option would be transferred to the successful bidder, who would then purchase the land and construct the new building.
The new, modern Postal facility would then be leased to the Post Office Department.
Townsend would also be getting a new Post Office. Congressman Arnold Olson announced from Washington that bids for the Townsend Post Office were expected by the end of November.
Bears in the Park Lawsuit
A summer employee of Glacier National Park sued the federal government for $450,000 for injuries he sustained when he was mauled by a 200 pound grizzly.
A federal court judge awarded the 22 year old $125,000.
The attack occurred while the man was hiking with a friend near the top of Allen Mountain.
In his suit, he said park rangers told him the bears would not bother him if he did not bother them.
He also claimed the Park Service was negligent for allowing the bears to roam wild.
Supreme Court Decides “Osculatory Exercise” Case
Two Anaconda tavern operators were absolved of blame by the Montana Supreme Court in a case that involved an accident in their establishment.
A patron of the bar was petitioning the high tribunal to reverse the decision of Judge Sid Stewart of Deer Lodge County. His court ruled she was not entitled to damages.
The incident occurred when the woman fell to the floor in an attempt to avoid being kissed.
She claimed that John Carlasco and John Justin, proprietors of the Ledo Bar in Anaconda were legally responsible for the mishap in which she suffered an injured ankle.
In a colorful opinion on the issue, Associate Justice Stanley M. Doyle said the records showed “one Wilbur Workman” was seated in a bar with a girl named Sandra.” “It further appears”, he stated. “that Workman, motivated by the irresistible call of affection, endeavored to commence osculatory exercises with Sandra.
“She, being the eternal female”, Doyle continued, “decided at that moment, that she didn’t want to be kissed. She shoved Workman, who, in turn fell off the bar stool and injured the appellant in the case, by knocking her to the floor and injuring her right ankle.”
It was held that the proprietor of an on-premises liquor establishment does not hold himself out as an insurer of the safety of his patron, and is not bound to the same degree of care toward them as is required of innkeepers and carriers.
Chief Justice James T. Harrison, and Associate Justices Hugh Adair, Wesley Castles and John C. Harrison agreed with Doyle’s opinion.
Note: The Ledo Bar has been closed for about 30 years. It caught fire and was never rebuilt. There's a shell of the structure on Main Street, and the sign is still there. (Thanks to Anaconda resident Pat Dunne for for that updated information.)
Lighting of the “C”
It was Homecoming weekend for the Carroll College Fighting Saints, and the celebration was on.
It began with a spirited pep rally and bon fire held next to the Saints practice field. That event included the traditional Lighting of the C.
Shortly after the rally began, the signal was given for the seniors to light in unison approximately 200 flares to light up the giant “C” on Mount Ascension. A time honored tradition, the lighting ceremony was undoubtedly the most spectacular event of the weekend.
On Saturday the town turned out to watch the Homecoming parade. Parade watchers, estimated in the thousands, lined the route. They were entertained by bands from Carroll, Helena High and Cathedral High.
The Queens float of course drew lots of applause.
Winning entry in the parade was a float depicting a steam roller crushing the Northern Lights.
The game started at 2pm. Senior Rosemary Ryan of Butte was crowned Homecoming Queen at halftime.
The unbeaten Saints continued their winning ways. The final score was Carroll 39, Northern 0.
An alumni reception and dinner followed the game, and they wrapped up the weekend with a Homecoming Dance that evening.
Serious Gardeners
There are those who are serious about gardening, and then there are those who are Serious Gardeners. A Columbus, Ohio couple would likely have won the blue ribbon for the Nation’s “Most Serious Gardeners” had there had been such an award
Residing in their 38 room apartment building, they had no land to till, no plot to plant.
That obstacle didn’t stop James Smith and his wife.
Longing to reap a bountiful harvest, the pair carried ten tons of earth up the fire escape and planted a rooftop garden.
Here at the Station………
On “Surfside 6”, Daphne became a girl detective when she believed her friend Sally was the victim of a homicide.
On “The Untouchables”, the Chicago underworld brought in a New York “police contacts specialist” to keep Eliot Ness from quashing a profitable punchboard game operation.
Peter Lorre appeared in the role of Dr. Kestner, a science professor who found Sarah to be every bit as challenging as the mysteries of science on “Mrs. G. Goes To College”.
Tod and Buz risked their lives to help a youth caught in the throes of narcotics addiction on “Route 66”.
On “Have Gun Will Travel”, Paladin was hired to retrieve the pride, and the money paid by farmer Grey, when his fun loving mail order bride preferred a neighbor.
Kookie became a full-fledged detective on “77 Sunset Strip”.
On “Pete and Gladys”, Gladys and Peggy learned that joint ownership creates problems when they went together and bought a car.
On “Hazel”, George Baxter was stunned by Hazel’s behavior in traffic court.
All eyes were on the auto, when millionaire Navy Dentist Harvey Spencer Blair roared onto the Navy base in a $22,000 sports car on “Hennessy”.
Wally’s first car caused some problems when it blocked the driveway on “Leave It to Beaver”.
The Music Makers left the Champagne at home and gave us a full hour of country music on “The Lawrence Welk Show.
That's
At the second week in October 50 years ago.
Kennedy and Gromyko Meet
A two hour conference between President Kennedy and Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko over the crisis in Berlin failed to bring about any positive results.
The two discussed the situation in the Oval Room of the White House in late evening. At the conclusion they left without any kind of formal statement.
As he climbed into his limo to return to the Soviet Embassy, Gromyko told newsmen the conversation with the American leader had been “useful”. Secretary of State Dean Rusk, who sat in on the meeting described it as “interesting”.
In calm, but very emphatic terms, Kennedy told Gromyko that the United States and its Western Allies were fully determined to defend West Berlin against Communist pressures, to preserve their right to maintain troops in the city, and keep open the supply lines from West Germany.
The two sides were still far apart despite the high level effort to find a peaceful settlement of the Berlin crisis.
Tension At The Wall
Red police fired across Berlin’s brick border, adding more tension to the divided city.
West Berlin police reported that Communist police threw rocks across the wall at Bernauer Strasse, and an officer fired a single shot, aimed at a West Berlin policeman, from his submachine gun.
It was the second such incident in 24 hours. West and East German police traded fire across the border the night before. In that incident an East German policeman was wounded.
The first incident occurred during a chase of two East German refugees who were attempting to cross the border over roof tops. One refugee, crying “freedom”, fell to his death when he jumped five stories and missed a West Berlin fireman’s net. The other man was captured and taken away by the East Germans.
The wounding of the East Berlin policeman was expected to raise a diplomatic storm. Mayor Willie Brandt asked Western powers to provide reinforcements for the West Berlin police, as a means of making the border secure.
The Petrified Man
With the statue of General Meagher back in the news, the mystery of what actually happened to the Irish-American Patriot resurfaced.
Historians knew Meagher fell off a steamboat and drowned in the Missouri River near Fort Benton on July 1, 1867, but details of his death were left to speculation.
Some believed the acting Governor got drunk and fell overboard. Others speculated he was depressed and deeply in debt, and took his own life.
Others felt Meagher was assassinated. He had made a lot of enemies over the years. Political foes were plentiful.
Some thought that Indians shot him with an arrow, boarded the boat, and tossed him overboard.
Others believed his death was at the hands of Vigilantes who were upset with Meagher’s pardon of an Irishman convicted of manslaughter in Helena.
There was even speculation that he was done in by Scotland Yard because of an alleged plot of an Irish-American invasion of Canada.
Regardless of how Meagher died, his story did not end in the watery depths of the Missouri. Thirty two years after his disappearance, a body was pulled from the river near Fort Benton. The body was of the proper height. The wrists were bound in brindle rein, and there was a bullet hole in the head. It was believed they were the remains of Thomas Francis Meagher.
Three from Helena shared memories of the bizarre continuance of the story.
A retired Helena rancher said he was just 11 years old when he paid 25 cents to see what was reputed to be the petrified body of General Meagher at a tent show in Livingston.
A patient at Fort Harrison recalled seeing the same petrified man at the Gallatin County Fair.
Another patient remembered his grandfather talking about the body of a petrified man thought to be Meagher being transported around the state on a wagon, and people being charged 25 cents to see it.
The “man” eventually went on tour making appearances in both Chicago and New York.
Over the years, several people owned and displayed the strange phenomenon. It is not known whatever happened to it.
This was just one of several petrified man “stories” being told in that time period.
Break for Shelter Builders
Helena City Commissioners went on record favoring the waiving of building permit fees for the construction of fallout shelters, including both new construction and the remodeling of existing space to serve as a shelter.
With the waiving of the fees, the Commission reserved the right to inspect fallout shelters when completed to make sure the standard plans had been met.
At the time, two applications for fallout shelter permits had been received at the city engineer’s office.
City Manager W. J. Leary said Civil Defense officials were working toward removing fallout shelters from county assessment rolls, and having them qualify as federal income tax deductions.
Made For Movies Adventure
Just like you’d see it in the movies, three prisoners sawed their way out of the Ravalli County jail in Hamilton.
The breakout was discovered by Undersheriff Kelly Robbins when he was making his morning rounds. The trio has used a hacksaw blade to cut through window bars.
Once freedom was gained they broke into the courthouse annex and stole two pistols from the sheriff’s office, and then fled.
A car they stole a block from the jail was found abandoned more than 100 miles away in Leodore, Idaho. They reportedly stole another vehicle there, and continued southward.
They got as far as Albuquerque before being captured. At the time of arrest they were driving a car that had been stolen in Provo, Utah.
Houdini of the Crossbar Hotel
Sheriff’s deputies and Helena police broke up an attempted jail break in Helena.
Upon hearing a “thump” in the cell block, the jailer investigated. Peering through a window, he observed some unusual activity.
Two prisoners had fashioned a rope from several torn mattress covers. They had attached the “rope” to a bar on the outer cell block, and tied the other end to a large steel door. By repeatedly swinging the door they gained enough momentum to bend, and eventually break one bar. They were working on the second bar when their escape attempt was discovered. The bars, installed before the turn of the century, appeared to be partially crystallized.
Sheriff Dave Middlemas said if the prisoners had gained access to the outer portion of the cell block, they could have worked on a rear window for three hours before being discovered during a routine check.
One of the prisoners was due to be released from the Lewis and Clark County jail the next day.
After the thwarted attempt, Sheriff Middlemas received a call from a counterpart in Texas. The Lone Star State lawman said their faces were still red because the man had escaped from them twice.
County Not Cooperating
In New Albany, Indiana a woman called the Floyd County Clerk’s office and asked that her welfare check be left for her at the entrance to the Ohio River Bridge.
It seemed an odd request, so the clerk wanted an explanation.
The woman stated it was a matter of convenience. She could then pick her welfare check up on her way to the Churchill Downs race track in Louisville.
The request was denied.
Absence Doesn’t Make the Heart Grow Fonder
For 23 days, Deputy “Stormy” Burns was hot on the trail of the fastest gun in Tombstone.
It all began when Ronald Echols, a fast draw exhibitor and gun dealer was arrested on charges of using the mail to defraud.
Deputy Burns, a fellow gun lover, posted a $5,000 bond for Echol’s release.
The bond was forfeited when Echols failed to appear. The manhunt was on!
Burns tracked Echols across Southern California, across the border to Tijuana, over to the west coast of Mexico, and finally to Guadalajara. Confronting Echols in a hotel room, “Stormy” drew first and got his man.
Upon returning his prisoner to Tucson, Burns got some bad news. He learned the Sheriff had fired him. Posting bail for prisoners was against regulation, and he had failed to notify the office before he started the long chase.
More bad news. He also lost the bond money.
Down, but not out, former Deputy Burns could at least go home and find comfort in the loving arms of his wife.
That didn’t happen either. While he was gone, she filed for divorce. About the divorce action, Burns said, “I guess I was gone too long.”
Gone Fishin’
Readers found the following ad in the Argos, Indiana newspaper. “Warning – Fishing Pox. Carl’s Barbershop closed Friday, and the following week. Let it grow or go across the street.”
Here at the Station………
Sports fans tuned in to watch the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. It was being shown IN COLOR for the very first time in Helena. Allen Electric invited viewers to watch the Series in Color on the “Fabulous New Packard Bell TV” on display in the lobby of the Placer Hotel.
On “The Untouchables”, Eliot Ness learned of a summit meeting where criminal leaders planned to organize crime throughout the country.
Grandpa McCoy returned to West Virginia and tried to recapture his youth with an old flame on “The Real McCoys”.
Film of Ed’s world trip brought guest stars Phil Silvers, the McGuire Sisters, Peter Nero, Nancy Dussault, John Reardon, Brigitte Bardot, Jackie Gleason, Gene Kelley, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby to the “Ed Sullivan Show”.
Bart outwitted a San Francisco financier and saved a railroad on “Maverick”.
On “Lawman”, Troop turned in his badge when justice was blocked for lack of 12 courageous men.
Ventriloquist Paul Winchell caused some confusion when he posed as a motel desk clerk on “Candid Camera”.
On “Surfside 6”, Daphne fell in love with a mysterious young wanderer despite the warnings of her private eye friends.
That's
At the first week in October 50 years ago.
| For a fascinating look at Helena's past visit Kennon Baird's Website |
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Helena As She Was |
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This feature is intended to be an entertaining look at our world in years gone by. It is in no way intended to be biased, nor are comments intended to offend anyone. While we encourage viewer comment, we do reserve the right to condense, edit or omit them should we feel such action is necessary. |
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