What happened in May 1950?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1950, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🎨 King Composes Broadway Songs – Thailand's King, known for his musical talents, writes songs for a Broadway show, showcasing cultural diplomacy.
- May 2🔬 Gyroscope of Life – Research reveals mechanism controlling materials for cell growth, enhancing understanding of biological processes.
- May 3🔬 R.C.A. Earnings Surge – R.C.A. reports record earnings of 75 cents per share, doubling last year's profits, at its annual meeting.
- May 4🎨 Tudor Ballet Premiere – The Tudor Ballet presents its world premiere of 'Nimbus' at Center Theatre, marking a new direction in choreography.
- May 5✈️ New Plane to Africa – The first of four Constellation planes departs for Johannesburg, marking a new route for transcontinental travel.
- May 6👑 Thailand's King Crowned – Phumiphon is crowned as King Rama IX in a ceremony marked by traditional splendor, symbolizing a new era for Thailand.
- May 7🏗️ New Industrial Plans – Agencies to guide industrial plans with railroad and utility experts collaborating with realty brokers on development ideas.
- May 8🔬 Galleon Found – British divers uncover two medallions confirming the presence of a treasure ship from the Spanish Armada in a Scottish bay.
- May 9🗺️ First 'America' Map Sale – Initial bid for a rare map must exceed $50,000; auction expected to attract significant interest.
- May 10🌊 Nebraska Flood Tragedy – 15 dead or missing in Nebraska due to sudden torrential rains that caused severe flooding in Lincoln and De Witt.
- May 11🔬 Einstein's Gift to Israel – Einstein donates his gravitation thesis to Hebrew University, marking a significant educational contribution to Israel.
- May 12🏗️ Truman Urges Public Power – President Truman calls for increased public power at the Grand Coulee Dam dedication, linking it to national prosperity.
- May 13🚀 Navy Rocket Sets Record – A Navy rocket soared 106.4 miles in the Pacific, just short of the altitude record set by the German V-2 in 1946.
- May 14🔬 Solar Home Tests – Experimental dwelling shows three-fourths of heat supplied by sunlight, marking a significant step in solar energy use.
- May 15🌊 Winnipeg Flood Warning – Citizens are advised to evacuate Winnipeg as the swollen Red River is expected to flood the city within two days.
- May 16🔬 First Embryo Study – Doctors present findings on the early hours of human life, documenting a sixty-hour ovum at an obstetrical conference.
- May 17🌍 Atlantic Pact Talks – Council members discuss adjusting arms expenses to support recovery programs in the Atlantic Pact negotiations.
- May 18⚓ New Naval Museum Opens – A new naval museum dedicated to sea power opens, honoring Commodores Truxtun and Decatur with its first exhibit.
- May 19🔬 New Blood Research – Study reveals that stored blood may lose vital clotting agents, raising concerns about toxemic fatalities in maternity.
- May 20🌍 Childhood Group Initiative – Montevideo conferees prioritize family integration over previous child interest focus at international meeting.
- May 21🏗️ Aerial Tramway Opens – Palm Springs unveils the world's largest aerial tramway, expected to attract large crowds and enhance tourism.
- May 22🏌️ Zaharias Wins Golf Prize – Babe Zaharias secures first prize in the Weathervane Tournament, winning by three strokes in a 144-hole competition.
- May 23⛵ Bermuda Thrash Yachts – 65 yachts participate in the Bermuda Thrash, showcasing a rise in total entries for the Newport start.
- May 24🔬 Ultraviolet Test Results – A 3-year test shows ultraviolet rays significantly reduce airborne illnesses in two villages, indicating potential for disease control.
- May 25🌉 New Bridge Dedicated – Mile-long Barnegat Bay Bridge opens, connecting Seaside Heights and Dover Township, with plans for two more bridges.
- May 26🌾 Soybeans Strong Trading – Soybean prices surged in Chicago trading, hitting the limit for the second consecutive day, while other grains showed weakness.
- May 27🌍 Gas Rationing Ends – British gasoline rationing ends after a decade, following a supply deal with two U.S. oil companies, marking a significant policy shift.
- May 28🚢 Liner Eva Peron Trip – The Liner Eva Peron concludes its inaugural journey, with plans for regular service to European ports.
- May 29⛵ Yacht Bumble Bee Wins – Yacht Bumble Bee secures victory in the International Class Regatta at Beach Point, showcasing impressive sailing skills.
- May 30🌾 New Dust Bowl Threat – Drought and dust storms create a critical situation across five arid states in the Southwest, raising concerns of a new Dust Bowl.
- May 31👗 Summer Dresses Surge – Manufacturers caught off guard by sudden demand for summer dresses from across the country.
Happy Birthday! 1950 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1950 in real headlines. See the 1950 book →