What happened in August 1951?
The top front-page story of each day in August 1951, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Aug 1🌍 U.S. Migration Plan – U.S. decision on migration program for surplus European population is awaited, impacting global migration policies.
- Aug 2🌍 Cairo Blockade Resolution – U.N. Security Council may propose a resolution to end the blockade affecting Israel, addressing shipping restrictions.
- Aug 3🌍 Dike Leak Plugged – Cement pumped into cracked granite at Granby Reservoir, now one-fourth full, marks progress in water management project.
- Aug 4♟️ Chess Title Finals – Eleven chess players advance to finals, with twelfth place to be decided by a lot between Santasiere and Shipman tonight.
- Aug 5🏠 Housing Outlook Brightens – Home building is expected to lead economic recovery, according to the Loan League head.
- Aug 6🔬 Cortisone Yielded from Coal – Chemists at Harvard successfully transmute coal tar to produce cortisone, completing the hormone's molecule.
- Aug 7🌍 Cloud Seeding Potential – Experts discuss cloud seeding as a potential solution to flooding, highlighting its dual benefits and risks.
- Aug 8🚀 U.S. Rocket Sets Record – A U.S. rocket achieved an altitude record of 135 miles in New Mexico, marking a significant milestone in aerospace exploration.
- Aug 9🏛️ Belgrade Food Aid Completed – U.S. food aid to Yugoslavia concluded with the final shipment of lard, marking a significant humanitarian effort.
- Aug 10🔬 New Tungsten Process – Kennametal introduces an improved method for refining tungsten, enhancing output for ordnance cores.
- Aug 11💉 Cortisone Fraud Charges – Three individuals face fraud charges related to the sale of cortisone in bulk, highlighting issues in pharmaceutical practices.
- Aug 12🔬 37 Million Tested – 37 million people tested for tuberculosis, with 17 million vaccinated in a global immunization drive, according to a UN report.
- Aug 13🎻 Beaux Arts Concert – Beaux Arts Group presents first of five 'Interval Concerts' featuring a string quartet at Carnegie Recital Hall.
- Aug 14🌍 Berlin Youth Rally – A youth rally in Berlin highlights Soviet strengths and weaknesses, revealing widespread discontent among adults regarding living conditions.
- Aug 15🔬 Freezing Sperm Cells – Scientists report a method for freezing sperm cells using glycerol, preserving vitality and fertility indefinitely.
- Aug 16🎥 Metro Plans 40 Films – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer announces plans for 40 feature films, with half to be produced in Technicolor for the 1951-52 season.
- Aug 17🔬 Cell Nucleus Self-Portrait – Scientists capture the inner workings of a cell nucleus for the first time, aiding cancer research through radiation photography.
- Aug 18🏛️ Ancient Capital Uncovered – U.S. expedition discovers ruins believed to be the ancient capital of Sheba in Yemen, concluding two years of archaeological work.
- Aug 19🏛️ Paris Completes UN Building – Palais de Chaillot gets new addition for the upcoming Assembly session opening on November 6.
- Aug 20🌪️ Hurricane Hits Yucatan – A hurricane reaches Yucatan, causing destruction; death toll in Jamaica rises as the storm wreaks havoc in the West Indies.
- Aug 21🏔️ Mount McKinley Mapped – An eight-man team successfully scaled Mount McKinley, providing data for a full chart of North America's highest peak.
- Aug 22🚢 Atomic Submarine Ordered – Navy orders an atomic submarine expected to have unlimited range and high speed, following successful land tests.
- Aug 23🎉 Jesse Owens Honored – 75,000 in Berlin celebrate Jesse Owens, the 1936 Olympic star, receiving an ovation at the site of his historic snub by Hitler.
- Aug 24🏇 U.S. Colt Wins England – Windy City, a U.S.-owned colt, triumphs in the 6-furlong Gimcrack Stakes at York, showcasing American horse racing talent.
- Aug 25🌍 Canada Meteor Crater Found – Expedition confirms that a large crater in Canada was caused by a meteor, establishing proof through mine detectors.
- Aug 26🔬 New Light Source – Special lamp eliminates need for filters when using variable-contrast papers, enhancing photography techniques.
- Aug 27🏌️ Ferrier Wins Golf – Ferrier clinches victory at Fort Wayne Open Golf with a score of 269, edging out Middlecoff, who finishes second.
- Aug 28✈️ Sabre Squadron Arrives – The first U.S. Sabre jets arrive in Britain to bolster Western Europe's defense amid rising tensions.
- Aug 29🌊 Disaster in Mexico – Mexican floods cause widespread destruction, with the Air Force parachuting relief supplies amid blocked supply lines.
- Aug 30🌍 Marshall Plan Nations Appeal – 18 countries stress the need for social gains alongside rearmament in a bid to maintain economic growth.
- Aug 31✈️ Navy Plane Sets Record – Navy plane breaks altitude record, soaring past 13.7 miles, showcasing advancements in aviation technology.
Happy Birthday! 1951 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1951 in real headlines. See the 1951 book →
Born in August? Pick the day
Every birthday in August has its own On This Day in Headlines book: