December 1951 · day by day

What happened in December 1951?

The top front-page story of each day in December 1951, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.

Dec 1🔬 Transfusions Gain Antibiotics – Advancements in transfusion methods reported, clearing bacteria to save more lives in shock cases.
Dec 2🏙️ Port Authority Terminal Opens – The Port Authority Terminal begins operations, enhancing travel comfort and dignity for bus riders in its first year.
Dec 3🔬 New X-Ray Camera – A groundbreaking 70-mm movie device, the world's largest, is unveiled to enhance research at a major radiological conference in Chicago.
Dec 4🏗️ Steel Production Growth – U.S. Steel forecasts output to rise from 105 million tons in 1951 to 110 million in 1952, citing limiting factors.
Dec 5🔬 New-Type Atom Discovered – M.I.T. physicist reports on 'positronium,' a cosmic entity without a nucleus, offering clues to atomic mysteries.
Dec 6🏅 Bolivarian Games Begin – Athletes from six nations parade in Caracas for the inaugural ceremonies of the Bolivarian Games, celebrating regional sports.
Dec 7🌍 U.N. Technical Aid Vote – A large vote supports a U.S. resolution to continue technical assistance to underprivileged areas without opposition.
Dec 8🎨 Art Exhibit Opens – An art exhibit at a New Rochelle bank showcases local artists, transforming the bank into a temporary gallery for the day.
Dec 9🏅 Snowmen's World Centers – Record crowds expected in Oslo for February's Winter Olympic Games, featuring international stars in skiing events.
Dec 10🌋 Typhoon Hits Volcano – Typhoon lashes area of Hibok Hibok volcano, causing landslides of lava on the sixth day of its eruption.
Dec 11🔬 Atomic Data Exchange – Commission to provide Congress with a plan to exchange atomic information among allies, excluding weapons data.
Dec 12🔬 New Cancer Work Hailed – A $100-a-plate dinner attended by 500 celebrates advancements in cancer treatment and research.
Dec 13🔬 Students Exhibit Designs – Students showcase original designs at a fashion show, highlighting creativity and fine fabrics.
Dec 14🎨 Matisse Chapel Designs Opened – A section of Matisse Chapel designs is unveiled at the Museum of Modern Art, showcasing the artist's unique sculptures.
Dec 15🎨 Art Show Opens – An art exhibition featuring 18th-century works and young artists' paintings and sculptures opens at a downtown gallery.
Dec 16🔬 Cortisone Breakthrough – Cortisone and ACTH show remarkable benefits, enhancing understanding of human physiology and potential treatments.
Dec 17🏛️ Melbourne to Host Olympics – Melbourne plans to hold the 1956 Olympics despite facing challenges in stadium and housing preparations.
Dec 18🔬 Atomic Study Fellowships – 343 individuals selected for atomic research fellowships at Oak Ridge Institute, enhancing nuclear science education.
Dec 19🗳️ Election Process Begins – Iran starts the election process with preliminary steps to set up voting boards and polling places.
Dec 20🔬 Science Silences Echo – Modern apparatus quiets reverberations that plagued churchgoers in London, showcasing significant technological benefits.
Dec 21🔬 Europe Advances Atom Laboratory – A 12-nation science group maps stages for developing a nuclear physics project, enhancing international scientific collaboration.
Dec 22🚢 Storm Halts Ship Fire – High seas force Coast Guard to withdraw from a burning Danish ship off Astoria, Oregon; 108 people rescued.
Dec 23🎄 Seagoing Santa Saves Ship – A sea-going Santa pops out of fog to assist a ship stuck in the channel, bringing festive cheer to the crew.
Dec 24🏭 Mine Blast Toll Rises – Mine blast in Illinois now believed to have 118 fatalities; inquiry underway as officials inspect the site.
Dec 25✈️ Tributes for Crash Victims – Condolences pour into the U.S. Embassy following a plane crash in Iran that killed the U.S. Point Four chief.
Dec 26🌍 Earth's Crust Shell Found – Tests by the Carnegie Institution reveal a 25-mile thick shell floating on the Earth's inner core.
Dec 27🔬 New Light Discovery – Scientists at Princeton present a breakthrough in chemistry with luciferins that only need oxygen exposure, potentially solving firefly secrets.
Dec 28🌌 Star Birth Clues Found – Study reveals insights into star formation, highlighting energy stores and spiral arms in galaxies, reported by American Astronomical Society.
Dec 29🔬 Scientist Locates Sun – A scientist describes the Milky Way's structure, detailing the galaxy's two to three massive cosmic arms.
Dec 30🌱 Synthetic Soil Restoration – New synthetic methods restore soil productivity in hours, revolutionizing agricultural practices and plant growth.
Dec 31🔬 Advances in Cancer Control – Memorial Center report highlights new surgical procedures and laboratory tests improving cancer treatment.

Happy Birthday! 1951 – The Year in Headlines

The whole of 1951 in real headlines. See the 1951 book →

Born in December? Pick the day

Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book:

Dec 1
Dec 2
Dec 3
Dec 4
Dec 5
Dec 6
Dec 7
Dec 8
Dec 9
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
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Dec 31