What happened in February 1952?
The top front-page story of each day in February 1952, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Feb 1🏛️ Heilmann, Waner Inducted – Heilmann and Paul Waner are inducted into Baseball's Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, celebrating their significant contributions to the sport.
- Feb 2🔬 New Atomic Data Offered – Fermi presents new findings on using mesons in atomic research, likening it to a game of 'cosmic billiards' for physicists.
- Feb 3🔬 Beryllium Fusion Breakthrough – Atomic oven research reveals that beryllium fusion is responsible for the explosive deaths of giant stars.
- Feb 4🎨 Art World Exhibitions – Local galleries showcase a variety of one-man displays and group exhibitions, highlighting artistic diversity.
- Feb 5🏇 The Pincher Wins – The Pincher scores second consecutive victory at Hialeah, defeating Brazen Brat in a thrilling race.
- Feb 6🌍 U. N. Ends Session – The United Nations assembly concludes its session, deferring discussions on Korea, with some progress reported in Paris.
- Feb 7👑 Britain Mourns King – The death of King George VI stuns Britain, leading to nationwide mourning and tributes from leaders and citizens alike.
- Feb 8🕊️ 56 Gun Salute – Britain and Commonwealth nations honor the late King George VI with a 56-gun salute, commemorating his contributions and reign.
- Feb 9👑 Elizabeth Proclaimed Queen – Elizabeth II takes the oath as Queen amid medieval pageantry in London, marking her accession to the British Commonwealth.
- Feb 10👑 Early Coronation Hint – Queen Elizabeth decrees mourning for King George VI will end June 1, paving the way for a summer coronation ceremony.
- Feb 11🌒 Moon Eclipse Event – The moon experienced its 1952 eclipse, with a dramatic backdrop as Earth shaded a portion of the satellite's face.
- Feb 12🎭 Historic Pageant Reenacted – A historic pageant was reenacted at Bier, with the king's body surrounded by notable figures in traditional robes and helmets.
- Feb 13🏛️ Britons Mourn King – Grieving Britons line up to pay their respects as their beloved king lies in state, reflecting national sorrow.
- Feb 14🏅 Winter Olympics Begin – The Winter Olympics kick off today in Oslo with events including giant slalom and sled heats, featuring top athletes from various nations.
- Feb 15⛷️ Oslo Olympics Begin – Mrs. Lawrence wins the giant slalom, leading the U.S. team at the sixth Winter Olympics in Oslo.
- Feb 16🏅 Winter Classic Opens – Princess Ragnhild of Norway officially opens the Winter Classic in Oslo, cheering 24,000 spectators as athletes from many nations compete.
- Feb 17👑 New Queen Elizabeth – Queen Elizabeth II begins her reign, marking a significant moment in British history and monarchy.
- Feb 18🏅 Austria Leads Olympics – Austria takes the lead in the Winter Olympics at Oslo, while the U.S. struggles without any wins on the day.
- Feb 19🏔️ Norway Leads Olympics – Norway takes the lead in the Winter Olympics with three first-place finishes, pushing the U.S. team to third place.
- Feb 20🏅 Andersen Wins Olympic Gold – Andersen of Norway sets an Olympic record with his third skating victory in three days, raising U.S. hopes for future events.
- Feb 21🌊 New Process Desalts Sea Water – A new device promises to make seawater fresh, offering significant help to arid areas facing water scarcity.
- Feb 22🎾 Olympic Figure Skating – Button retains Olympic figure-skating title, with the U.S. also securing third and fourth places in the competition.
- Feb 23🏅 Germans Win Olympic Gold – Germans secure victories in four-man bobsled and pairs figure skating at the Winter Games, with Americans finishing second.
- Feb 24🏅 Finland Dominates Olympics – Finland's skiers sweep two Olympic races, capturing the top three spots in women's cross-country and winning the men's relay.
- Feb 25🌍 Eclipse Tests Theories – Eclipse in Africa provides scientists a rare opportunity to test key astronomical theories during a three-minute event.
- Feb 26🌒 Eclipse Observed Worldwide – Experts from 10 nations gather in Khartum to observe a solar eclipse, utilizing advanced instruments for study.
- Feb 27🌍 Stone of Scone Restored – The Stone of Scone, a symbol of Scottish monarchy, was quietly restored to its place, igniting a furor in the Commons.
- Feb 28🌾 Grains Recover Losses – Grain prices show recovery after an early decline, with continued weakness in hogs and oils affecting futures.
- Feb 29🏗️ India Dedicates Plant – India opens a $50 million fertilizer plant in Sindri, built by a U.S. company, marking a significant step in agricultural development.
Happy Birthday! 1952 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1952 in real headlines. See the 1952 book →