On this day

January 8, 1961

Revisit the news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

Historical Context for January 8, 1961

In 1961, the world population was approximately 3,064,869,675 people^[†]

Notable Births

1961Calvin Smith, American sprinter^[†]

Calvin Smith is a former sprint track and field athlete from the United States. He is a former world record holder in the 100-meter sprint with 9.93 seconds in 1983 and was twice world champion over 200 metres, in 1983 and 1987. He became Olympic champion in the 4 × 100-meter relay in 1984. He was born in Bolton, Mississippi.

Notable Deaths

1961Schoolboy Rowe, American baseball player and coach (born 1910)^[†]

Lynwood Thomas "Schoolboy" Rowe was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball, primarily for the Detroit Tigers (1932–42) and Philadelphia Phillies. He was a three-time All-Star and a member of three Tigers' World Series teams.

Historical Events

1961In France a referendum supports Charles de Gaulle's policies in Algeria.^[†]

A referendum on self-determination for Algeria was held in France on 8 January 1961. Self-determination was approved by 75% of voters overall and 70% in Algeria. Voter turnout was 92%. The referendum question was worded as follows:"Approuvez-vous le projet de loi soumis au peuple français par le président de la République et concernant l'autodétermination des populations algériennes et l'organisation des pouvoirs publics en Algérie avant l'autodétermination ?""Do you approve the bill submitted to the French people by the President of the Republic and concerning the self-determination of the populations of Algeria and the organization of the public authorities in Algeria prior to self-determination?"

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Headlines from January 8, 1961

KENNEDY TO KEEP 2 TOP ADVISERS ON SOVIET POLICY; Will Retain Thompson in Job in Moscow and Bohlen as an Assistant to Rusk PLANS TO MEET KENNAN Merchant as Paris Envoy and Bruce for London Post Are Expected KENNEDY TO KEEP TWO TOP ADVISERS

By James Restonspecial To the New York Times

May get Latin Amer post in new Adm

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REVIVING A TRADITION; REVIVING A TRADITION

By George Cable Wright

MILLSTONE, N.J. -- Life in this sleepy, picturesque community has changed but little since the Lenape Indians packed up their wigwams and trekked west from here late in the seventeenth century, prompted by an invasion of Dutch settlers.

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PROVING GROUND FOR HOTELS; Layouts of Guest Rooms in the New Summit Are Tested In Model Rooms Built for Experimentation HOTEL TEST GROUNDS

By Morris Gilbert

Designer M Lapidus tests model room layouts in Capitol Theatre basement

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The Way the Afrika Korps Saw the War in the Desert; THE FOXES OF THE DESERT. By Paul Carell. Translated by Mervyn Savill from the German, "Die Wuestenfuechse." Illustrated. 370 pp. New York E.P &. Co. $5.95. War in the Desert

By Desmond Young

Carell, P: The Foxes of the Desert

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Hammarskjold Warns Belgium; Soviet Bids U.N. Meet on Congo; U.N. CHIEF WARNS BELGIUM ON CONGO

By Lindesay Parrottspecial To the New York Times

Warns Belgium against allowing Congolese troops to use Ruanda-Urundi to stage raids into Congo

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BASILIO DEFEATS ORTEGA ON POINTS IN BOUT AT GARDEN; Punching Power of Former Champion Paves Way for Unanimous Decision LOSER SHOWS COURAGE Mexican Keeps Wading In -- Carmen Suspended for Failing to Make Weight BASILIO DEFEATS ORTEGA ON POINTS

By Deane McGowen

The prizefighting talents of Carmen Basilio, unhampered by his boxing age and the attrition of several severe battles, did not fail him in his comeback bid at Madison Square Garden last night.

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THE WORLD

By Unknown Author

The tiny kingdom of Laos has a 500-mile border with Communist China and North Vietnam. The terrain along the border is mostly thick jungle and swamp-land. Infiltration by Communists across the border into Laos has been constant.

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Wind of Change Stirs Fiji Isles; Labor Disputes Disturb Colony; Indian Population Is Opposed by Natives Awakening to Concept of Nationalism WINDS OF CHANGE STIR FIJI ISLANDS

By Homer Bigartspecial To the New York Times

H Bigart survey

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LIONS BLOCK KICK AND BEAT BROWNS IN MIAMI, 17 TO 16; Lane Breaks Through on Try for Point to Avert Tie in Meeting of Runners-Up PIETROSANTE HONORED Fullback, Voted Outstanding Player, Opens Scoring for Detroit Before 34,981 Pietrosante Excels as Lions Top Browns, 17-16, on Blocked Kick

By United Press International

MIAMI, Jan. 7 -- Dick (Night Train) Lane blocked Sam Baker's extra-point attempt in the final quarter of the play-off Bowl game today to give the Detroit Lions a 17-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns. A crowd of 34,981 saw the runners-up in the two divisions of the National Football League meet in the Orange Bowl.

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