Blast from the past

The Record was contacted this week by reader Marney Thompson, who had found a copy of the Monday, July 14, 1958 edition of the paper at her home.

Thompson explained that the paper was kept because it contained the obituary of a family member.

A lot has changed in The Record over the past 60 years.

While the focus these days is on local news, the headlines on the front page of the 1958 edition had a little bit of everything.

The main story was about a military coup that had overthrown the government of Iraq, proclaiming the country as a republic.

Also in the top news was the itinerary of Princess Margaret, visiting Canada for a whilrwind cross-country tour.

Britain celebrated the end of austerity measures, with coal no longer being rationed.

Lightening struck a tree in Queen’s New York, killing three of seven children that were huddled underneath it seeking shelter from a downpour.

A Sweedish Princess’ breakup with a British suitor confused the masses; media couldn’t figure out if the romance was dead or if she had fallen for another man.

On the even more quirky side, there was also a news brief about a ‘Robbery by Telephone,’ where a liquor store owner answered the phone and was told, “I’ve got a rifle trained on you.”

The store owner put the contents of the cash register into a bag and placed it by a telephone pole outside the store. According to police, the robber got away with $85.02 less a dime for the phone call.

The bottom of the front page was reserved for the section today’s Chuckle”

Flora: “You Know, George proposed to me last night!”

Dora: “Doesn’t he do it beautifully?”