Temple Daily Telegram - tdtnews.com

1951's first baby hung around Temple

There have been quite a few changes in Temple since lifelong resident Steve Cook won the 1951 Baby Derby by being the first baby born that year.The major retail sector is no longer downtown at places like Sue Ellen clothing store on Main Street or Henson's Shoes on Central Avenue, but at shopping centers on South 31st Street and Loop 363.Scott and White Memorial Hospital was on Avenue G in 1951, instead of its present location on 31st Street.W.R. Poage was in his seventh of 20 terms as a congressman, 26 years before a federal building was named in his honor.In 1950, Texas had a population of 7,677,832, and was mostly rural. Today, it is 20,851,820, the second most populous state.On New Year's Eve in 1950, the Arcadia Theater in downtown Temple had a midnight showing of the 1950 movie "Harvey," one of Jimmy Stewart's five Oscar-nominated performances.But in the week that followed, Steve Cook was the biggest star in Temple.As described in the Temple Daily Telegram the first week of 1951:"Stephen Miller Cook, seven-pound, five-ounce son of Police Sgt. and Mrs. Talmadge Cook of 5 North Sixth street won the 1951 New Year's Baby Derby without competition when he crossed the finish line just seven minutes behind the New Year early Monday morning at Scott and White Hospital."As prizes for being Temple's first 1951 baby, young Stephen Miller will receive from Temple merchants such necessities and luxuries as diapers, a stroller, a silver cup, a month's supply of milk, a month's diaper service, and new shoes."To the mother, for her part in the annual race, will go such prizes as a bed jacket, a supply of piece goods, and a pair of shoes. The father, for his part, will receive a new pocket knife and shirt and tie."Sgt. Cook was proud of his new son's achievement last night. He said, 'We thought there was a good chance of winning when we heard the bells and whistles going off at midnight just as my wife was going into the delivery room.' by Anna Foster
 
Text size
Email to a friend
Listen to this article. Powered by Odiogo.com Listen to article Print version

more from Jan. 1

related articles

most popular

classifieds

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF A ZONING CHANGE CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2008 5:00 P.M. A public hearing will be held by the Temple City Council in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building, 2 North Main Street, Temple, Texas 76501, on December 4, 2008 for the purpose of considering the following change to the City of Temple's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance: Consider a zoning change from Multiple Family Two District to Office One District • Zoning Application No. Z-FY-09-05 • Proponents: Moody Barrett On the west 97 feet of Lot 2, Block 1, Barnes Addition (legal description) Located at 601 North Main Street (street address or physical location) This public hearing is being scheduled contingent on approval by the City of Temple Planning & Zoning Commission at its November 17, 2008 meeting. The City Council welcomes your comments on this matter. If you cannot be present at the public hearing, but desire to comment on this matter, or desire information on the proposed zoning change, please contact the City Planning Department, Suite 201, 2nd Floor, Municipal Building, or by calling (254) 298-5668. When calling, please refer to the zoning application number shown above. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Persons with disabilities who have special communication or accommodation needs and desire to attend the City Council Meeting should notify the City Secretary’s Office by mail or telephone 48 hours prior to the meeting.

 

Home | News | Sports | Classifieds | Real Estate | Entertainment | Extra | Help | Subscribe | Advertising
Temple Daily Telegram
Copyright © 2008, Temple Daily Telegram