The First Time News Was Fit To Print, Vol. I & II
For a new mental_floss running feature, I’ve been poking around the Times archives, searching for the first time the paper covered random topics.
These are my favorites:
George W. Bush
October 12, 1972
A half dozen years ago the Americans were known for their parties, but that is largely a thing of the past….As a result, one American official said, “we’re being downgraded a lot” by other diplomats who are tired of the cold buffet at United States functions. But happily, perhaps, George W. Bush, the American representative, has a flair for off-beat party ideas. A few weeks ago he took a number of guests up to the Bronx Zoo to see 550 kinds of birds. No other mission topped that number.
Jon Stewart
November 4, 1988
Also performing are the stand-up comedians Bob Shaw, Ray Romano and Jon Stewart. The cover charge is $10 tonight, $12 tomorrow, and $7 on Sunday, and there is a two-drink minimum. Reservations are suggested.
Donald Trump
January 28, 1973
The big change in Fred Trump’s operations in recent years is the advent of his son, Donald….Donald, who was graduated first in his class from the Wharton School of Finance of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, joined his father about five years ago. He has what his father calls “drive.” He also possesses, in his father’s judgment, business acumen. “Donald is the smartest person I know,” he remarked admirably. “Everything he touches turns to gold.”
Head over to mental_floss for early coverage of Hillary Clinton, Starbucks, the iPod, The Simpsons, AIDS, Wikipedia and many more. And I’d love to get your suggestions.
• The First Time News Was Fit To Print
• The First Time News Was Fit To Print, II