December 1961 calendar
Learn the most interesting events and historical facts that happened in December 1961.
The US president was John F. Kennedy (Democrat), the UK Prime Minister was Harold Macmillan (Conservative), Pope John XXIII was leading the Catholic Church.
But much more happened on December 1961: find out below
Historical Events
Which were the important events of December 1961?
Events
- 01 Dec 1961 The independent Republic of West Papua is proclaimed in modern-day Western New Guinea.
- 02 Dec 1961 Wind Bell, journal of SF Zen Center, begins publishing
- 03 Dec 1961 Beatles meet future manager Brian Epstein
- 04 Dec 1961 WXGA TV channel 8 in Waycross, Georgia (PBS) begins broadcasting
- 05 Dec 1961 U.S. President John F. Kennedy gives support to the Volta Dam project in Ghana.
- 06 Dec 1961 27th Heisman Trophy Award: Ernie Davis, Syracuse (HB).
- 08 Dec 1961 Antwerp Belgium diocese forms
- 09 Dec 1961 From the Second City closes at Royale Theater NYC after 87 performances
- 10 Dec 1961 Dr Ruth marries Fred Westheimer
- 11 Dec 1961 Please, Mr. Postman by Marvelettes, released
- 12 Dec 1961 Ham radio satellite Oscar 1 launched with military Discoverer 36.
- 13 Dec 1961 Beatles sign a formal agreement to be managed by Brian Epstein
- 14 Dec 1961 The United Republic of Tanzania joins the United Nations.
- 15 Dec 1961 Adolf Eichmann convicted of crimes against humanity in Israel
- 16 Dec 1961 Evening with Yves Montand opens at John Golden NYC after 55 performances
- 17 Dec 1961 India seizes Goa and 2 other Portuguese colonies
- 18 Dec 1961 KAIL TV channel 53 in Fresno, CA (IND) begins broadcasting
- 19 Dec 1961 Indonesian President Sukarno proclaims general mobilization.
- 20 Dec 1961 Moss Heart, US dramatist (You can't take it with you), dies at age 57.
- 21 Dec 1961 Beatles record Sweet Georgia Brown andReady Teddy
- 22 Dec 1961 US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site.
- 23 Dec 1961 KICU TV channel 43 in Visalia-Fresno, CA (IND) begins broadcasting
- 24 Dec 1961 Houston Oilers beat San Diego Chargers 10-3 in AFL championship game.
- 27 Dec 1961 Subways Are for Sleeping opens at St. James Theater NYC for 205 performances
- 30 Dec 1961 Congolese troops capture Albert Kalonji of South Kasai (who soon escapes).
- 31 Dec 1961 lrma La Douce closes at Plymouth Theater NYC after 527 performances
- 09 Dec 1961 Tanganyika becomes independent from Britain.
Famous Birthday
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Famous Deaths
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Music charts
Which were the top hits in December 1961?
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Top #5 songs in the USA
- Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John
- The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman
- The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
- Dion - Runaround Sue
- Bobby Vee - Run To Him
Top #5 songs in the UK
- Frankie Vaughan - Tower Of Strength
- Johnny Tillotson - Poetry In Motion
- Danny Williams - Moon River
- Cliff Richard - I Love You
- Elvis Presley - His Latest Flame / Little Sisters
Movies
Which were the most popular Movies released in that month?
Books
Which were the most popular books released in December 1961?