Entertainment, History, Russ Lyon

The Year 1947

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and travel back to 1947.

What happened in 1947?

It was the first year of the Cold War, which would last until 1991, ending with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Congress passes Taft-Hartley Act, restricting labor unions
Henry Ford dies, leaving behind a fortune of over $600 million
Americans can purchase the first new cars manufactured since the beginning of World War II
President Truman formulated the “Truman Doctrine” of providing aid to countries whose governments are threatened with overthrow
U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall called for a European recovery effort, popularly called the “Marshall Plan.”
India and Pakistan proclaimed independent nations
Britain nationalizes its coal industry.
Britain’s Princess Elizabeth marries Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh.
World Series: New York Yankees over Brooklyn, 4-3 (first televised World Series)
Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American player in a major league baseball team (Brooklyn Dodgers)
Over 1 million veterans enrolled in college through the G.I. Bill
First food processors
The average cost of a loaf of bread was 13 cents
The start of the Cold War endured over four decades, from circa 1947 until the decline and eventual collapse of East European and Soviet state communism in the late 1980s.
1945 to 1947, to win independence, underground Jewish militias waged a bitter guerilla war against the British, including bombing attacks against British Military Headquarters
1947 November 29th The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine recommended the partition of Palestine into two separate states, one Arab and one Jewish
UFO allegedly found on July 7 in the Roswell UFO incident
National Security Act is created.
The CIA was established.
The classic holiday film “Miracle on 34th Street” premieres.
Howard Hughes Flying Boat ( The Spruce Goose ) takes off but will never go into production.

What happened in Arizona in 1947?

A fire destroyed all but four of Phoenix’s electric streetcars in October.
The city begins the process of transitioning to a public bus transit system.
The Phoenix Charter Revision Committee is formed.
Russ Lyon Realty is founded.
Phoenix Symphony Orchestra is founded.
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce was formed, and Scottsdale leaders made a conscious effort to promote a particular identity linked to the Old West, as a reflection of the city’s roots and as a tourist draw.
The New York Giants start spring training in Phoenix.

1947: Cost of Living

The average cost of a new house was $6,600.00
Average wages per year $2,850.00
The cost of a gallon of Gas is 15 cents
Average Cost New Car $1,300.00
Loaf of Bread was 13 cents
The United States Postage Stamp 3 cents
Men’s Sweater $8.50
Bulova Men’s Watch $52.50
Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup 23 cents for 2 cans
Leg O Lamb 59 cents per pound
Loaf Marvel Enriched Bread 13 cents per loaf
Oranges 49 cents per dozen
Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Sterling
Average House Price 1,824
A couple of examples of houses for sale this year
Harlingen, Texas New Brick House 5 room house with all furniture included $7,100
Long Beach, California Mediterranean style Home with Most beautiful 2-story modern home overlooking the ocean well cared for grounds $37,500

Who was born this year?

January 8th: David Bowie
February 2nd: Farrah Fawcett
March 25th: Elton John
April 12th: David Letterman
May 2nd: James Dyson
July 5th: Judge Joe Brown
July 18th: Steve Forbes
July 30th: Arnold Schwarzenegger
September 1: Stephen King
September 27th: Meat Loaf
August 14th: Danielle Steel
October 26th: Hillary Rodham Clinton
November 8th: Minnie Riperton

What technology was there?

First “instant camera” Camera History shown
Saab produces its first automobile.
Goodrich Manufacturers’ first Tubeless Tyre
Howard Hughes Flying Boat ( The Spruce Goose ) takes off but will never go into production.
The Transistor is invented
Walter Morrison invents the Frisbee.
ENIAC, one of the world’s first digital computers, is turned on after a memory upgrade (operated until 1955).
The Sound Barrier is Broken (Traveling faster than Sound)
First LP’s History of HiFi and Music Players and Media produced.
Inventions Invented by Inventors and Country (or attributed to first use)
- Artificial Intelligence – England by Alan Turing
- Mobile Phone – USA
- Transistor – the USA from Bell Laboratories
- Hologram – Hungary by Denis Gabor

Other News

1931 Statute of Westminster
New Zealand ratifies the 1931 Statute of Westminster, which provides Effective Legislative Independence from Great Britain
Ferrari began production of Italian sports cars after having been involved in motor racing since 1929
Ammonium nitrate cargo of SS Grandcap explodes in Texas City, Texas – 552 dead, 3000 injured
Everglades National Park is dedicated as a National Park by President Harry S. Truman
A major strike closes The Paris subway
50 separate Forest fires in Maine and surrounding states destroy more than two hundred thousand acres
Hurricane in southeast Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama – 51 killed
Earthquake in Chilean Andes – 233 dead
Severe Snow Storm Northeastern part of the United States
Tornado strikes Woodward, Oklahoma, killing 107
Polaroid Land Camera Demonstrated giving photos in 60 seconds
First Of The Dead Sea Scrolls Found in caves near Wadi Qumran
Following the creation of the National Coal Board in 1946, Great Britain nationalizes Coal mines in 1947.
The four largest British rail companies Great Western Railway (GWR), the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), and the Southern Railway (SR), were taken over by the government and turned into the Nationalised British Railway.
Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth marries the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London.
On January 1st, The Canadian Citizenship Act passed in 1946, converting British subjects into Canadian citizens.
The first Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe festival opens for the performing arts.