The Sun remembers 1959: News of the Day

Friday, Sept. 8, 2000 | 9:40 a.m.

January 4: Ike Signs Historic Paper Making Alaska 49th State.

Story: Alaska became the 49th state of the Union Saturday by proclamation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The president signed the historic document and unveiled the new 49-star flag at a five-minute White House ceremony beginning at noon.

Welcoming the new state and its people, Eisenhower extended "best wishes and hope for prosperity and success."

February 14: Castro Taking Over As Prime Minister.

Story: Fidel Castro, the 32-year-old revolutionary chief, was named prime minister of Cuba Friday night.

It was his first move into political office and it came at a time when there was wide speculation that he was on the way to becoming president.

Up to now the bearded leader has served the provisional government as commander and chief of armed forces.

April 9: New Frontier Casino, Lounge, Planet Room Will Open Today.

Story: Lights will go on at noon today in the casino of the New Frontier and will be followed five hours later in the Cloud 9 Lounge and the Planet Room.

Entertainment in the Cloud 9 Lounge will start off with Frances Faye, the Fabulous Treniers, Jack Costanzo and a variety of other acts.

The Planet Room will re-open with service around the clock, including a chuck wagon from midnight to 3 a.m.

April 12: 5,000 Delegates Arrive in LV To Open Gigantic Air Congress

Story: Las Vegans wearing their best bib and tucker and friendliest smiles today rolled out a plushy red carpet to welcome 5,000 delegates to the World Congress of Flight which gets under way today and ends next Sunday.

Delegates to the flight congress have arrived from 40 nations and represent the best minds in aviation and missile industry.

August 2: Two Hurt As Twister Hits LV Area

Story: August weather made like March's yesterday, roaring in like a lion to bowl over five trailers at Indian Springs, to flood streets in one section of Las Vegas, and to wash out a road near Blue Diamond.

The hit and skip storm that also caused lights to flicker in Las Vegas and kicked up dust storms generally throughout the area, struck worst at Indian Springs, 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Two persons, it was reported, were nicked by flying glass before the twister moved on in about three minutes.

In Las Vegas, a rain squall caused a minor flood about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Brush and Evergreen, with water flowing running-board deep before it drained off.