Flashback Friday - 70 Years Ago

"It was a monumental year--the end of an era and the beginning of a new one," says my copy of The Encyclopedia of American Facts & Dates. The year of course was 1945. The war was ending in both Europe and the Pacific.

Going My Way won the Academy Award for outstanding motion picture and earned Bing Crosby the best actor award. Commercial television came a step closer to reality as the FCC allocated thirteen channels for the new medium.

Rationing for shoes, tires, meat and butter ended. Seventy-three more consumer items were authorized for manufacture as War Production Board bans were lifted.

The Miss America title was won by Bess Myerson from New York City.

In boxing, a newcomer named Rocky Graziano scored five knockouts at Madison Square Garden. Ohio State University did not play in the Rose Bowl. (Neither did Michigan). The 71st running of the Kentucky Derby was won by Hoop Jr. The Tigers defeated the Cubs in the World Series. The NFL Championship was won by the Cleveland Rams who defeated the Washington Redskins.

And Mrs. "Snip" Robbins gave birth to twin boys! It was a very good year!