JOURNEY: As Apollo 11 prepared for its journey into space, ’Round the Square shared some tidbits of moon pop culture.
Readers learned of songs and poems written about the moon. The first map of the moon was created more than 300 years prior, in 1650.
The column for Saturday, July 19, 1969 — three days after Apollo 11 launched — included a Bradford connection to the spectacle:
“The husband of a former Bradfordian appeared on network television late Sunday afternoon from Flagstaff, Ariz., in conjunction with the report on the astrogeological aspects of this nation’s mission to the moon. He is Robert D. Regan, Ph.D candidate in astrogeology from Michigan State University. He is the husband of the former Betsy McGrail and the son-in-law of Mrs. M.A. McGrail, 136 Kennedy St., and the late Dr. McGrail.”
The morning edition of the July 21, 1969, Era proclaimed in large capital letters across the front page, “THEY’RE THERE!”
Then-staff reporter Ronald Kloss, who later became Era sports editor, interviewed locals on their reaction to the news. The article, “Bradfordians Greet Moon Story with Enthusiasm,” appeared on Page 1 that just below photos of the astronauts.
Mrs. James Garrigan told Kloss she felt that the moon landing had been “tremendous and one of the most stupendous things that has taken place.”
G.W. Matthews said, “Who knows what may happen in 25 years? After landing on the moon, nothing seems impossible.”
Nine-year-old Bernard White and 11-year-old Michael Welch were proud the first men on the moon were Americans, and they agreed they would enjoy a chance to go to the moon someday.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Mrs. Karen Browdy of Gregory Avenue. “The whole activity seemed like it wasn’t real.” But it was “really exciting” watching the moonwalk on screen.
Monday, July 21, 1969 — the day after the historic moonwalk — was celebrated as a national holiday. The day was called “Moonday” in the pages of The Era, and the newspaper listed day-long closings of municipalities, school and other institutions.
