December 31, 1953
By the winter of 1953, Eisenhower was in the White House and the federal minimum wage stood at $0.75/hr — the Korean War was still grinding through its third year, with Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly warning of Soviet encirclement and pushing for a negotiated peace. On television, "I Love Lucy" was the undisputed top show in the country, while Perry Como's "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes" held the number one spot on the music charts. The Detroit Lions won the NFL championship that season, and on December 6, conductor Arturo Toscanini performed what he called his favorite Beethoven symphony, "Eroica," for the final time with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, broadcasting the live performance to listeners across the nation.
On the cover
Magazine Covers — December 31, 1953
NY Times Headlines — Week of December 31, 1953
Knowland Joins Protest On Shift In Defense Work; Senate Leader Says He Will Help South To Fight Plan Aiding Distressed Areas Predicts Congress Curb But White House Reassures Critics That Program Will Not Be Discriminatory Knowland Joins Defense Protests
Governor To Propose Rules Of Fair Play For Inquiries; Seeks To Protect 'Good Name' Of Those Called Or Accused In State Hearings -- Legislature Gets Code Wednesday
Congress To Act Early On Cotton; Revised Acreage Allotments For 1954 Crop Among First Business Before Senate
Easing Of Taft Act Opposed By N. A. M.; Bitter Fight Seen; Manufacturers Bid Congress Put More Teeth In Law Or Leave It As It Is
Eisenhower Gives Democrats Views On Foreign Policy; On Eve Of Congress Session, He Outlines Security Plans -- Bipartisan Approach Seen Dulles, Wilson Assist Stassen Charts Aid Steps -- Administration Proposals Reported Well Received President'S Views Given Democrats
World Events — December 1953
Time Person of the Year — 1953
On the radio
Billboard Charts — December 31, 1953
On the bookshelf
On the television
Nielsen Top 10 — 1953–54 Season
Emmy Winners — 1953
At the movies
Box Office & Oscar Winners — December 31, 1953
On the field
Sports Champions — December 31, 1953
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