June 4, 1961
The federal minimum wage stood at $1.15/hr that summer of 1961, and the Dow Jones sat at 731 — with the United States and Soviet Union locked in a standoff over the future of Berlin, as Washington issued firm warnings to Moscow that Western rights in the divided city would be defended. On the cultural front, Bobby Lewis spent the summer at number one on the charts with "Tossin' And Turnin'," while television audiences were tuning in to the Western drama "Gunsmoke" week after week. On August 6, Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov launched aboard "Vostok 2" and became the first human being to spend more than a single day in outer space, completing 17 orbits before landing safely — a milestone that underscored how quickly the space race was accelerating.
On the cover
Magazine Covers — June 4, 1961
NY Times Headlines — Week of June 4, 1961
Kennedy And Khrushchev Stress Problem Of Laos In 4-Hour Talk; Discussion 'Frank And Courteous; Parley Is Lively Soviet Veto Propos A Topic In Vienna -More Talks Today Kennedy And Khrushchev Stress Problem Of Laos In 'Frank' Four-Hour Talk "Courteous' Tone Of Parley Noted President Greets Premier Warmly -- Berlin And Test Ban On Today'S Agenda
Firing Renewed; Harriman Asks Reds To Fulfill Promise Given By Premier U.S. Bids Soviet Act On Laos; Urges Fighting There Be Ended
Soviet Complains Of 'Interference' By Bonn In Berlin; Sends Notes To Western Big 3 On Plans For Meeting Of Parliament There Danger To Peace Seen ' Unlawful' Actions Charged By Moscow In The First Move Since Summit Soviet Assails West On Berlin
World Events — June 1961
Time Person of the Year — 1961
On the radio
Billboard Charts — June 4, 1961
Grammy Awards
On the bookshelf
On the television
Nielsen Top 10 — 1960–61 Season
Emmy Winners — 1961
At the movies
Box Office & Oscar Winners — June 4, 1961
On the field
Sports Champions — June 4, 1961
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