1956 – Paul Revere Williams Project

[timeline_event category=”Paul Revere Williams” title=”Wins award for service” layout=”true” images=”2745″]

Wisdom Magazine selects important Americans to receive an award for “contributions to knowledge and distinguished service to mankind.” On the cover of its first issue in 1956 the magazine features Albert Einstein. Williams is among the distinguished recipients of the magazine’s first award.

Other honorees that evening include: Bernard Baruch, advisor to Presidents and international financier; Eddie Cantor, comedian; Dr. Will Durant, historian and intellectual; Conrad Hilton, hotelier; Richard Neutra, architect; Pearl S. Buck, Nobel prize winning novelist; Maxwell Anderson, playwright; Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Broadway team.

Winston Churchill and Bernard Baruch pictured here were also featured on the cover of Wisdom Magazine.

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[timeline_event category=”Paul Revere Williams” title=”Tuskegee Institute Confers Honorary Degree”]

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration at Tuskegee Institute, Williams is honored with an honorary degree Doctor of Fine Arts. In a 1957 letter from the Institute President, L. H. Foster, Williams is described as “…one of the persons in America who is doing outstanding work and who is measuring up fully to the highest traditions of their professions.”

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[timeline_event category=”News at the Time” title=”Golden Crown to Be Placed on City Hall” images=”2746″]

Los Angeles Times, March 6, 1956

“The City Hall will have a golden crown emblematic of Los Angeles’ standing as a monarch among cities because of its rank, power, and attractions, the Municipal Arts Commission decided yesterday.

The 32-foot pyramid atop the 454-foot building will be cover with aluminum sheets to waterproof the tower. At the suggestion of its president, Paul R. Williams, the commission said this facing should be painted gold.”

Photographer Brion Vibber.

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[timeline_event category=”Social & Urban History” title=”Elvis an international sensation” images=”2747″]On September 9, 1956, entertainer Elvis Presley appears for the first time on Ed Sullivan’s television show. Early in his career Elvis becomes an international sensation. His unique music combines a variety of styles: white country and gospel, black R&B and gospel, and white pop. Elvis’ fans come from every social class and age group. His music changes the face of American popular culture for decades and influences many famous musicians.

Elvis Presley got his break into the music business at Sun Studio (Memphis Recording Services in 1954) owned by Sam Phillips. Reputedly the first rock-and-roll single, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ Rocket 88, is recorded here in 1951.[/timeline_event]