In 1962, the United States launched Telstar, the first communications satellite, into space. And, just a few days later, Western Springs was invited to converse with its sister city in England via the brand new satellite.
Telstar satellite – 1962
It was a very different world just 51 years ago. There were no touch-tone telephones yet. Overseas calls were transmitted by underwater cables. And, all overseas calls had to be placed with the assistance of an overseas operator. But, on July 10, 1962, all of that began to change.
At 2:35 a.m., AT&T’s Telstar 1 satellite was launched into space by a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was the first satellite capable of relaying phone, data, and television signals between North America and Europe. The 171-pound, 34.5-inch sphere loaded with transistors and covered with solar panels was placed in a 3,503-mile by 593-mile elliptical orbit.
To promote the significance of this new American technology, the U.S. Information Agency, then headed up by Edward R. Murrow, decided to enlist the help of 26 U.S. towns that had “sister cities” in Europe.
Edward R. Murrow with President Kennedy – 1962
The plan would allow each pair of cities to have a 7-minute-long phone conversation via satellite. And, since Western Springs had maintained a “sister cities” relationship with Rugeley, England since 1957, it was chosen to be part of this historic event.
After numerous letters and telegrams from Washington, arrangements were made for several Western Springs representatives to place a phone call to Rugeley, England on July 26, just two weeks after the launch of the satellite.
The call would take place in the afternoon from the home of former village president Howard Knowlton, 4712 Central Avenue. In addition to Mr. Knowlton, other participants would include Orville Edlund, then village president, and Robert Lavidge, chairman of the village’s “sister city” program. See photos.
Representing Rugeley were Leslie Madden, chairman of their urban district council, Albert Rowley, former chairman of the council, and John Ward, head of their International Friendship Society.
Orville Edlund (left), Howard Knowlton, and Robert Lavidge
By all accounts, the call was highly successful with good reception at both ends. Since most of the callers had previously met each other in visits to their respective cities, the conversations focused on past encounters and reflections on each other’s towns.
Ironically, when Chicago’s Mayor Daley learned of the media’s interest in Western Springs’ impending satellite call to Europe, he decided to “one up” this little western suburb. Specifically, he reportedly created an overnight “sister city” program of his own with Copenhagen and directed his staff to become a last-minute addition to the long-planned event. But, much to the delight of Western Springs officials, technical difficulties prevented his call from going through. That was, perhaps, the first and last time that Western Springs beat Chicago.