The space race is on: From the Asbury Park Press archives

Sunday, October 6, 1957 — 67 Years Ago

The space race begins when the Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite. However, back home in Asbury Park, students at Bradley Elementary School are perhaps more freaked out by identical teachers Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Marcellus.

Soviet’s Earth Moon Radios Coded Signals; Fort Monmouth Experts Track It — 30 Engineers Analyzing Movements

FORT MONMOUTH - Professional and amateur radiomen along the Shore kept their equipment “tuned in” on Russia’s satellite last night as it streaked around the world. Dr. Harold A. Zahl of Fair Haven, director of research for the U.S. Army Signal Engineering Laboratories, said a task force of 30 engineers had been organized to check the satellite’s signals and try to analyze its movements.

The “beeping” signals from the baby “moon” were picked up Friday night and “continually” yesterday by the Signal Corps equipment at Evans Signal Laboratory, Wall, and at other stations, Dr. Zahl reported.

The radio sounds were heard for several minutes at a time, at hour-and-a-half intervals, he said.

Spokesman William M. Myers said scientists estimated the satellite would be closest to New Jersey at 1 a.m. and again at 9 a.m. today.

Satellite Hard To Find in the Sky

WASHINGTON - Russia’s epoch-making earth satellite sped ‘round and ‘round a fascinated world today, sending what may be messages in secret code back to its creators in the Soviet Union.

As it circled the globe every 96.2 minutes, 560 miles out in space, the Western World’s scientists knew it was there because they could pick up its radio signals.

But they experienced great difficulty in spotting it visually. Although there were some scattered reports that it had been seen, these were disputed, and there was some feeling that it might never be observed.

The satellite’s course around the globe from north to south brings it over the United States seven times every 24 hours.

The Press Believes: Rising School Enrollments Portend Either New Taxes or Double Sessions

Even those who conveniently blind themselves to the school problem must be impressed by a statement made last week by Earl B. Garrison, Monmouth County superintendent of schools. Mr. Garrison reports that unless facilities are greatly expanded, most Monmouth County high schools will operate on double sessions within five years.

There is substance to Mr. Garrison’s warning. Planning groups predict a 110% growth for the county by 1975, to bring the population to nearly 600,000 persons.

Ocean County faces a similar problem. At Toms River, Superintendent Clyde W. Slocum projects enrollment to show that 18 additional classrooms will be needed next year and 17 more by September 1959. Board of Education President Raymond Staples rightfully observes that: “This is the biggest proposition we’ve ever thought of or talked about. Frankly, it has grown to the size where it scares me.”

No Wonder Pupils See Double — Bradley School Teachers Are Twins

ASBURY PARK - If young Johnny comes home from Bradley School complaining of seeing double, he’s probably right.

It’s very possible that he saw Mrs. J. Marshall Brown Jr. leave the building, and seconds later came face to face with her identical twin, Mrs. Hendrick V. Marcellus, in the hall.

“To cause less confusion, we dress differently,” said Mrs. Brown, who teaches second grade on the first floor. “Also helpful, perhaps, is the fact that my sister’s third grade classroom is on the second floor,” she said.

“Don’t forget,” began Mrs. Marcellus, “the children can keep us straight at recess too, because we stand on opposite sides of the playground at the same posts daily.”

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: The space race is on: From the Asbury Park Press archives