This Day in History: February 9, 1960
As with so many events within our history, there are those that have been recorded with different dates. Some say this, others say that. Yet, the event is the same. It took place, but when? Today is one of those days posing question. However, this time it is not only in the date but in the naming of the 'first' honoree.
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The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hollywood Walk of Fame is recorded as February 8, 1960 and February 9, 1960. As with many reportings, it comes down to who reported the when, where and how. If it is written by man, it is subject to error. The 'Walk' does exist and its original site was dedicated in 1958 with the actual groundbreaking taking place either on February 8th or 9th in 1960.
Now, let's look at the 'first' honoree and the controversy.
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Contrary to popular belief Joanne Woodward may not have been the 'first' honoree. There were several honorees as depicted as a unit on the image above, This is Where It All Began. However, as for my research, more sources declare she was the first, rather than not. There is the possibility the Joanne Woodward legend may have originated because she was the first to pose with her star for photographers.
Either way, yesterday or today, Joanne Woodward or not, the Hollywood Walk of Fame indeed exists and honors stars of monumental accomplishments.
As with so many events within our history, there are those that have been recorded with different dates. Some say this, others say that. Yet, the event is the same. It took place, but when? Today is one of those days posing question. However, this time it is not only in the date but in the naming of the 'first' honoree.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hollywood Walk of Fame is recorded as February 8, 1960 and February 9, 1960. As with many reportings, it comes down to who reported the when, where and how. If it is written by man, it is subject to error. The 'Walk' does exist and its original site was dedicated in 1958 with the actual groundbreaking taking place either on February 8th or 9th in 1960.
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| In the above image shows five stars, each has a different emblem representing the five different categories in the entertainment industry. |
Beginning top left, the emblems symbolize five categories within the entertainment industry: (This seems to be consistent.)
![Circular 4-inch brass plaque showing a side view of a classic movie camera]()
Classic film camera representing motion pictures![Circular 4-inch brass plaque with a tube-type television with twin aerials]()
Television receiver representing broadcast television![Circular 4-inch brass plaque with a top view of phonograph disc and pickup arm]()
Phonograph record representing audio recording or music![Circular 4-inch brass plaque with an antique studio-style microphone]()
Radio microphone representing broadcast radio![Circular 4-inch brass plaque with the classic theatrical comedy/tragedy masks]()
Comedy/tragedy masks representing theatre/live performance (added in 1984)
Now, let's look at the 'first' honoree and the controversy.
The First Star: Joanne Woodward
Was she or wasn't she? That is the question.
Contrary to popular belief Joanne Woodward may not have been the 'first' honoree. There were several honorees as depicted as a unit on the image above, This is Where It All Began. However, as for my research, more sources declare she was the first, rather than not. There is the possibility the Joanne Woodward legend may have originated because she was the first to pose with her star for photographers.
Either way, yesterday or today, Joanne Woodward or not, the Hollywood Walk of Fame indeed exists and honors stars of monumental accomplishments.
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| 6801 Hollywood Boulevard near Dolby Theatre |