#when they started talking abt jack I was literally like. *tiffany pollard voice* JACK ROBINSON

[gusgrissom]

Since it took place 56 years ago this week, here’s one of my favorite Gemini 3 finds: a two hour (!) radio report on Gus and John’s reception at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC on March 29, 1965. There is a brief interview with Gus and John in the first few minutes and then about an hour and a half in, they both give short speeches (John sounds so young!).

(Best part, Classic Gus moment, is when a reporter asks what the best moment of the parade was, and Gus says, “When it was over.”)

But the majority of the broadcast is a reporter or two (with model Mid-Atlantic accents) observing the reception line of about 1,800 people, speaking with a few guests after they’ve met the astronauts, commenting on how the carpet is becoming a hazard because so many people have trampled on it... It’s long but really a wonderful time capsule (of New York, of the space program, of radio) if you’re into that (which I am).

I really wish there were more photos/video footage of this reception, that’s sort of my next archive-spelunking mission. (For those of you keeping track, this was the same event where our hero Andrea finally met Gus!)

Aside from the parts with Gus and John, my absolute favorite was about 11 minutes in, an interview with the incredible Jack (Jackie) Robinson, yes, that Jack Robinson!, who brought his young son and a friend to meet the astronauts. SO cool to hear such a legend talking about his admiration for my other heroes! Transcript of what Robinson said below the cut:

“We, and like everyone else in this country, are awfully admiring of the men with this kind of courage. I think they’ve made tremendous contributions to our country... I was certainly impressed with both Commander Grissom and Young, um, not Commander Grissom, Major Grissom and Commander Young.* They were down to earth, and it was just like meeting their wives some time ago... We met their wives and it was the same thing, we met them at this party that was given in their honor. And now to meet the astronauts, it’s certainly a big thrill. I know the boys were thrilled beyond words.”

“If you would’ve seen the anxiety that [the boys] had wanting to get down to visit and see [the astronauts] in the parade today you would understand that they do and are inspired. I think every kid in America, in some way, would put himself in the place of these two fine young men, and if they could make any kind of a contribution like this I think their lives would be certainly complete. In my view, this is what is needed, and I think it’s a thrilling thing, as the kids said, that they had the opportunity of meeting them.”

“Personally, I don’t have that kind of courage!” [To be an astronaut]

*This was a common mistake reporters and guests alike kept tripping over throughout the broadcast, because while Gus was the commander of the flight, he rank was actually that of a Major at this time and John was a (Lieutenant) Commander in the Navy. 

#I can transcribe their speeches too if anyone is unable to listen just let me know! #gemini 3 #gus grissom #john young #astronauts #NASA #1960s #* #articles #audio #jackie robinson #NYC #interview #I know 2 hrs of radio coverage sounds boring but it's so... totally transporting and fun. I think I'm in love w/ one of the announcers #when they started talking abt jack I was literally like. *tiffany pollard voice* JACK ROBINSON???