Saturday, January 2, 1960: John F. Kennedy begins bid for White House

"I am announcing today my candidacy for the presidency of the United States."

With those words, the Massachusetts Democrat officially enters the race, making the announcement in the Senate Caucus Room in Washington.
* Transcript: @
* Audio: @

Time magazine says: "His shockheaded youthfulness, his wealth and his Roman Catholic faith are mixed political blessings in a race where the Democratic bosses yearn for a candidate with no handicaps."
* More from Time: @ and @

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Friday, January 1, 1960: Sun City opens in Arizona

The retirement community northwest of Phoenix was different in that it was built for active seniors. It was an immediate success and, as NPR put it, "helped change the country's attitude toward aging."

NPR report: @

BBC report: @

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Friday, January 1, 1960: The No. 1 song on this date

"Why" by Frankie Avalon, his second (and last) No. 1 hit, "Venus" being the first.

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