John Cobb, a butcher, rides an ornithopter bicycle with wings in San Fernando Valley, California. John has a collar to flap wings when he raises his torso. The bicycle has a rocket to assist takeoff. William Modes helps him as he starts riding. Ralph Spergis lights the rocket. The heat of the rocket sets tail on fire. Tail sets John's pants on fire. He purposely falls down, yelling for water. John is caught in the collar wires and can't get away. The rocket breaks loose, which it was do after takeoff, and sets wings on fire. A man throws water from a bucket to extinguish John's pants. (William Modes later became a director at Northrup Aircraft Company. Ralph Spergis later became longtime manager at Agua Dulce Airpark. Ralph and William, at the time this was taken, were roommates in Santa Monica, both working as aircraft mechanics at Douglas Aircraft Company.)
Olympic trials in California, United States. Athletes compete to make it to the Rome Olympics as they participate in sprints, pole vault and high jump. Don Bragg sets a new record in pole vault of 15 feet 9 and a quarter inches. In high jump John Thomas sets a new record.
Democratic convention of 1960 in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the 1960 Presidential election in the United States. Various candidates competing for the nomination at the convention arrive in Los Angeles and receive a warm welcome. Lyndon Johnson arrives as his supporters gather to cheer him. Adlai Stevenson's supporters carrying his posters welcome him at the airport. Senator John F. Kennedy being given a warm welcome as girls dance and people cheer him. At the convention in Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Senator Frank Church addresses the delegates. He talks about the two blocks- Democratic and Communist. He appeals to the delegates to nominate a powerful leader as their Presidential candidate.
Scenes from the Democratic National Convention of 1960. People gathered outside the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. Delegates inside the convention hall carry banners in support of Lyndon Johnson. Others carry banners for John F. Kennedy. Governor Orville L. Freeman speaks at the podium and proposes Senator John F. Kennedy as the nominee, then Senator Eugene McCarthy puts forward Adlai Stevenson II for nominee. Eleanor Roosevelt also appears at the podium in support of Adlai Stevenson. The voting results are announced, and John F. Kennedy wins in a landslide. Kennedy delivers a speech thanking the delegates for their support and expressing hope that he will live up to their expectations as the Presidential election nears.
Japanese men and boys celebrate 2500th anniversary of the Samurai in Los Angeles, California. A group of Japanese people perform sword dance and kendo. A young boy performs a terpsichorean rite. A Japanese man performs a sword dance at the occasion.
Leopards being fed in Los Angeles, California. A female trainer gives food to four leopards in a cage. The leopards eat the meal. Two cubs and a puppy play.
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