July 26, 1962
A Historic Connection
Just sixteen days after the Telstar satellite launched on July 10, 1962, it was already making history. The world's first active communications satellite could relay telephone calls and television signals across the Atlantic Ocean.
On July 23rd, Telstar transmitted the first transatlantic telephone call. Three days later, on July 26th, the satellite connected 23 American cities with their European sister cities in a groundbreaking demonstration of international communication.
Medford was the only Northwest city chosen for this historic honor.
The mayors who made history together
Two Mayors, One Moment
At Medford City Hall, Mayor John Snider picked up the phone. Across the ocean, in Alba's city square, Mayor Osvaldo Cagnasso waited with anticipation.
The call was operator-mediated, with a translator helping bridge the language gap. For approximately 13 minutes, the two mayors exchanged greetings and strengthened the bond between their cities. Their connection ended only when the satellite moved out of range.
This was just two years after Medford and Alba had officially become sister cities. The technological marvel of the Telstar call cemented their relationship in the minds of citizens on both continents.
5,000 Gathered at Midnight
Due to the time difference, it was midnight in Alba when the call came through. Despite the late hour, over 5,000 residents filled the city square to witness this technological marvel.
The Eugene Register Guard reported that "the crowd was silent during the conversation but broke into a loud cheer when it ended." Back in Medford, about 60 residents had gathered at City Hall to share in the historic moment.
Italian news cameras captured the excitement in Alba, creating footage that would be preserved for generations. This remarkable visual record of the celebration still exists today.
The Telstar satellite that made it all possible
Watch the Original Italian News Coverage
This remarkable footage from Italian television captures the excitement in Alba on that historic night.
July 26, 2022
60th Anniversary Celebration
On the 60th anniversary of the historic call, Medford Mayor Randy Sparacino led commemorations honoring the enduring friendship between our cities.
"Thank you to all who have continued to support this strong sister city relationship despite the geographical distance between us."
The celebration reminded everyone that the friendship sparked by that 13-minute call has now spanned six decades and continues to grow stronger.
A Legacy That Continues
That 13-minute call sparked something that couldn't be measured in minutes. Today, families in Medford and Alba share bonds that span generations. The student exchange program, born from this friendship, has sent over 400 students across the Atlantic since 1985.