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The 1950s

Dec. 1959

New Home: Redskins sign 30-year lease to play in proposed D.C. Stadium and Congress gives go-ahead to build.

Oct. 15, 1958

Redskins Alumni: Twenty-three former players living in the Washington, D.C. region adopt a formal constitution and by-laws, thereby creating the Redskins Alumni Association.

Nov. 11, 1956

Upset Special: Redskins hold off a late comeback by the undefeated Detroit Lions (6-0), a team that had four future Hall of Famers in its lineup, and win 18-17.

Chris Hanburger

Dec. 11, 1955

Winning Season: Redskins defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-17 to finish off the season with an 8-4 record—the team's best in 10 years. One of the wins included a season-opening victory over the Cleveland Browns, who would rebound by winning the Eastern Conference crown and the NFL championship.

Oct. 1, 1955

TD Torrent: Redskins score 21 points in 137 seconds. The Philadelphia Eagles lead 16-0 through three quarters. First, defensive end Gene Brito recovered a fumble on the Eagles' 32-yard line and quarterback Eddie LeBaron quickly threw a TD strike to Vic Janowicz. On the ensuing kickoff, the Eagles failed to field the ball and the Redskins' Ralph Thomas recovered at the 3-yard line and rolled into the end zone for another TD. Defensive end LaVern Torgeson forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, and the Redskins' Janowicz converted from one yard out for another score. The final score: Redskins 31, Eagles 30.

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Oct. 10, 1954

Halftime Harmony: Dr. Howard Mitchell leads the entire National Symphony Orchestra in a halftime performance.

Sept. 1954

Turbulent Times: Owner George Preston Marshall settles on Joe Kuharich as his head coach after firing Earl "Curly" Lambeau following the Redskins loss in their exhibition opener to the Los Angeles Rams.

Dec. 14, 1952

Baugh's Goodbye: Sammy Baugh plays in his last game, a 27-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sammy Baugh at Texas Christian University. (AP Photo)

Feb. 1952

Lambeau Arrives: Owner George Preston Marshall lures Green Bay Packers' legendary coach Earl "Curly" Lambeau to Washington. He becomes the Redskins' seventh head coach since the team moved to Washington.

June 14, 1950

TV First: American Oil announces plans to televise all Redskins games. No other pro team is on television.

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