A Look Back at the Memory Lane Collection

By Aramco ExPats / / 28 June 2023

In this Memory Lane collection, explore highlights from archived editions of The Arabian Sun and Arabian Sun and Flare, marking the progression of Aramco through the ages. For example, here is an excerpt from 1971... "When your 4-year-old neighbor affects a deep voice and growls, "Cookie," it's evidence that he has joined his Stateside contemporaries in the vast subculture of preschoolers within range of Sesame Street, the widely acclaimed educational television series that premiers tomorrow on Aramco Television."

Memory Lane Collection

Memory Lane: From the Passing of a CEO to The Opening of a Pepsi-Cola Plant, A Look Back

"Here are some of the headlines through the decades as we take a stroll down Memory Lane. Valuable and unusual stamps appear regularly on Company mail, all of which are cut off and saved for stamp collectors. This practice has been in effect for some time as many collectors can prove."

"A top Toastmaster, a tough AEA election, the Aramcorama Golf Classic, and more are highlighted in this week's walk down Memory Lane."

"As of June 2, 1946, the "Arabian Sun" and the "Flare" are combined into one publication, and the new publication will be known as the "Arabian SUN and FLARE." The editorial policy will remain the same, to give you NEWS primarily about things happening not only in Dhahran, but in Ras Tanura, Abqaiq, and a new one added temporarily -- Al Kharj."

"Catching the daily flight to Bahrain, traveling to Makkah with the Oil Exhibit, hosting a pioneering astronaut, earning global recognition, and the appointment of three new senior vice presidents are highlighted in this week's look back."

"Arabic classes for the new year, celebrating production records and drilling competition champions, a hiatus in the weekly publications, as well as the Feel the Burn event are highlighted in this week's trip down Memory Lane."

"A rising epidemic, an early milestone in Aramco's Home Ownership Program, the arrival of office buildings after a long sea voyage, a great year in safety, and a major upgrade in computers mark this week's walk down Memory Lane."

"February has always been a busy month at Aramco. Whether that is recognizing some of the bests of the previous year or launching new enterprises or new construction projects, the cool breezes of winter spurring us into action."

"This week we examine an early marine mishap, the arrival of Sesame Street on Aramco Television, pioneering use of solar power, the first digital yearbook at in the Aramco expatriate school system, and bringing Haradh GOSP-3 into production."

"The Public Relations Division reports that employees are beginning to send in their photographs for possible use in Aramco publicity releases. The response has come as a result of a new plan just inaugurated which offers $5 for each photo with publicity value that is submitted by local camera enthusiasts."

"Blinding, sand-laden shamal winds reaching speeds of about 52 miles per hour continued to lash the Eastern Province intermittently for the 32nd day. No immediate relief is in sight, as weather forecasters predict the persistent sandstorms will continue until early July."

"Have you given some thought to your suggestion for a Trade-Mark? Armaco is looking for your ideas. Three prizes are offered to Men, and three prizes to the Ladies. Contest closes June 30, 1946. Place your suggestion in a closed envelope, sealed and addressed to the Dhahran editor. It will not be opened or returned until after the contest closes."

"Here's some of the headlines from 60, 45, and 25 years ago. Disabling work injuries sustained in the Dhahran district during recent weeks has given rise to a new "Think Safety" campaign. A review of disabling injuries that have occurred during the year reveals that all of them have something in common."

"When one thinks of previously thinks of pandemics, thoughts generally revert to the 1918 Spanish influenza outbreak that claimed as many as 100 million lives worldwide. However, Aramco, which has spent the past 18 months aggressively working to combat the spread of COVID-19 at company facilities and throughout the Kingdom, is no stranger to pandemics — even though the company did not come into being until the 1930s."

"Here's a quick glance back at some of the headlines from The Arabian Sun over the past 75 years. All women in Dhahran are cordially invited to the regular monthly meeting of the Dhahran Women's Club at the Clubhouse theater on Monday, Aug. 12, at 3 p.m. A program has been arranged for your entertainment."

"Here are some of the more interesting headlines over the past 70 years. Four prominent Middle Eastern educators arrived in Dhahran on Aug. 11 as guest lecturers in a program of Middle East seminars initiated by Aramco for its staff and senior staff employees."

"On Monday evening, Aug. 26, at 8:30 p.m. — at the Swimming Pool Gardens — you can spend a delightful time listening to the Standard Symphony Hour comprising: Overture to "The Bartered Bride" (Ametana); "Ava Maria" arranged by Victor Young; "Scherzo" from "Mid-Summer Nights' Dram" by Mendelssohn; "Saturday Night Bard Dance" by Saunders; "Rhumba" by Benjamin; "Jalouse" by Gada; "Russian Sailors Dance" by Gliers; "Russian Easter Overture" by Rinski-Korea-Koff; and "Second Symphony" by Rachmaninoff."

"Here's a look back on some of the top headlines over the past 70 years. Sixth Street in Dhahran is the scene of bustling construction activity. Some 175 men are hard at work on a housing production line that is scheduled to produce 240 family units before the year ends."

"Here are a few stories looking back through the years and editions of The Arabian Sun. Soil boring tests are being carried out as part of the initial stage in site preparation for a 130,000-square-foot office building to be built during 1956 on a site north of the present Administration Building in Dhahran."

"Here are some headlines over the past 70 years from The Arabian Sun and Arabian Sun and Flare. A three-team Exploration unit left Dhahran in successive stages Sunday and Monday for the sand dunes and gravel plains of the Rub' al-Khali, the "Empty Quarter" of Saudi Arabia."

"Here's a quick look back at some of the headlines from decades past. Our Hallowe'en Dance on Thursday Nov. 1 was a huge success. It was well planned and thoroughly enjoyed by the terpsichoreans, the stag line, and the sitters. Each table was dimly lighted with a candle falling within the nearest substitute for a pumpkin."

"The first tanker load of Saudi Arabian crude to reach the Western Hemisphere has arrived in Argentina and been discharged. A second shipment is en route. Delivery was made under an arrangement between Arabian American Oil Company and the government oil monopoly."

"Here are some memorable headlines looking back over the past 70 years. Sponsors of the Youth Recreation Program put on a highly successful bicycle race last Thursday afternoon in Dhahran. Over 40 boys and girls geared for the grind. The smaller fry, 10 and 11 burned up Kings Road from the Stag Hall to the Administration Building."

"Here are a few of the more interesting headlines we've been able to dig up from across the decades in Aramco's weekly publications. The four women doctors of the Dhahran Health Center operate the out-patient clinic for women and children known as Clinic C, located in health Center, North."

"Here are some of the more interesting headlines from The Arabian Sun over the past 75 years. Are now established as a New Year's Day event not to be missed, and quite a crowd was present despite the fact that celebrating was touched upon the evening before .. and ignoring the sultry day with the temperature at 83 degrees, though some will swear it was hotter."

"Here are few headlines from over the past 70 years at Aramco. Whether you're going to Dhahran, to Hofuf, or all the way to Riyadh, you'll soon be able to do it in air-conditioned comfort aboard the Saudi Government Railroad. It's been a smooth ride at speeds approaching 90 miles an hour aboard a gleaming silver, stainless steel vehicle."

"From service stations to floating contractor quarters, a look back at some of the more interesting headlines over the past seven decades. The new Dhahran Service Station was opened with formal inaugural ceremonies, assisted by batteries of spotlights and flood lights, attracted a large crowd. Refreshments were served as an indication of the size of the crowd, over 2,000 bottles of soft-drinks were consumed."

"Here are some of the top headlines from the Arabian Sun (and Flare) over the decades. The Marine Terminal at Ras Tanura during the month of March handled 151 ships, and this is an all-time high records."

"Here are some of the more interesting headlines over the past 75 years. Joe Cigar was standing on a soap box, gesticulating wildly. "Comrades," he began, "The time is ripe for revolution. For about 14 weeks now, I have presented facts and more facts, trying to convince you that it is time for revolution against industrial accidents and injuries."

"Here's a brief look at some of the top headlines over the past 65 years. The first shipment of crude oil produced from the Safaniyah offshore field was loaded, Sunday, May 5, on the Japanese tanker M.S. Nissyo Maru during colorful ceremonies attended by Saudi dignitaries and company executives on the North Pier in Ras Tanura."

"The time has arrived to depart, and this being my last edition until I return, I personally thank all who have helped make the "Sun & Flare" interesting. Issues to follow will come forth once a week -- on Wednesdays -- and all copy should be sent to acting editor at Dhahran, to arrive on Sundays. Ere parting, here's a wish for all: That you may live as long as you like and laugh as long as you live." — J Mahoney"

"Here are some interesting headlines over the past 70 years at Aramco. Twenty-two vessels unloaded 40,000 tons of cargo at Dammam port last May. Both the tonnage and the number of ships broke all previous records. Already, new records are being made. On June 7, 13 ships were offloading or waiting to off load. A year ago, 13 freighters was the record for the month."

"Not all the news in Aramco's weekly publications were business. In fact, dependents and their achievements have been part of the company's long history. Here's a mix of business and dependent news over the decades."

"Here are several headlines from the company's weeklies over the past 70 years. A colorful ceremony Sunday evening, June 29, marked the opening of Steineke Hall, a modern two-story building of cement brick construction, located near the Dhahran Dining Hall."

"Here are some headlines from the past eight decades of The Arabian Sun (and its predecessor, The Dust Rag.) From the aspirations cast upon us because of the title "Dust Rag." Perhaps we were too hasty in naming our paper. What do you think? Shall we change the name? Please give us your honest criticism and suggest a title you feel should be used."

"Here are some interesting headlines over the past 70 years. Crude oil production and refinery runs in Saudi Arabia last year established new all-time highs, F.A. Davies, chairman of Aramco, revealed. In a report of operations for 1951 to the royal Saudi government, the Aramco chairman said developments last year "continued to advance Saudi Arabia in importance in the international petroleum trade.""

"Here's a few headlines looking back over the decades. Probably the most popular "pen pal" in Dhahran is Maha Kasim, who recently received 21 letters from children in the United States. The reason for this deluge of mail was an article "Life in an Aramco Town" by Maha as told to Stephanie Dinkins, published in the Junior Scholastic April 12 issue."

"Here are some headlines from across the decades highlighting the company's progress through history. Somehow, even the breeze at the airport seemed to be waiting. Housewives, men off shift, customs workers, airport hands, children, and company representatives gathered in twos and threes, talking idly, laughing, but always looking toward the sky."

"It might seem things slow down in summer in the Kingdom, but not Aramco. Here's a long line of headlines about company activities during the hottest month of the year over the decades. Dhahran's new theater will have its formal opening Aug. 20, 1950."

"Here are some interesting headlines from The Arabian Sun (and Sun and Flare) over the years. Two questions are asked of Della Dunham and Velda Shirley of the Passport Office many times each day, "Is my passport ready?" "Will it be at the airport?""

"A look back to the Sun and Flare and The Arabian Sun provides a view of progress made over decades in the Kingdom, from expansion of our oil operations to communications and health care expansion. Here are some interesting headlines over the past 70 years."

"Look back to the Sun and Flare and The Arabian Sun provides a view of progress made over decades in the Kingdom. Here are some of the BIG headlines over the decades. The world’s largest tanker, the Universe Leader, made her first call to the port of Ras Tanura on Monday, Sept. 2, and started loading during the night."

"Here’s a look back at some major headlines over the past 70 years. The Dhahran Electric Supply Company was officially opened Saturday evening, Sept. 20, when HH Amir Abudl Mushin Ibn Jiluwi closed the main switch at the power plant, lighting the grounds in front of the plant and the town of Dammam."

"Here are some of the top headlines in The Arabian Sun and Sun and Flare over the decades. Robert A. Eeds, assistant general manager (Oil Operations) arrived in Saudi Arabia on July 23, 1950. His background covers 23 years in the oil profession, 13 of which were spent in foreign assignments."

"Here’s a scattershot glance back at the past 70 years through the lens of The Arabian Sun (and Flare) publication. Eight players represented Aramco at the Second Annual Persian Gulf Tennis Tournament in September."

"Aramco's long history is marked with a series of firsts. Here's a few pulled from the headlines of The Arabian Sun and Flare over the years. Four new diesel engine generator sets will be added to the powerhouse of the Dhahran Electric Supply Company, Dammam..."

"Here are a few of the top headlines over the past seven decades. Building is no news in al-Hasa, but during the past year, the rate of construction has tremendously accelerated. Homes, as well as new business houses, are springing up everywhere in the vicinity of company operations."

"A quick look back at some of the headlines that defined their times in The Arabian Sun and The Sun and Flare. The new $13 million fluid hydroformer at Ras Tanura went into full operation last week after more than two years of work, on-site construction, and testing. Designed to furnish high-octane gasoline for sale in world markets..."

"Here are a few headlines over the decades from The Arabian Sun and The Sun and Flare. During the past 12 months, the number of jobs performed for the company by Saudi contractors has steadily increased. As opposed to 7,070 contractor employees engaged on various projects in September 1951, there were 13,686 at the close of September of this year (1952)."

"Here’s a variety of headlines over the past 70 years from the weekly publications of The Sun and Flare and The Arabian Sun. Ras Tanura opened its new 18-hole course on Friday, Oct. 4, with a medal play tournament. John Hay became the holder of the first official course record, scoring an 84."

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