When the calendar flipped from 1961 to 1962, residents of Hamilton could look back at what turned out to be yet another fascinating year in the city's history. 

In 1961, news on a regular basis, centred on the need for a zoo in Hamilton, with proposals that it be on the RBG grounds, at Dundurn Castle, at King's Forest and at Van Wagner's Beach.

The city lost out on the Ontario Police College, and Mount Hope Airport was in the news about reports of a flying saucer making trial flights around the airport.

Perhaps the biggest story of the year - once again - centred on politics. Hamilton and Burlington were at odds during the year over several matters, some of which landed in the hands of the Ontario Municipal Board, but all of which left a sour note in neighbourly relations.

It was a busy year, full of riveting new stories, and as has been the case since 1846, the Hamilton Spectator's team of reporters - and years later photographers - were there to capture the year in stories and in photographs, all of which makes 1961 Hamilton such a fascinating snapshot in time.