What Happened This Year 1957
Historical Events from This Year 1957
Walter Morrison Sells Frisbee Rights to Wham-O
Walter Frederick Morrison, an American inventor, sold the rights to his flying disc to the Wham-O toy company in 1957. Originally known as the 'Pluto Platter,' Morrison's design captured the imagination of the toy industry. Wham-O would later release the toy under the now-iconic name 'Frisbee,' making it a staple in outdoor recreation and childhood play. This sale marked a significant point in the commercial success of flying discs, transforming a simple idea into a beloved product for generations.
Continue ReadingMid-Air Collision Claims Eight Lives in Pacoima
A Douglas DC-7 airliner collided mid-air with a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter jet over Pacoima, California. The tragic accident resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, namely five crew members from the two aircraft and three people on the ground. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, with debris scattered over a wide area, prompting an immediate investigation. The collision raised crucial safety concerns regarding air traffic control and the separation of commercial airliners and military jets in shared airspace.
Continue ReadingNortheast Airlines Flight 823 crashes on Rikers Island
Northeast Airlines Flight 823 crashed on Rikers Island, resulting in 20 fatalities and 78 injuries among passengers and crew. The aircraft was a Douglas DC-6 en route to Boston from New York when it encountered severe weather conditions. The crash occurred during an approach to LaGuardia Airport. Response crews rushed to the scene on the island, where the wreckage was largely contained, preventing wider damage.
Continue ReadingWalter James Bolton executed in New Zealand
Walter James Bolton was executed in New Zealand, becoming the last person to face the death penalty in the country. He was convicted of the murder of 18-month-old Joan Frances Bolton, his daughter, in 1956. The case drew significant media attention and instigated a debate about the death penalty. The execution took place at Auckland Prison, and Bolton was hanged. His fate ended a longstanding use of capital punishment in New Zealand, marking a significant shift in the country’s legal landscape that would lead to the eventual abolition of the death penalty altogether.
Continue ReadingDedan Kimathi Executed by British Colonial Government
Dedan Kimathi was a prominent leader of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya fighting against British colonial rule. Captured in 1956, he was tried and sentenced to death by hanging. On February 18, 1957, he was executed at Kamiti Prison in Nairobi. Kimathi became a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression, and his execution sparked further unrest among the Kikuyu people and increased international attention to the struggles in Kenya.
Continue ReadingNgô Đình Diệm Survives Assassination Attempt
Ngô Đình Diệm, the President of South Vietnam, survived an assassination attempt in Buôn Ma Thuột, where a commando tried to shoot him. The event underscored the growing tensions and violence during the Vietnam War as communist forces sought to undermine the Diệm government, which had been increasingly unpopular among various segments of the population. The incident not only highlighted the precarious situation of the South Vietnamese regime but also reflected broader geopolitical struggles in the region during this tumultuous period.
Continue ReadingS&P 500 Index Introduced, Replaces S&P 90
The S&P 500 index was introduced as a new benchmark for U.S. equities, replacing the former S&P 90 index. This new index included 500 of the largest publicly traded companies, representing a broader market and providing investors with a more accurate gauge of the U.S. stock market. The change marked a significant evolution in financial metrics used by investment professionals.
Continue ReadingBlackburn Beverley Crash in Sutton Wick
A Blackburn Beverley transport aircraft crashed in the village of Sutton Wick, Berkshire, resulting in the deaths of most crew members and passengers along with two local residents. The aircraft, belonging to 53 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, encountered difficulties during its flight, leading to the catastrophic incident. The impact of the crash was felt deeply within the small community, as it tragically took the lives of individuals both in the air and on the ground, marking a somber moment in local memory.
Continue ReadingGhana Achieves Independence from British Rule
Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British colonial rule. This significant milestone was marked on March 6, 1957, when Kwame Nkrumah, the leader of the independence movement, proclaimed the country’s sovereignty at a celebratory ceremony in Accra. The independence movement was fueled by a desire for self-governance and national development, reflecting a broader trend of decolonization in Africa during the mid-20th century. The celebration of independence sparked widespread joy and a renewed sense of national identity among Ghanaians, influencing other African nations to follow suit.
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