What happened in May 1955?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1955, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🌍 NATO Raises Bonn Flag – NATO leaders prepare to raise the Bonn flag on May 9, welcoming Germany into the Atlantic Pact.
- May 2🔬 Salk Vaccine Arrives – Salk vaccine for polio is set to arrive in the city, with school inoculations to begin shortly after.
- May 3🔬 Space Signals Charted – Two British scientists identify radio waves linked to a stellar region, marking a significant advancement in space research.
- May 4🎭 South Pacific Revival – Revival of the acclaimed musical 'South Pacific' opens at the City Center, marking a significant cultural event.
- May 5🎨 Georges Enesco Dies – Composer Georges Enesco, known for 'Rumanian Rhapsody', passes away at 73, leaving a significant legacy in music.
- May 6🏛️ Eisenhower Ends Occupation – Eisenhower's act transitions the role of High Commissioner in West Germany to that of Ambassador, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
- May 7🌍 Britain Sues Over Antarctica – Britain takes its claim over Antarctica to the World Court, accusing Argentina and Chile of territorial violations.
- May 8🗺️ Lewis and Clark Journey – Thirteen Western States celebrate the historic exploration of Lewis and Clark, reenacting their significant journey.
- May 9🌏 U.S. Aid Talks Begin – Asian nations gather in Simla to discuss strategies for utilizing regional funds for development and aid.
- May 10🎶 20th Century Music – U. of California hosts a concert series featuring works by prominent American composers.
- May 11🔬 Cancer-Killing Serum Developed – A serum that kills cancer cells in test tubes has been developed using horses and rabbits, though no human link has been established yet.
- May 12💉 Polio Vaccine Progress – Eisenhower envisions an early end to polio with Salk shots as inoculated cases rise, despite congressional criticism.
- May 13🛤️ Last Train Departs 'El' – The final run of the Third Avenue 'El' train marks the end of an era in New York City's transit history.
- May 14📰 Saar Accords Released – Terms on powers of the High Commissioner and future of steel works in Saar are made public.
- May 15🌸 Pacific Coast Iris Boom – Pacific Coast climate proves ideal for various iris species, thriving under sunny and mild conditions.
- May 16🎭 Shakespeare Theatre Ceremony – A ceremony marks the completion of the frame for the U.S. Shakespeare Theatre with a tree-raising event.
- May 17⚛️ Atom Power Vital – Edison Company head states atomic power is essential for reducing electricity costs during stockholder meeting.
- May 18🌊 Pacific Atom Blast – An atomic test was conducted beneath the Pacific, believed to be aimed at developing submarine combat technology.
- May 19🔬 First Reactor Patent – Fermi-Szilard invention receives recognition as the first reactor patent by the A.E.C.
- May 20🌍 U.N. Disarmament Progress – U.N. Chief Dag Hammarskjold reports progress in disarmament talks in London, urging patience for further advancements.
- May 21🌳 Tree-Planting in Israel – Tree-planting initiatives are transforming Israel's landscape, turning wasteland into lush forests, showcasing environmental progress.
- May 22🏛️ U.N. Art Competition – The National Council announces the first competition for U.N. art, selecting one mural and one sculpture for its headquarters.
- May 23🏁 Indianapolis 500 Qualifiers – Line-up complete for the Indianapolis 500, with Freeland and Keller among the last qualifiers for the Memorial Day race.
- May 24🏛️ Soviet Approval Expected – Observers predict Soviet backing for the Big Four talks, despite ongoing tensions and disputes over time and location.
- May 25🔬 New TB Vaccine Development – A medical gathering discusses a potential new tuberculosis vaccine showing promise in animal testing.
- May 26🏙️ Unity Hopes Spur Realty – Property sales in Berlin rise as prospects grow that the city will regain its status as the capital.
- May 27🌪️ Deadly Tornadoes Strike – 115 die and 700 are injured as tornadoes devastate five Mid-U.S. states, leaving a trail of destruction.
- May 28💉 Polio Injections Decline – Polio vaccination rates drop to 64.5%, the lowest recorded, as the series concludes, raising public health concerns.
- May 29🎨 Art Fete Opens – A 15-day cultural program featuring drama, music, dance, and painting begins at Boston Garden, celebrating the arts.
- May 30🏟️ Los Angeles Stadium Bonds – Los Angeles plans to vote on a $4.5 million bond issue to construct a 63,000-seat stadium for sports events.
- May 31🔬 Vaccine Speed Prediction – Health experts predict accelerated development of a safer vaccine, addressing public health concerns.
Happy Birthday! 1955 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1955 in real headlines. See the 1955 book →