What happened in April 1956?
The top front-page story of each day in April 1956, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Apr 1🔬 Antarctic Data Collected – U.S. scientists gather significant data from Antarctica, enhancing global knowledge of the region's geography and climate.
- Apr 2🏗️ Canada Builds Arctic Venice – New Aklavik rises on stilts to replace sinking town. Some predict Eskimos won't move into the new development.
- Apr 3🏗️ King Dedicates Dam – King dedicates a key dam in Iraq, marking a significant infrastructure project amid cheers from crowds.
- Apr 4🌪️ Tornadoes Cause Destruction – 32 reported dead as tornadoes strike the South and Midwest, causing widespread damage and chaos.
- Apr 5🌍 U.N. Mideast Mission – U.N. Council unanimously votes for Secretary General Hammarskjöld to survey the Middle East to ease rising tensions.
- Apr 6🔬 Breen Sets World Record – Breen swims a mile in 19:40.4, setting a new world record at the A.A.U. meet, showcasing impressive athletic achievement.
- Apr 7🏊 Nagasawa Sets Record – Japanese swimmer Nagasawa breaks the world record in the 220 butterfly at the A.A.U. title meet, showcasing exceptional talent.
- Apr 8🔬 Polio Vaccine Progress – On its first anniversary, the outlook for the polio vaccine is promising, with expectations of producing 100 to 150 million doses annually.
- Apr 9🏆 Burke Wins Masters – Jack Burke captures the Masters Golf Tournament with a score of 289, overcoming an 8-shot deficit to win.
- Apr 10🌍 Eisenhower Opposes Aggression – U.S. pledges to oppose Middle East aggression, supporting victims and reaffirming commitment to the U.N. mission.
- Apr 11🔬 Mushrooms Grow Fast – Scientist envisions cheaper production of mushrooms using sawdust, potentially rivaling beefsteak in amino acid content.
- Apr 12🔬 Polio Vaccine Progress – O'Connor states paralytic polio cases could be 'negligible' by 1957 with increased vaccine output and cooperation.
- Apr 13🏌️ Snead Leads Golf Open – Sam Snead takes a one-stroke lead in the Greater Greensboro Open with a 5-under-par score, birdying three of the last five holes.
- Apr 14🌧️ Cloud Seeding Patent – A new control system for cloud seeding has received a patent, promising advancements in weather modification technology.
- Apr 15🌍 U.N. Chief Tours Gaza – U.N. Secretary-General completes talks in Cairo, expressing satisfaction with progress on his peace mission in the Gaza area.
- Apr 16🌪️ Tornado Devastates Alabama – 17 dead, 200 injured as a tornado sweeps through Alabama, destroying 100 houses and leaving 400 homeless.
- Apr 17🏛️ Milan Trade Fair Booms – Over 300,000 visitors attend the Milan Trade Fair despite rain, showcasing notable growth and international participation.
- Apr 18🔬 Synthetic Virus Created – A scientist reports the creation of a synthetic virus, potentially leading to new insights into cancer and disease.
- Apr 19🧪 Atomic Agency Agreement – Twelve nations reach a compromise on the U.N. charter for peaceful uses of atomic energy, paving the way for future cooperation.
- Apr 20🌍 Peace Atom Plan Hailed – President calls draft charter a sign of substantial progress for atomic peace at an 84-nation conference.
- Apr 21🌍 Soviet Protests U.S. Tests – Soviet Union protests U.S. atomic tests in the Pacific, claiming they violate U.N. principles and calling them 'intolerable'.
- Apr 22🏃 Baker Sets Record – Air Force runner Baker breaks the American record in the 300-yard dash, clocking in at 29.4 seconds at an Ohio relay meet.
- Apr 23🚀 Space-Test Film Announced – R.K.O. plans to produce a film showcasing U.S. scientists' efforts to launch an Earth satellite, highlighting advancements in space exploration.
- Apr 24🏛️ New High Court Opened – Italy inaugurates a new high court modeled after the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially testing President Gronchi's powers abroad.
- Apr 25🌍 Eisenhower Hailed Globally – President Eisenhower is recognized as a global hero, with support from leaders at a G.O.P. lunch emphasizing his international significance.
- Apr 26🔬 Tissues' Creation Seen – Dr. Weiss reports significant advancements in understanding living organisms using electron microscopy.
- Apr 27⚓ Bermuda Cup Victory – Bermuda sailors Watlington and Dill lead their teams to victory in the Cup series against Princess Elizabeth and Amorita.
- Apr 28🏟️ Coliseum Opens Today – Coliseum's Exhibitions Building, the world's largest, officially opens today with a grand fanfare.
- Apr 29🏛️ Coliseum Opens – Coliseum opens with 125,000 visitors for three exhibits, including stamps and cars, marking a significant cultural event.
- Apr 30🏛️ U.S. Aid Pledged – Restoration budget drafted for Federal Hall, with Washington to contribute half of $1.6 million fund drive planned.
Happy Birthday! 1956 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1956 in real headlines. See the 1956 book →