What happened in December 1958?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1958, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Dec 1🏗️ Steel Industry Recovery – Steel industry reports increased orders, signaling a strong market expected for the first quarter of next year.
- Dec 2🔬 U.N. Continues Radiation Study – The United Nations votes unanimously to continue its study on the dangers of radiation and atomic perils.
- Dec 3🎬 Film Premiere for Orphans – Dec. 11 premiere of 'Inn of Sixth Happiness' will aid Greek orphans by supporting the Queen's Fund.
- Dec 4🔬 Buddha Statue Blesses Sub – $1.85 statue placed on Navy's $30 million atomic submarine, symbolizing good fortune for the vessel.
- Dec 5🚢 Largest Tanker Launched – A 104,500-ton tanker built by Ludwig in Japan is set to be launched, marking a significant milestone in maritime engineering.
- Dec 6🌍 U.N. Peace Motion Adopted – The U.N. group adopts a resolution urging the world to promote peaceful and friendly relations among nations.
- Dec 7🌍 U.N. Radiation Study – U.N. Secretary-General Hammarskjold urges a conference to address the effects of radiation and nuclear testing.
- Dec 8🏎️ Nassau Race Results – The 252-mile Nassau Race showcases smaller sports cars outperforming larger entries in durability tests.
- Dec 9🌍 Pope Marks Feast – Pope celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Rome, riding through Piazza di Spagna amid public cheers.
- Dec 10🔬 Flier's Antarctic Discovery – U.S. expedition reports sighting of two Antarctic isles and a large new king penguin rookery in Terra Nova Bay.
- Dec 11🌍 U.N. Celebrates Rights Charter – U.N. marks the 10th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, urging it to be made binding.
- Dec 12🌍 Cuba's Rebel President Returns – Urrutia returns from exile as insurgents in Cuba seek diplomatic recognition amid ongoing political turmoil.
- Dec 13🌍 Eisenhower Aids Latin Economy – President Eisenhower pledges U.S. support for economic cooperation at a 21-nation meeting to assist struggling Latin American economies.
- Dec 14🚀 Outer Space Goal Set – The West's international control scheme for outer space was adopted despite Soviet objections during a UN assembly.
- Dec 15🎭 First 'Lucia' Premiere – Roberta Peters stars in the seasonal debut of Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at the Metropolitan Opera.
- Dec 16📜 Duchess Marie Dies – Duchess Marie of Russia, cousin of Czar Nicholas III, passes away in Switzerland at age 68, known for her two autobiographies.
- Dec 17🎬 Titanic Film Premieres – 'A Night to Remember' opens, depicting the Titanic disaster with gripping drama and historical accuracy, captivating audiences.
- Dec 18🎬 Shaw's 'Doctor's Dilemma' Opens – The film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's 'The Doctor's Dilemma' opens, featuring a cast of notable actors and rich visual details.
- Dec 19🏛️ Pope Completes Cardinals' Rites – New church leaders were sworn in during a consistory in Rome, with a legate to the U.S. named.
- Dec 20🚀 Atlas Satellite Issues – Legal questions arise over U.S. sovereignty related to the Atlas satellite launch, highlighting international space law issues.
- Dec 21📡 Atlas Space Radio – Atlas used for two-way space radio, transmitting coded messages from California to Texas, showcasing technological advancements.
- Dec 22🎓 32 Named Rhodes Scholars – Thirty-two individuals in the U.S. are selected as Rhodes Scholars, including football star Dawkins from West Point.
- Dec 23🚀 Talking Satellite Launched – A new talking satellite is launched, marking the beginning of an era in global communication with near-perfect reception.
- Dec 24🏛️ Soviet East-West Talks – The Soviet Union requests discussions on European security, aiming to address tensions without a prior agreement on Germany.
- Dec 25🚀 Space Agency Aide Named – President selects York for top science post in the Pentagon's defense structure, enhancing U.S. space efforts.
- Dec 26🚀 Monkey in Rocket – Studies show a monkey aboard a rocket experienced no psychological change during its space trip.
- Dec 27🎈 Britons Span Atlantic – Four aeronauts successfully crossed the Atlantic in a balloon, landing safely in Venezuela after starting in the Canary Islands.
- Dec 28🔬 Radiation Belts Discovered – Pioneer III tracking reveals two radiation belts around Earth, indicating a region that may reduce travel hazards.
- Dec 29🏈 Colts Win Championship – Colts defeat Giants 23-17 in sudden-death overtime, thrilling 64,185 fans at the stadium.
- Dec 30🔬 Stars' Radiation Increasing – New theory suggests stars may have superheated atmospheres, similar to the Sun, as radiation levels are found to be increasing.
- Dec 31🌌 Alaska Statehood Proclaimed – Eisenhower will proclaim Alaska's statehood in the capital, unveiling a new flag to mark the occasion.
Happy Birthday! 1958 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1958 in real headlines. See the 1958 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: