What happened in October 1958?
The top front-page story of each day in October 1958, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Oct 1🔬 Phrygian Exhibit Tour – Bronze artifacts from King Gordius' tomb begin U.S. tour, showcasing ancient Phrygian culture lent by Turkey.
- Oct 2⚓ Seawolf Breaks Record – Submarine Seawolf sets an undersea record by remaining submerged for 55 days, with potential to extend further.
- Oct 3🚀 World Scientists Offer Space Plan – Scientists propose a new organization to promote international collaboration in space exploration and research efforts.
- Oct 4🔬 Sulphur Delays Cancer – Radioactive isotope found to temporarily halt bone illness, offering hope in cancer treatment, radiologists report.
- Oct 5🔬 Yale Radiation Center Opens – Yale University dedicates a new radiation center aimed at cancer research and therapy, marking a significant advancement in medical science.
- Oct 6🏆 Ballymoss Wins Race – American-owned Ballymoss triumphs in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, earning $96,450 in Paris.
- Oct 7🎨 19th Century Art Exhibition – Exhibition features works by Gauguin and Van Gogh, showcasing 19th-century artistic giants.
- Oct 8🏌️ World Amateur Golf Tournament – U.S. and 28 nations begin the first World Amateur Golf Tournament in Scotland, featuring teams competing for the Eisenhower Cup.
- Oct 9🕊️ Pope Pius XII Dies – World leaders pay tribute to Pope Pius XII, who served as a diplomat and statesman for over fifty years, marking a significant moment in Catholic history.
- Oct 10🕊️ Papal Mourning Worldwide – Tributes pour in globally for Pope Pius XII, with leaders and citizens expressing sorrow and respect for the late pontiff.
- Oct 11🏭 Huge Steel Mill Opens – Tata Plant, the largest of its kind in Asia, officially opens in India with assistance from the U.S.
- Oct 12🚀 Rocket Data Success – Pentagon claims major success with rocket sending data indicating possibility of manned space travel.
- Oct 13🚀 Orbit Signal Fails – Lunar rocket fails to achieve orbit after burning out over the South Pacific, marking a significant moment in space exploration.
- Oct 14⚖️ Pope Laid to Rest – Pope Pius XII is interred with grandeur in the Vatican crypt, near the grave of St. Peter, marking a significant moment in Catholic history.
- Oct 15🌍 U.N. Adopts Fund – The United Nations Assembly unanimously adopts a fund aimed at spurring economic growth in underdeveloped nations.
- Oct 16🔬 New Sulfa Drug Safer – Madribon's effectiveness in treating infections is reported, requiring smaller doses for patients.
- Oct 17✈️ U.S. Jet Airliner Debuts – Mrs. Eisenhower christens Pan-American's Clipper on its inaugural flight, marking a milestone in aviation history.
- Oct 18🌍 Pupils Write Abroad – Great Neck program encourages children to write to peers worldwide, fostering understanding among youth.
- Oct 19🔭 Naval Balloon Mars Study – A naval balloon will measure water vapor in Mars' atmosphere during its ascent next month.
- Oct 20🎨 Arts Center Receives Gifts – $2,221,100 in donations secured for Lincoln Square project, including $300,000 for the new Opera House.
- Oct 21🎉 India Celebrates Dussehra – India marks the Dussehra festival, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, with vibrant celebrations and cultural events.
- Oct 22🔬 Virus Unit Tests Antarctica – A team departs for Antarctica to study cold epidemics among returning personnel, aiming to find the cause of illnesses.
- Oct 23🌾 Wheat Export Slump – A significant decline in wheat exports causes market concerns, impacting grain futures and soybean options.
- Oct 24🏛️ Vatican Conclave Preparations – Final touches are made at the Vatican for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pontiff, with quarters ready for the meeting.
- Oct 25🚀 Sputnik's Rocket Arrival – Sputnik's rocket is expected to arrive in Florida, anticipated to be very bright during its appearance.
- Oct 26🌍 World Mark in Shipbuilding – 10,205,791 tons of ships reported under construction in the third quarter, setting a new global record.
- Oct 27🏇 Horse Show Qualifiers – Nancy Eversole and Carol Altman qualify for finals at the prestigious horse show after winning junior tests.
- Oct 28🏛️ Voting for Pope Continues – Voting for a new pope enters its third day after eight ballots, with smoke signals indicating no decision yet.
- Oct 29✝️ Cardinal Roncalli Elected Pope – Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli becomes Pope John XXIII, elected after 11 ballots, receiving cheers from thousands at St. Peter's.
- Oct 30🕊️ Pope Calls for Peace – Pope John appeals to world leaders to seek peace and curb instruments of war in his inaugural message.
- Oct 31🏛️ Pope Takes Quarters – Pope begins series of audiences in his new official quarters at the Vatican Palace, potentially naming two U.S. Cardinals.
Happy Birthday! 1958 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1958 in real headlines. See the 1958 book →
Born in October? Pick the day
Every birthday in October has its own On This Day in Headlines book: