What happened in December 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1959, 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🏛️ Churchill Celebrates Birthday – Winston Churchill, 85, is celebrated in Parliament as both parties cheer during his birthday visit.
- Dec 2🌍 Antarctic Pact Signed – The Antarctic Treaty is established, promoting scientific cooperation and banning military activity in Antarctica.
- Dec 3🚀 Space Deal Finalized – A photo service company moves from its 5th Avenue location, marking a significant deal in the space industry.
- Dec 4🌍 Antarctica Peace Pact – A 12-nation agreement aims to ensure peace in Antarctica, raising hopes for similar initiatives in space.
- Dec 5🚀 Monkey Survives Flight – A monkey survives a 55-mile flight aboard an astronaut capsule, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
- Dec 6🏇 Petare Breaks Record – Argentine horse Petare sets a new track record at Tropical Park, defeating St. Amour II by two lengths in a mile-and-70-yard handicap.
- Dec 7🚀 Satellite Radio Relay – A satellite is set to launch in spring as a radio relay, enhancing communication capabilities globally.
- Dec 8🌍 U.S. Loan to Pakistan – $22 million deal includes 'Buy American' provision, aimed at strengthening economic ties with Pakistan.
- Dec 9🌪️ Storms Cause Devastation – Severe gales in Europe result in 73 fatalities, affecting coasts from Greece to Poland.
- Dec 10🌍 Eisenhower in India – President Eisenhower is celebrated by Indian crowds, paying homage to Gandhi during his visit to New Delhi.
- Dec 11🎷 Ellington Band Performs – Duke Ellington's band delivers a rare solo jazz performance at Hunter College, showcasing a rich repertoire.
- Dec 12🔬 Oldest Mummy Discovered – Scientists find a 3,400 B.C. mummy in Libya, believed to be the oldest deliberately preserved body.
- Dec 13🌍 New Space Group Approved – The UN Assembly approves a new space group, paving the way for renewed efforts in peaceful exploration of outer space.
- Dec 14🏛️ Eisenhower Sees Taj Mahal – President Eisenhower visits the Taj Mahal, fulfilling a boyhood dream, and expresses enchantment during the tour guided by Nehru.
- Dec 15🌍 Eisenhower Visits Iran – President Eisenhower stops in Tehran, discussing security needs with the Shah amid rising tensions in the region.
- Dec 16🎉 City Lights Celebration – City Hall ceremony marks the start of holiday celebrations with lights on trees across all boroughs.
- Dec 17🏛️ President Visits Tunisia – President meets Tunisia's leader Bourguiba for discussions following a Mediterranean voyage.
- Dec 18🌍 Eisenhower Visits Tunisia – President Eisenhower visits Tunisia, enjoying breakfast, delivering speeches, and exploring historic sites.
- Dec 19🌊 Frejus Flood Recovery – Frejus struggles to recover from devastating floods, leaving survivors waiting for roads to be cleared.
- Dec 20🌕 Soviet Moon Photos Released – Soviet officials reveal data on moon photos, stating a device stabilized a rocket's tumbling for 40 minutes during its far side passage.
- Dec 21🌍 African States Seek Freedom – Malagasy Republic gains Paris' approval for independence; Dahomey also requests freedom from colonial rule.
- Dec 22🎷 Dizzy Gillespie Concert – Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie performs his own compositions at the Circle in Square, showcasing his quintet's talent.
- Dec 23🕎 Hanukkah Festival Begins – The Feast of Lights, Hanukkah, starts, evoking joyful childhood memories for many.
- Dec 24🔬 New Image Recording Method – A new electronic process for recording images is developed, promising significant impacts on TV, movies, and computer applications.
- Dec 25🎄 Nativity Celebrated Worldwide – Thousands gather for midnight masses and carol services, celebrating the Nativity with messages of hope and unity.
- Dec 26🎨 Stained Glass Installed – A block-long stained glass artwork is unveiled at American's terminal at Idlewild Airport.
- Dec 27🏔️ Zermatt's Winter Paradise – Zermatt offers stunning winter scenery, with skiing opportunities from 11,300 feet high on Furgg Glacier to Italy or Switzerland.
- Dec 28🎶 Imbrie Serenade Concert – Imbrie Serenade performed at the opening of the Music in Our Time season, sharing the stage with Schuller Fantasy.
- Dec 29🌌 Milky Way's Age Revealed – Astronomers announce the Milky Way's age is estimated at 24 billion years, a significant increase from previous estimates.
- Dec 30🌨️ New England Storm – New England faces a severe storm with snow, sleet, and wind causing near-record tides and stranding many.
- Dec 31🚢 Polaris Submarine Joins Fleet – The U.S. Navy welcomes the Polaris submarine, marking a significant advancement in naval power and deterrence capabilities.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: