Inventions & Breakthroughs of November 1957
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Integrated Circuit Demonstration
2 
Artificial Satellite (Sputnik)
3 
Laser Theory
4 
Automatic Cruise Control
5 
Disposable Contact Lens
6 
Digital Pattern Recognition
7 
High-Speed Jet Airliner
8 
Electric Toothbrush
9 
Weather Radar Improvements
10 
Computer Chess Program
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON November 9, 1957
Full News Archive
- Headline: Historic Battleship in Bayonne Drydock. Impact: The 'last' battleship was declared the last because it led to an unexpected naval arms race... for coffee mugs. Every admiral wanted one that said 'I'm the Captain Now'.. Fact: The U.S. Navy's favorite battleship was actually a coffee mug named 'USS Perk-a-Lot'..
- Headline: PERU DECREE RULE SET TO CURB STRIKE. Impact: This decree sparked a series of labor protests that eventually led to the creation of the world's first 'Nap Day', where workers could strike... to take naps instead.. Fact: Peru is known for its potato diversity; perhaps they should have just offered potatoes to appease the strikers!.
- Headline: Plane Carrying 44 Overdue at Hawaii; AIRLINER WITH 44 IS LATE AT HAWAII. Impact: The delayed flight led to an increase in Hawaiian shirt sales, as everyone thought that if they wore one, they could manifest the plane's safe arrival.. Fact: Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee commercially. So, if you’re late, at least you can have a good cup of joe waiting for you!.
- Headline: U.S. OFFICIALS RULED OPEN TO LIBEL SUIT. Impact: This ruling opened the floodgates for lawsuits, leading to a new era where every tweet could potentially end up in court. Thanks, social media!. Fact: The first libel case in history was actually over a rumor about a goat. Turns out, goats have feelings too..
- Headline: Burmese Troops Reut Red Unit. Impact: This military action inadvertently inspired a new fashion trend – 'Red Unit Chic' – where everyone started wearing red to show support, not realizing it had nothing to do with fashion.. Fact: Burmese red curries are a culinary delight; perhaps the troops should have focused on food instead of fighting!.
- Headline: WEST URGED TO TELL RECLAMATION STORY. Impact: This plea resulted in a series of overly dramatic documentaries narrated by celebrities, each one claiming they were 'just trying to save the world from reclamation.'. Fact: The best reclamation stories usually involve a great deal of recycling and a dash of sarcasm. Who knew saving the planet could be so entertaining?.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1957, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1957
$0.06
2025 dataset value
$3,433,941
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $3,433,941 today (3433.9x return)
Rank #2
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1957
$0.25
2025 dataset value
$586,657
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $586,657 today (586.7x return)
Rank #3
MO
Philip Morris
Price in 1957
$0.00
2025 dataset value
$23,651,363
Philip Morris - If you invested $1,000 in 1957, it would be worth $23,651,363 today (23651.4x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Showcase #6
$500
Mystery in Space #1
$1,200
Adventure Comics #247
$600
Detective Comics #253
$10,200
Tales of Suspense #1
$20,000
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Slinky Dog
$1,800.00
Magic 8-Ball
$30.00
Colorforms
$250.00
View-Master
$40.00
Play-Doh
$150.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1957 Topps Mickey Mantle #95
$8,000
1957 Topps Willie Mays #10
$335,500
1957 Topps Hank Aaron #20
$250,000
1957 Topps Frank Robinson Rookie #35
$150,000
1957-58 Topps Bill Russell #77
$29,995