Inventions & Breakthroughs of September 1966
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Dynamic RAM Concept
2 
Computer Networking (ARPANET Design)
3 
Charge-Coupled Device Theory
4 
Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor
5 
Compact Video Camera
6 
Space Docking System
7 
Electronic Calculators (Handheld)
8 
High-Speed Optical Scanner
9 
Industrial Robotics Vision
10 
Medical Laser Surgery
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON September 20, 1966
Full News Archive
- Headline: Civil Rights Bill Fails in Senate Filibuster. Impact: If the Senate had ended the filibuster, we might have been living in a world where civil rights were fully realized by the 1970s. Instead, we get to enjoy the torturous game of legislative whack-a-mole for decades. Thanks, democracy!. Fact: Fun fact: The filibuster is like that friend who just won't leave the party, even when everyone else is tired of their stories..
- Headline: Text of the Pope's Encyclical on Peace. Impact: The Pope's encyclical on peace could have sparked a religious revival of love and harmony. Instead, it likely ended up being a lovely doorstop for those who didn't read it.. Fact: Did you know that papal encyclicals are basically the original 'You’ve Got Mail' but with less excitement and more theology?.
- Headline: BOND PRICES SLIP; BILL RATE SPURTS; Market Shows Weakness After Week of Gains-- Turnover Is Light. Impact: The slip in bond prices could have been the beginning of a financial revolution, where investors learned to trust their instincts. Instead, they just panicked and ran for the hills.. Fact: Fun fact: The bond market is like watching paint dry—exciting for economists, but a snooze-fest for everyone else!.
- Headline: NEW CURB SOUGHT BY SOUTH AFRICA; Measure to Bar Multiracial Political Parties Offered. Impact: South Africa's move to bar multiracial political parties might have set the stage for a much darker chapter in history. Thankfully, history tends to repeat itself, so there’s always a chance for change down the line.. Fact: Did you know that trying to erase political diversity is like trying to un-invite your ex from a wedding? Good luck with that!.
- Headline: WORK LOAD SPURS WELFARE PROTEST; City Employes Won't Handle More than 60 Clients. Impact: The welfare protest highlights the ongoing struggle for worker rights. If only the city had listened, they might have avoided a workforce crisis. But hey, who wants happy employees anyway?. Fact: Fun fact: Picketing is a great way to get a day off work—just make sure you bring snacks!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1966, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
IBM
IBM
Price in 1966
$1.58
2025 dataset value
$189,590
IBM - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $189,590 today (189.6x return)
Rank #2
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1966
$0.12
2025 dataset value
$1,807,152
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $1,807,152 today (1807.2x return)
Rank #3
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1966
$0.20
2025 dataset value
$713,064
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1966, it would be worth $713,064 today (713.1x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Fantastic Four #48
$108,000
Silver Surfer #1
$30,000
Amazing Spider-Man #41
$250
The Avengers #28
$42,000
Strange Tales #146
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Action Man
$150.00
Suzy Homemaker
$150.00
Thingmaker (Creepy Crawlers)
$200.00
Easy-Bake Oven
$150.00
Barbie Color Magic
$150.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Topps Mickey Mantle
$12,600,000
Topps Willie Mays
$500,000
Topps Jim Brown
$33,600
Topps Joe Namath
$250,000
Topps Hank Aaron
$350