Inventions & Breakthroughs of July 1969
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Microprocessor Concept
2 
ARPANET First Message
3 
Concorde Supersonic Transport
4 
Reusable Spacecraft Concept
5 
Computer Diskette Concept
6 
Charge-Coupled Device Prototype
7 
Medical CT Scanner Prototype
8 
Wireless Computer Networking Concept
9 
Electronic Calculator Consumer Model
10 
Spacecraft Lunar Module
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON July 12, 1969
Full News Archive
- Headline: ASTRONAUTS HELD FIT FOR MOON TRIP; Pass 4-Hour Medical Test -- Spirits Rated Good. Impact: Had the astronauts failed their test, we might have never known that space travel could also be a great excuse to get out of awkward family gatherings.. Fact: Did you know that getting quarantined after a trip to space is basically the ultimate introvert's dream? 'Sorry, can't hang out, I'm in space quarantine!'.
- Headline: CHICAGO TEACHERS FIRM ON TRANSFERS. Impact: The teachers holding firm on transfers led to a wave of 'teacher exchange programs' that resulted in the unexpected popularity of 'Reality TV: Teacher Swap Edition.'. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more stubborn than a Chicago teacher is a Chicagoan in winter? Both will fight tooth and nail before changing their position..
- Headline: Career Diplomat Selected As U.S. Envoy to Malaysia. Impact: This diplomat's appointment created a ripple effect that led to an international appreciation for diplomacy, resulting in the invention of the 'Diplomatic Dance'—a highly awkward affair.. Fact: Did you know that being a diplomat is like being a referee for a game you don’t understand? Everyone is mad at you, and you can’t even take sides!.
- Headline: Excerpts From the Two Opinions in Spock Case. Impact: The opinions in the Spock case led to a greater awareness of child-rearing practices, influencing parenting styles for decades, ultimately resulting in the rise of the helicopter parent.. Fact: Did you know that Dr. Spock was so influential, he practically wrote the parenting manual for a generation? Meanwhile, most parents were just winging it..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1969, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1969
$0.21
2025 dataset value
$972,040
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $972,040 today (972.0x return)
Rank #2
PG
Procter & Gamble
Price in 1969
$0.28
2025 dataset value
$527,083
Procter & Gamble - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $527,083 today (527.1x return)
Rank #3
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1969
$0.22
2025 dataset value
$1,470,783
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1969, it would be worth $1,470,783 today (1470.8x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Captain America #113
$150
The Avengers #57
$3,500
Green Lantern #76
$200
Iron Man #1
$20,000
The Silver Surfer #4
$10,600
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Hot Wheels
$40.00
Sesame Street Finger Puppets
$216.00
G.I. Joe Adventure Team
$1350.00
Spirograph
$75.00
Easy-Bake Oven
$120.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1969 Topps Reggie Jackson #260
$30,000
1969 Topps Lew Alcindor #25
$300,000
1969 O-Pee-Chee Bobby Orr #24
$800
1969 Topps Nolan Ryan #533
$20,100.29
1969 Topps Mickey Mantle #500
$30,600