Inventions & Breakthroughs of January 1977
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Personal Computer (Apple II)
2 
First Mass-Market VCR
3 
Digital Audio Recording
4 
Automated Manufacturing Robots
5 
Satellite Navigation Test System
6 
Computer-Aided Design Software
7 
Electric Typewriter Popularization
8 
Email Expansion to Universities
9 
Medical Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
10 
Portable Cassette Player
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON January 3, 1977
Full News Archive
- Headline: Political Patronage and Justice in Brooklyn. Impact: This case highlighted the political patronage system, leading to a series of 'You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours' arrangements that still plague Brooklyn politics today. Who knew nepotism could be so sticky?. Fact: In Brooklyn, the only thing more entrenched than the political machine is the pizza crust. Good luck breaking through that!.
- Headline: SUFFOLK PARTY CHIEF CALLED CAREY CHOICE FOR STATE CHAIRMAN. Impact: This political maneuvering would eventually lead to a series of backroom deals that made soap operas look like children's programming. Welcome to New York politics!. Fact: Political feuds are like family reunions—lots of backstabbing, and someone always ends up crying in the corner..
- Headline: Betty Ford Indicates She Opposes Amnesty. Impact: Ford's stance on amnesty contributed to an ongoing national debate that would shape immigration policy for decades. Who knew a vacation could be so politically charged?. Fact: Did you know that Betty Ford was known for her candidness? Turns out, honesty in politics is as rare as a unicorn sighting..
- Headline: Vermont Sunday News Suspends Publication. Impact: The suspension of this local paper contributed to a slow decline in printed media, paving the way for the rise of online news sources that often have questionable accuracy. Welcome to the digital age!. Fact: Did you know that newspapers used to be the primary source of news? Now, they’re just a charming relic in a world full of headlines written by cats..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1977, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
WMT
Walmart
Price in 1977
$0.01
2025 dataset value
$10,678,835
Walmart - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $10,678,835 today (10678.8x return)
Rank #2
INTC
Intel
Price in 1977
$0.18
2025 dataset value
$199,890
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
Rank #3
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1977
$0.50
2025 dataset value
$414,492
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1977, it would be worth $414,492 today (414.5x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Star Wars #1
$3,500
Ms. Marvel #1
$1,500
X-Men #107
$150
Parker Brothers: Clue #1
$250
Batman #300
$150
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Star Wars Action Figures
$250.00
Atari 2600
$1,500.00
Micronauts
$150.00
Simon
$1,000.00
Stretch Armstrong
$5,000.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Combat
$9.55
Circus
$100.00
Space Wars
$13,800
Street Racer
$8.57
Surround
$5,000.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Star Wars Series 1 #1 Luke Skywalker
$12,000
1977 Topps Baseball #476 Andre Dawson Rookie Card
$3,000.00
1977 Topps Football #146 Steve Largent Rookie Card
$1,500
1977 Topps Baseball #473 Dale Murphy Rookie Card
$3,000.00
Marvel Comics Super Heroes Stickers #42 Spider-Man
$681.45