If you were born in 1958, then you were born in the same year as the integrated circuit, laser technology, Pizza Hut, the hula hoop, the Barbie doll, and more. The recession reaches its peak this year and comes to an end while the Space Race continues.
Interesting Statistics from 1958
- U.S. population: 174.88 million
- Worldwide population: 4.38 billion
- Life expectancy: 69.6 years
- Price of gas: 25 cents
- Price of a new house: $12,750
- Annual wage: $4,600
Top News in 1958
- Explorer 1 becomes the first U.S. satellite to successfully reach orbit.
- The Alaskan Statehood Act is signed.
- NASA is created.
If You Were Born in 1958, Your Parents Witnessed These Historic Events
- The United Arab Republic forms between Egypt and Syria.
- Elvis Presley becomes a Private in the U.S. Army.
- Sputnik 3 launches.
- Explorer 3 launches and returns successfully. The SCORE satellite, which is the first communications satellite, is also launched by the U.S.
- A plane carrying the Manchester United sports team crashes at Munich Airport, killing 23 people.
- The first World Fair since World War II ended is held in Brussels.
- U.S. Marines intervene in the Lebanon Crisis.
- The Great Chinese Famine begins, causing millions of deaths.
- A military coup turns Iraq into a Republic.
- Nikita Khrushchev becomes the Premier of the Soviet Union.
- The Rivers and Harbors Flood Control Bill is signed in the U.S.
1958 Pop Culture
Sports
- 1958 World Series: New York Yankees defeat Milwaukee Braves 4-3.
- 1958 NFL Championship: Baltimore Colts defeat New York Giants 23–17.
- 1958 NBA Championship: St. Louis Hawks defeat Boston Celtics 4-2.
- 1958 Stanley Cup: Montreal Canadiens defeat Boston Bruins 4-2.
Arts
- Top-grossing movies in 1958: “South Pacific,” “Auntie Mame,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”
- Top singles in 1958: “Volare,” “All I Have to Do is Dream,” “Don’t”
- Top books in 1958: “Doctor Zhivago,” “Kids Say the Darndest Things!,” “The Affluent Society,” “The Ugly American”
Who Else Was Born in 1958?
- Michael Jackson
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Madonna
- Prince
- Tim Burton
- Ice T
- Kevin Bacon
- Drew Carey
Who Died in 1958?
- Robert Donat
- Normal Bel Geddes
- Alfred Noyes