• Space Race - October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launches the first artificial satellite into earth's orbit, "Sputnik 1." November 1, 1957, the USA's first attempt to launch a satellite fails. The rocket blew up on the launching pad.
• Frisbee - the Wham-o toy company produced the first Frisbee . The flying disc was first introduced in 1948 as the Plato Platter . Wham-o bought the right to the failed toy and re-introduced it in 1957.
• China - the Government of China takes measures to control its population at 600 million people.
• Ford Motor Company - after the successful introduction of the 2-seat Thunderbird in 1955, Ford produced the Edsel . The car never caught the attention of the people and Ford made only 110,000 Edsels before cutting off production.
Notable Deaths -
* Tour de France Champion: Maurice Garin (Fra), 1871-1957, died February 19, 1957. Garin was the first Tour de France champion in 1903.
* Giro d'Italia Champion: Luigi Ganna (Ita) 1883-1957, died October 2, 1957. Guerra won the first ever Giro d'Italia. He was champion in 1909.
Oliver Hardy, 1892-1957, American comedic actor who teamed with Brit Stan Laurel in the early days of talking movies.
