What Happened on May 26, 1956

Historical Events

  • A fire on board the aircraft carrier USS Bennington in Narragansett Bay, off Rhode Island, kills 103 crew

French Open Men's Tennis

French Championships Men's Tennis: Australian Lew Hoad wins his first and only French title; beats Sven Davidson of Sweden 6-4, 8-6, 6-3

French Open Women's Tennis

French Championships Women's Tennis: American Althea Gibson wins her only French singles title; beats Angela Mortimer of England 6-0, 12-10

  • Reds' John Klippstein, Hershel Freemman & Joe Blacks no-hitter, broken up with 2 outs in 10th & lose to Braves in 11th, 2-1
1956 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Frédéric Dutoit, French Communist Party politician, born in Marseille, France
Born in 1956

Famous Deaths

  • Al Simmons, American Baseball HOF outfielder (career BA .334; 3 × MLB All-Star; World Series 1929, 30; AL batting champion 1930, 31; Philadelphia A's), dies of a heart attack at 54
1956 Highlights

About May 26, 1956

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 67 years, 10 months and 3 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Gemini

Music Charts

  • UK #1 Song: No Other Love - Ronnie Hilton