What Happened on October 1, 1956

Historical Events

  • American jockey Johnny Heckmann becomes first to ride 7 winners at Hawthorne Race Course at Stickney/Cicero near Chicago, Illinois
  • Zestienhoven airport at Rotterdam official opens

Famous Birthdays

  • Buddy Teevens, American college football coach (Dartmouth College 1987-91, 2005-23; Uni of Maine, Tulane Uni, Stanford University), born in Pembroke, Massachusetts (d. 2023)
  • Gina Haspel, American intelligence officer, First female director of the US CIA, born in Ashland, Kentucky
  • Leslie Burr-Howard, American equestrian rider (Olympic gold show jumping, team 1984), born in Union, New Jersey

Theresa May (67 years old)

British Prime Minister (Conservative: 2016-19), born in Eastbourne, England


Born in 1956

Famous Deaths

  • Stan Ockers, Belgian road cyclist (World road champion 1955; Tour de France runner-up 1950, 52), dies in track cycling accident at 36
1956 Highlights

About October 1, 1956

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 67 years, 5 months and 27 days
Leap Year: Yes

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

Music Charts

  • UK #1 Song: Lay Down Your Arms - Anne Shelton