West Germany officially reinstates military service. Several members of the Supreme Soviet travel to London to observe British culture and political institutions. Meanwhile, Great Britain´s House of Lords rejects legislation from the House of Commons which bans the death penalty. In other news, Pakistan requests that the United States establish a food bank to combat widespread famine in Asia. U. S. President Dewight Eisenhower returned to the White House after minor surgery. Billie Holiday´s "Lady Sings the Blues" is published in the United States.

This year in sports, New York wins the World Series in the seventh game against Brooklyn. An undefeated Rocky Marciano retires as world heavyweight champion and Floyd Patterson goes on to KO Archie Moore to become champ. New York defeats the Chicago Bears 47-7 for the NFL title. American Tenley Albright wins the Olympic gold medal for women´s figure skating. Pat Flaherty wins the Indy 500, with an average speed of 128.5 mph. Philadelphia wins over Ft. Wayne in the NBA playoffs. "Needle" wins the Kentucky Derby ridden by D. Erb.

Back in 1956, the popular songs of that time were: "Allegheny" performed by Patti Page; "Don´t Be Cruel" performed by Elvis Presley; "Heartbreat Hotel" sung by Elvis Presley and as well as "Hot Diggity" by Perry Como.  Also topping the musical charts that year were: "Lisbon Antigua" by Nelson Riddle; "Que Sera Sera" by Doris Day; "Rock and Roll Waltz" by Kay Starr; and the ever popular "The Great Pretender" by The Platters. "The Poor People of paris" by Les Baxter. "The Wayward Wind" by gogi Grant. "Memories Are Made of This" by Dean Martin. "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley. "My Prayer" by The Platters. "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley.

Uncle Milton´s Ant Farm    

Uncle Milton´s fascinating ant farm has been a favorite since 1956. Watch live ants dig tunnels, build bridges and move mountains. They have quite a work ethic.

Corgi Die Cast Vehicles    

Engine 34 used to run out of the Brighton area on Western Avenue. The ALF 700 was a workhorse rig first introduced by ALF in 1945 and produced up until 1956.

& Yahtzee    

It´s America´s all-time number one dice game! 1956 players have been rolling classic dice combinations like Full House, Large Straight and Five of a Kind - that´s YAHTZEE ®! Milton Bradley Co., Div. of Hasbro, Inc.

Best Movie: "Around the World in 80 Days" - Produced by Michael Todd

Best Actor: Yul Brenner - "The King and I"

Best Actress: Ingrid Bergman - "Anastasia"