TOWARD the end of 1955, an enterprising Long Island businessman laid claim to a crater on the moon and started selling lots at $1 an acre. In short order 9,000 eager customers plunked down their money on the outside chance that they might in fact some day ride a rocket to the moon. In its own small way the Great Lunar Sale symbolized the buoyant mood, confident strength, and bright future of the U.S. economy. For 1955 was a year when the U.S. took its first step toward the moon: it went to work...
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