1955: Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Los Angeles, California. Built for $17 million, the park was so successful that Disney immediately made plans to expand it.

Today: The Disney Corporation continues to grow. The company is now worth nearly 80 billion dollars and has expanded into film and television, as well as merchandising.

1955: Nineteen years after its introduction, the Volkswagen Beetle manufactured its one millionth car.

Today: The Volkswagen Beetle has been redesigned and reintroduced to the American automobile buyer. It has once again proved popular and successful, as it appeals to a youthful demographic.

1955: TV dinners are introduced as an easy and popular alternative for busy housewives.

Today: Frozen prepared meals are very popular with consumers. Their convenience makes them a popular choice for working parents with little time to make home-cooked meals.

1955: The first shopping mall opens in the Detroit area in 1954. By the end...