40 years ago. (Pastimes).

December 1962: While progress achieved to date in the development of atomic energy as a power source has been slower than expected, we should bear in mind that the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in history was accomplished in this country on Dec. 2, 1942--just 20 years ago this month. And it was not until 1954 that the Congress revised the Atomic Energy Act to permit industry to engage in the development and construction of its own atomic power plants. Today, there is every reason to believe that if trends in operating costs prove to be as favorable as now seem likely, ...