1949: 20th Century Fox Television
TV was in its infancy when 20th Century Fox branched out into the medium in 1948. Over the years, the company, which is a subsidiary of Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, has produced some of America's most popular and enduring shows, from "The Simpsons" and "MAS*H" to "The X-Files," "Glee" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
© Courtesy 20th Century Fox Television
1950: Diner's Club
In 1949, company founder Frank McNamara was dining with clients in New York and realized he'd left his money at home. Unable to pay the bill, McNamara vowed to create a card that could be charged in lieu of cash. His Diner's Club card, which has been credited with popularizing credit cards and changing the way we buy things, was launched the following year.
© Courtesy Diner's Club
1951: Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments is one the world's leading manufacturers of semiconductors, but the Dallas firm is better known for its consumer electronics, which include the iconic 1980s educational toy Speak & Spell. The company, which is also famous for building the world's first transistor radio, was founded in 1951 following a re-organization of seismic and defense electronics firm Geophysical Service.
© Courtesy Texas Instruments
1952: Eastpak
The first company on the planet to make wheeled suitcases and bags, classic luggage firm Eastpak came into being in Boston in 1952 when retailer Monte Goldman established Eastern Canvas Products USA. The company started out making bags and packs for the U.S. military and was renamed Eastpak when it moved into the consumer market in 1976.
© Courtesy Terrapeak
1953: Epic Records
Epic Records was set up in 1953 to market jazz and classical music that was deemed too niche for parent label Columbia Records. Epic, which is now owned by Sony, went on to embrace a variety of genres over the years and has signed a host of legendary artists, including Michael Jackson, ABBA and George Michael.
© Courtesy Epic Records