It was October of 1955 or 56.

I was stargazing on a chase lounge in our yard as I did so many nights as a boy.  
This very distant star-like point of light came very slowly up over the treeline from the Southwest.  When it got to about 70 degrees overhead, it just stopped dead. 
I watched it for quite a while and noticed that it was in rotational lock with the Earth as stars were moving normally behind it.  I couldn't get anyone to come out and look as they were all watching our first TV.  
After about 30 minutes it began to move back the way it had come at the same rate of speed and disappeared below the treeline.
We did not make this thing. Sputnik-1 was a year or two away (Oct.4, 1957) from being launched.
Date is approximate.  Witness elects to remain anonymous; provides minimal contact information.  PD