May 27 in History: Batman Debuts, the Golden Gate Bridge Opens, and Idlewild Rises in Michigan

Discover what happened on May 27 in history, along with notable events that shaped pop culture, transportation, civil rights history, and entertainment.

What Happened on May 27 in History?

Important events on this day include the debut of “Batman”, the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the founding of Michigan’s famous Idlewild resort community.

MAY 27 – TODAY IN HISTORY:

1647 – Alse Young, a resident of Windsor, CT, was executed for being a “witch.” It was the first recorded American execution of a “witch.”

1907 – The bubonic plague broke out in San Francisco, CA.

1919 – A U.S. Navy seaplane completed the first transatlantic flight.

1926 – Bronze figures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer were erected in Hannibal, MO.

1927 – The Idlewild Summer Resort Company was founded in Lake County, MI, four miles from Baldwin. It thrived between 1912 and 1964 as one of the top midwest vacation spots for African Americans. Top rated black performers played its nightclub, including B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, the Four Tops, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

1927 – The Ford Motor Company ceased production of the Ford Model T and began to retool plants to make the Ford Model A.

1930 – The 1,046 feet tall Chrysler Building in New York, NY, opened to the public. At the time it was the tallest built structure.

1933 – Walt Disney’s “Three Little Pigs” was first released. It included the hit song “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”.

1933 – The Federal Securities Act was signed. The act required the registration of securities with the Federal Trade Commission.

1935 – The U.S. Supreme Court declared that President Franklin Roosevelt’s National Industrial Recovery Act was unconstitutional.

1937 – In California, the Golden Gate Bridge was opened to pedestrian traffic. The bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County.

1939 – DC Comics published their second superhero in Detective Comics #27. It was Batman.

1967 – The U.S. Navy carrier, USS John F. Kennedy, was launched by Jacqueline Kennedy and her daughter Caroline.

1968 – Major League Baseball’s National League awarded Montreal the first franchise in Canada and the first franchise outside the United States.

1968 – After 48 years as coach of the Chicago Bears, George Halas retired.

1969 – Construction of Walt Disney World began in Florida.

1977 – George H. Willig was fined for scaling the World Trade Center in New York, NY, on May 26. He was fined $1.10 – one cent for each floor.

1986 – The role-playing video game Dragon Quest was released in Japan.

1987 – The band U2 played at a rock marathon in Rome. They rocked so hard, it set off an earthquake alarm.

1994 – The final “The Arsenio Hall Show” aired. It premiered on January 3rd, 1989, and ran until May 27th, 1994. Hall returned in September 2013, but the show was cancelled after just one season.

1995 – In Charlottesville, VA, Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after being thrown from his horse during a jumping event.

1997 – The Supreme Court ruled that the sexual harassment suit filed by Paula Jones could continue while President Bill Clinton was in office.

1998 – Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for not warning anyone about the plot to bomb the Oklahoma City federal building.

2005 – The animated movie, “Madagascar”, premiered in theaters.

2010 – Universal Studios reopened its backlot. The area had been destroyed by a fire two years before.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON MAY 27:

Thea Musgrave – 98 years old (1928) – Scottish-American composer and educator

Philip Kotler – 95 years old (1931) – Author and professor

Lee Meriwether – 91 years old (1935) – Model and actress, Miss America 1955

Lionel Sosa – 87 years old (1939) – Mexican-American advertising and marketing executive

Lee Baca – 84 years old (1942) – Police officer

Bruce Weitz – 83 years old (1943) – Actor

Christopher Dodd – 82 years old (1944) – Lawyer and politician

Peter DeFazio – 79 years old (1947) – Politician

Dee Dee Bridgewater – 76 years old (1950) – Singer-songwriter and actress

Jackie Slater – 72 years old (1954) – Football player and coach

Eric Bischoff – 71 years old (1955) – Wrestler, manager, and producer

Richard Schiff – 71 years old (1955) – Actor, director, and producer

Cynthia McFadden – 70 years old (1956) – Journalist

Peri Gilpin – 65 years old (1961) – Actress

Steven Brill – 64 years old (1962) – Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter

Adam Carolla – 62 years old (1964) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter

Todd Bridges – 61 years old (1965) – Actor

Eddie McClintock – 59 years old (1967) – Actor

Jeff Bagwell – 58 years old (1968) – Baseball player and coach

Frank Thomas – 58 years old (1968) – Baseball player and sportscaster

Todd Hundley – 57 years old (1969) – Baseball player

Jeremy Mayfield – 57 years old (1969) – Race car driver

Craig Federighi – 57 years old (1969) – Computer scientist and engineer

Alex Archer – 56 years old (1970) – American-born Australian musician

Todd Demsey – 54 years old (1972) – Golfer

Antonio Freeman – 54 years old (1972) – Football player

Jack McBrayer – 53 years old (1973) – Actor and comedian

Derek Webb – 52 years old (1974) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist

Danny Wuerffel – 52 years old (1974) – Football player

André 3000 – 51 years old (1975) – Rapper

Jadakiss – 51 years old (1975) – Rapper

Adin Brown – 48 years old (1978) – Soccer player

Blake Ahearn – 42 years old (1984) – Basketball player

Garrett Richards – 38 years old (1988) – Baseball pitcher

Chris Colfer – 36 years old (1990) – Actor and singer

Daniel Jones – 29 years old (1997) – Football player

Lily-Rose Depp – 27 years old (1999) – French-American actress and model

DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR MAY 27:

• National Flip Flop Day: Tropical Smoothie Café customers get a free smoothie for showing up in flip-flops on Flip-Flop Day, but let your feet breathe even if you don’t have a local one.
• World Otter Day: Every year on this day, the world comes together to celebrate a unique and playful creature - the otter. World Otter Day is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about these fascinating animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. It's a day to learn, share, and contribute to the...
• National Sunscreen Day: Sun damage can cause painful burns, wrinkles, and of course the ever-dreaded skin cancer. Use a high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen any time you’re out in the sun.
• World Marketing Day: Elevating products through strategic storytelling, creating connections that resonate and drive impact in the dynamic landscape of commerce.
• Old-Time Player Piano Day: The sounds of an old piano fill a room with nostalgia, capturing the spirit of Old-Time Player Piano Day. Observed on May 27th, the day serves to honor these magical instruments that brought music to countless homes. The melodies, once reserved for skilled pianists, became accessible to everyone through these ingenious...
• National Senior Health & Fitness Day: As we age, exercise and health get more difficult, but also more important. Explore options like low-impact exercise and water workouts for health in old age.
• National Grape Popsicle Day: Chill out with a grape popsicle! These icy treats are bursting with fruity flavor and will transport you to a summer day in no time. So go ahead, lick, slurp, and savor every last drop of this frozen delight.
• National Children’s Gardening Week: Did you know that children who spend time in gardens often grow up to be more environmentally conscious? National Children’s Gardening Week aims to inspire a love for gardening among kids. Held annually in the late spring, this event is a great opportunity to encourage children to explore nature! How to...
• Nothing to Fear Day: Have you ever tried to conquer your fears in one day? Nothing to Fear Day encourages people to face their fears head-on. It is a day to step out of your comfort zone and confidently tackle life's challenges. Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous phrase, "The only thing we have to...
• National Grape Day: Few fruits are as beloved and versatile as grapes. Bursting with sweetness or a tangy bite, they brighten up everything from snack plates to carefully aged wines. National Grape Day shines a light on this tiny but mighty fruit, reminding people how much it adds to everyday eating, special-occasion sipping...
• National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day: National Hairstylist Mental Health Awareness Day highlights the quiet strength behind the chair. Hairstylists do more than cut and color—they listen. Clients often share life’s ups and downs while getting their hair done. Stylists carry those stories. They smile through their own struggles, even on hard days. This kind of emotional...
• National Cellophane Tape Day: Get creative with arts and crafts and find new ways to use the remarkable 1930s invention known as cellophane tape, a staple of every home and kindergarten class.
• Garden Wildlife Week: Garden Wildlife Week, observed in the early summer, is a lively celebration of the natural world found in our gardens. This week encourages people to appreciate and protect the birds, insects, and plants in their backyards. The celebration highlights the vital role these creatures play in keeping our environment healthy! How...
• Hari Raya Haji: Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a significant celebration in the Muslim world. It marks a time of deep reflection on faith and devotion. How to Celebrate Hari Raya Haji Hari Raya Haji offers a wonderful chance to come together and celebrate with meaningful activities. Here are some...
• Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...
• Italian Beef Week: What's better than sinking your teeth into a juicy sandwich piled high with tender beef, topped with sweet peppers?

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