August 15

Scott Winters August 15, 2025 0 Comments

A quick look at Today in History, check out some Celebrity Birthdays, and find out what Days of the Year to celebrate.

TODAY IN HISTORY:

1847 – Postage stamps were used for the first time in Michigan. There were 5 and 10 cent stamps.

1848 – The dental chair was patented by M. Waldo Hanchett.

1877 – Thomas Edison wrote to the president of the Telegraph Company in Pittsburgh, PA. In the letter, Edison stated that the word, “hello” would be more appropriate of a greeting than “ahoy”, when answering the telephone.

1905 – A last attempt at commercial river transportation began. An “all water” route to Chicago, IL was designed and two boats were built — the “Grand” and the “Rapids”. The plan failed and in the fall of 1907 both boats were sold at auction.

1911 – Proctor & Gamble introduced Crisco.

1914 – A servant of architect Frank Lloyd Wright murdered seven people and set fire to the living quarters of Wright’s Wisconsin home, Taliesin.

1914 – The Panama Canal was officially opened to commercial traffic.

1939 – The movie “The Wizard of Oz” premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA.

1945 – The Allies proclaimed V-J Day, a day after Japan agreed to surrender unconditionally.

1948 – The first nightly news broadcast premiered on CBS-TV with anchorman Douglas Edwards.

1949 – Grand Rapids, MI’s first television station, WLAV Channel 7, began broadcasting with a 90 minute live show from the Midtown Theater.

1949 – In San Francisco, a stunt leap off the Golden Gate Bridge was performed for the first time.

1961 – Construction of the Berlin Wall was started by East German workers.

1965 – The Beatles played to nearly 60,000 fans at Shea Stadium in New York, NY. The event was later regarded as the birth of stadium rock.

1969 – The three day Woodstock Music and Art Fair began on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, NY. The crowd exceeded 400,000, including many who didn’t buy tickets. Twenty-four bands participated.

1971 – President Richard Nixon announced a 90-day freeze on wages, rents and prices.

1977 – The Big Ear, a radio telescope operated by Ohio State University as part of the SETI project, received a radio signal from deep space. The eventis named the “Wow! signal” from the notation made by a volunteer on the project.

1977 – Elvis Presley spent the last full day of his life driving around Memphis on his motorcycle with girlfriend Ginger Alden. That evening, he sees his dentist, Dr. Lester Hofman, to have several cavities filled.

1994 – The U.S. Social Security Administration became an independent government agency. It had been a part of the Department of Health and Human Services agency.

1995 – We heard the song “The Macarena” for the first time.

2001 – Astronomers announced the discovery of the first solar system outside our own — two planets orbiting a star in the Big Dipper.

2006 – Paris Hilton made the Guinness Book of World Records — as the world’s Most Overrated Person!

2019 – Disney Studios became the first studio to have five films earn over $1 billion each in one year with “Toy Story 4”, “Avengers: Endgame”, “Captain Marvel”, “Aladdin” and “The Lion King”.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jim Dale – 90 years old (1935) – Actor (Narrated the “Harry Potter” audiobook series, “Pete’s Dragon”)

Pat Priest – 89 years old (1936) – Actress (Played Marilyn Munster on TV’s “The Munsters”, “Easy Come, Easy Go”)

Stephen Breyer – 87 years old (1938) – Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (1980-1994), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1994)

Pete York – 83 years old (1942) – Drummer (Spencer Davis Group)

Linda Ellerbee – 81 years old (1944) – Journalist

Jimmy Webb – 79 years old (1946) – Songwriter (“Up, Up and Away”, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, “Wichita Lineman”, “Galveston”, “The Worst That Could Happen”, “All I Know”, “MacArthur Park”)

Tom Johnston – 77 years old (1948) – Guitarist, vocalist (Doobie Brothers) He sang lead on such Doobie Brothers hits as “Long Train Running” and “Listen to the Music”.

Debra Messing – 57 years old (1968) – TV actress (TV’s “Will and Grace”, “Ned and Stacey”, “The Starter Wife”)

Anthony Anderson – 55 years old (1970) – Actor (TV’s “Black-ish”, “Law & Order”, “Guys With Kids”, “K-Ville”, movies “Transformers”, “Hustle and Flow”, “King’s Ransom”, “Scary Movie” 3 & 4, “Kangaroo Jack”, “Barbershop”)

Ben Affleck – 53 years old (1972) – Actor (“Argo”, “The Company Men”, “He’s Just Not that Into You”, “Good Will Hunting”, “Armageddon”, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Daredevil”, “Gigli”)

Natasha Henstridge – 51 years old (1974) – Actress (“Species” 1-3, “It Had to Be You”, “Bounce”, TV’s “She Spies”)

Quinton Aaron – 41 years old (1984) – Actor (“The Blind Side”)

Emily Kinney – 40 years old (1985) – Actress (TV’s “The Walking Dead”)

Joe Jonas – 36 years old (1989) – Singer (The Jonas Brothers, DNCE)

Jennifer Lawrence – 35 years old (1990) – Actress (TV’s “The Bill Engvall Show,” movies “Hunger Games”, “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Winter’s Bone”, “Joy”, “American Hustle”, “X:Men”)

TODAY IS:

National Lemon Meringue Pie Day: Head over to a local bakery for a pre-made lemon meringue pie, or try making one yourself. Just give yourself plenty of time to whip the meringue to a stiff texture.
National Relaxation Day: Take a deep breath and feel your muscles loosen as your mind drifts away to a peaceful oasis of tranquility and calm.
National Acadian Day: The French-Canadian colony of Acadia has its own rich culture and history, which many don’t know. Dig into these interesting people on National Acadian Day.
Kool Aid Day: Revitalize the taste buds with a vibrant burst of fruity and refreshing powdered beverage, a timeless thirst-quenching delight.
National Time Management Month: National Time Management Month is a vibrant time to reassess how we manage our schedules. This month-long event highlights the value of organizing our tasks effectively. By improving our time management, we can boost productivity and reduce stress. Everyone, from students to professionals, can benefit from honing these skills. The main...
Men’s Grooming Day: Men of the world, end the scruffiness and disarray and focus on your grooming. Take some time to shave, trim, or even visit a professional salon or barber.
Gold Cup Parade: The Gold Cup Parade in Charlottetown is a must-see event full of excitement and vibrant displays. As the largest parade in Atlantic Canada, it features a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, antique cars, and giant balloons. The streets come alive with color and music, drawing in thousands of spectators...
The Nile Festival: The Nile Festival celebrates the Nile's vital contribution to life and the river's role in shaping the lives and histories of those who live along its banks. It is a vibrant occurrence filled with color, music, and joy. It brings communities together along the Nile River, transforming the area into...
National Back-to-School Prep Day: National Back-to-School Prep Day is a special day that helps kick off the excitement and preparations for the upcoming school year. It helps students, parents, and teachers to get organized before the busy school days begin. From gathering school supplies to setting up study spaces, this day encourages everyone to...
National Check The Chip Day: Make an appointment with your veterinarian to “check the chip” that keeps your pet safe. GPS or ID chips can help return your beloved pets to you if lost.
World Greatness Day: World Greatness Day is a special moment to honor greatness in all its shapes. It calls us to pause and appreciate the people and things that lift our spirits. Whether it’s a kind neighbor or a loyal pet, this day invites us to acknowledge positive energy around us. It also...
Chant at the Moon Day: Chant at the Moon Day is a playful little break from the ordinary. People head outside, look up at the night sky, and let out a chant, cheer, or even a silly howl toward the glowing moon. It’s not about being serious—it’s about loosening up and having fun. The idea...
I Love Cowboys and Cowgirls Day: I Love Cowboys and Cowgirls Day celebrates the spirit of riders who shaped the wide open spaces. It honors men and women who guided cattle, broke wild horses, and built communities on ranches. This day brings a sense of adventure and freedom. Folks feel a connection to that bold way...
National No Sponge Bob Day: National No SpongeBob Day is a playful break in Bikini Bottom when, for once, SpongeBob is the only one left behind. The episode “Gone” shows it’s not about anger. Instead, friends just need a pause from his unstoppable energy. Neighbors flee to a secret spot and build a SpongeBob effigy. Then...
Hawaiian Shirt Day: Hawaiian Shirt Day brings a burst of color to everyday life. One moment you're in a stiff office chair, the next you're grinning at someone’s shirt covered in pineapples. It’s simple—pull on a wild, flower-covered button-up, and suddenly everything feels a bit less serious. People light up when they see each...
National Leathercraft Day: Smooth, strong, and timeless—leather has shaped the way people create and carry their essentials. National Leathercraft Day honors the skill behind this craft, celebrating the hands that cut, stitch, and carve each piece. From rugged bags to finely tooled wallets, leatherwork blends function with beauty. Every item tells a story...
Indian Independence Day: A spirited journey, a triumph of unity and resilience, a chapter in a nation's narrative echoing courage and freedom.
Assumption Day: Assumption Day is a significant celebration for many Christians around the world. It honors the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into heaven. The day marks a joyful occasion filled with reverence and gratitude. For believers, it's a moment to reflect on the divine grace bestowed upon...
Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
Afternoon Tea Week: Host a British-inspired Afternoon Tea and plug that gap between lunch and dinner with tea, biscuits (cookies), scones, clotted cream, whatever you like.
Bullying No Way Week: Bullying No Way Week unites Australian schools, students, and families in tackling bullying together. This annual event urges young people to recognize bullying, understand its effects, and learn how to act against it. How to Observe Bullying No Way Week Here are some creative ways to join the National Day of Action...
National Science Week: Science lovers have a very special week to look forward to every year—National Science Week. It is an exciting annual event that celebrates the wonders of science and technology. This week-long celebration aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with science through various activities and events. It's a...
Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
Janmashtami: Janmashtami is one of the most joyous festivals celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide. The day honors the birth of Lord Krishna, a beloved deity known for his wisdom, playfulness, and divine teachings. Krishna's life symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, teaching values like love, compassion, and righteousness...
National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.