August 13

Scott Winters August 13, 2025 1 Comment

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:

1846 – The American Flag was raised for the first time in Los Angeles, CA.

1889 – William Gray was granted a patent for the coin-operated telephone.

1912 – The first experimental radio license was issued to St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, PA.

1918 – Women enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for the first time. Opha Mae Johnson was the first woman to enlist.

1931 – The first community hospital in the U.S. was dedicated in Elk City, OK.

1934 – Al Capp’s comic strip “L’il Abner” made its debut in newspapers.

1942 – The “Soybean Car” was unveiled by Henry Ford. The plastic bodied car weighed about 1000 pounds less than a car made of steel.

1942 – Walt Disney’s fifth full-length animated film, “Bambi”, was released in theaters.

1959 – Ground was broken on the $320 million Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York, NY.

1960 – A balloon satellite, “Echo I,” allowed the first two-way telephone conversation by satellite to take place.

1961 – Berlin was divided by a barbed wire fence to halt the flight of refugees. Two days later work on the Berlin Wall began.

1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts were released from a three-week quarantine to enjoy a ticker tape parade in New York, NY. That evening, at a state dinner in Los Angeles, CA, they were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon.

1979 – The roof of the uncompleted Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, IL, collapsed, killing five workers and injuring 16.

1982 – The movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” debuted in theaters.

1988 – The Palace of Auburn Hills opened.

1994 – A report indicated that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also helps prevent colon cancer.

1997 – The animated series “South Park” made its debut on Comedy Central.

2016 – Swimmer Michael Phelps ended his career at the Rio Olympics as part of the winning 4×100 medley relay, his record 23rd gold medal.

2019 – Entertainment companies CBS and Viacom announced they would merge.

BIRTHDAYS:

Joycelyn Elders – 92 a old (1933) – U.S. Surgeon General (1993-1994)

Kevin Tighe – 81 a old (1944) – Actor (Played Roy DeSoto on TV’s “Emergency,” “Lost”)

Gretchen Corbett – 78 a old (1947) – Actress (“Let’s Scare Jessica to Death”, Played Beth Davenport on TV’s “The Rockford Files”)

Danny Bonaduce – 66 a old (1959) – Actor, radio personality (TV’s “The Partridge Family”, “America’s Deadliest Home Videos, “Breaking Bonaduce”)

Dawnn Lewis – 64 a old (1961) – Actress (TV’s “A Different World”, “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”)

John Slattery – 63 a old (1962) – Actor (Played Roger Sterling on TV’s “Mad Men”)

Debi Mazar – 61 a old (1964) – Actress (TV’s “Entourage,” “L.A. Law”)

Quinn Cummings – 58 a old (1967) – Actress (Played Annie Cooper on TV’s “Family”)

TODAY IS:

National Prosecco Day: Bubbly white wine that doesn’t break the bank! Host a party with plenty of prosecco, a popular drink with ancient roots grown in a region of Italy.
International Lefthanders Day: Navigating life with a unique perspective, it's like being part of an exclusive club where creativity and adaptability shine.
National Filet Mignon Day: The words “filet mignon” call to mind rich, succulent, melt-in-your mouth flavor. Treat yourself to a nice steak dinner, or try cooking it at home.
Crayfish Party:
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.
National Fishing Month: Relaxing, meditative, and practical, fishing is an ideal hobby for many. Get out on the water with some bait and a fishing line, and catch yourself dinner.
Bullying No Way Week:
Navasard:
National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.