Discover what happened on August 15 in history as engineering triumphs, unforgettable entertainment, musical milestones, and historic achievements helped shape the world we know today.
What Happened on August 15 in History?
On this day, the Panama Canal officially opened to commercial traffic, The Wizard of Oz premiered in Hollywood, and the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair began in New York.
AUGUST 15 – 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 – Grand Rapids made one last attempt at commercial river transportation. An “all-water” route to Chicago was established, and two boats—the Grand and the Rapids—were built. The venture failed, and both boats were sold at auction in 1907.
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, celebrating Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
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 – Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope detected a mysterious radio transmission from deep space. The event became known as the “Wow! Signal” after a researcher wrote “Wow!” on the printout.
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 – The world was introduced to “Macarena,” the dance song by Los del Río that became a worldwide phenomenon the following year.
2001 – Astronomers announced the discovery of the first known planetary system around a Sun-like star outside our own solar system.
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”.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS ON AUGUST 15:
Pat Priest – 90 years old (1936) – Actress
Stephen Breyer – 88 years old (1938) – Lawyer and jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Stix Hooper – 88 years old (1938) – Jazz drummer
Maxine Waters – 88 years old (1938) – Educator and politician
Jimmy Webb – 80 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter and pianist
Tom Johnston – 78 years old (1948) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Phyllis Smith – 77 years old (1949) – Actress
Tommy Aldridge – 76 years old (1950) – Drummer
Tess Harper – 76 years old (1950) – Actress
Tom Kelly – 76 years old (1950) – Baseball player
Ann Biderman – 75 years old (1951) – Screenwriter and producer
Chuck Burgi – 74 years old (1952) – Drummer
Željko Ivanek – 69 years old (1957) – Slovenian-American actor
Rondell Sheridan – 68 years old (1958) – Actor and comedian
Scott Altman – 67 years old (1959) – Captain, pilot, and astronaut
Ed Gillespie – 65 years old (1961) – Political strategist
Gary Kubiak – 65 years old (1961) – Football player and coach
Tom Colicchio – 64 years old (1962) – Chef and author
Melinda French Gates – 62 years old (1964) – Businesswoman and philanthropist, co-founded the Gates Foundation
Rob Thomas – 61 years old (1965) – Author, screenwriter, and producer
Scott Brosius – 60 years old (1966) – Baseball player and coach
Peter Hermann – 59 years old (1967) – Actor
Debra Messing – 58 years old (1968) – Actress
Anthony Anderson – 56 years old (1970) – Comedian, actor, and producer
Ben Silverman – 56 years old (1970) – Actor, producer, and screenwriter, founded Electus Studios
Ben Affleck – 54 years old (1972) – Actor and filmmaker
Bertrand Berry – 51 years old (1975) – Football player and radio host
Kara Wolters – 51 years old (1975) – Basketball player
Kerri Walsh Jennings – 48 years old (1978) – Volleyball player
Carl Edwards – 47 years old (1979) – Race car driver
Brendan Hansen – 45 years old (1981) – Swimmer
Óliver Pérez – 45 years old (1981) – Baseball player
Casey Burgener – 44 years old (1982) – Weightlifter
David Harrison – 44 years old (1982) – Basketball player
Rachel Haot – 43 years old (1983) – Businesswoman
Jarrod Dyson – 42 years old (1984) – Baseball player
Emily Kinney – 42 years old (1984) – Actress and singer-songwriter
Ryan D'Imperio – 39 years old (1987) – Football player
Joe Jonas – 37 years old (1989) – Singer, songwriter, and actor
Carlos PenaVega – 37 years old (1989) – Actor and singer
Jennifer Lawrence – 36 years old (1990) – Actress and producer
Matthew Judon – 34 years old (1992) – Football player
Chief Keef – 31 years old (1995) – Rapper
DAYS OF THE YEAR FOR AUGUST 15:
- 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.
- International Geocaching Day: International Geocaching Day is a unique celebration that brings together outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers every year on the third Saturday of August. This exciting day marks a time when people from all over the globe engage in geocaching, a high-tech treasure-hunting game that uses GPS devices to locate hidden...
- World Honey Bee Day: These little creatures are nature's buzzworthy superstars! They're responsible for pollinating a third of our food supply and creating delicious honey.
- 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 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.
- International Homeless Animals Day: Donate time or money to help homeless animals around the world, from providing food to neutering or spaying to helping with rescue and adoption efforts.
- 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...
- 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 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.
- Break The Monotony Day: Break the monotony of your regular schedule by switching it up, whether a big change like a vacation, or small ones like a new coffee shop or route to work.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- International Plum Fair: Plum Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a lively celebration that brings together communities and showcases the region's deep-rooted connection to this fruit. The event, held in the town of Gradačac, attracts hundreds of exhibitors and visitors from across the country and beyond. It’s more than just an agricultural fair...
- 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...
- Brussels Flower Carpet: Brussels Flower Carpet turns the city’s Grand Place into a breathtaking floral masterpiece. Every two years, a vast carpet made entirely of flowers blankets the square, drawing visitors from around the world. The Flower Carpet celebrates Belgium’s love for flowers, especially begonias, which thrive in the region. It also highlights...
- 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...
- Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) is Southeast Europe's largest and most vibrant film event. Each year, it transforms the city into a lively hub, drawing filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts from around the globe. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the festival offers a space where local and international cinema...
- 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...
- National Bargain Hunting Week: Exploring discounts and deals, seekers unearth treasures while navigating the maze of savings, discovering hidden gems.
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