August 2

Scott Winters August 2, 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:

1776 – Contrary to widespread misconceptions, the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign as a group and did not do so on July 4, 1776. John Hancock and Charles Thomson signed only draft copies that day, the official day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress. The signing of the official declaration happened on August 2, 1776, when 50 men probably took part.

1790 – The first U.S. Census was conducted.

1791 – Samuel Briggs and his son, Samuel Briggs, Jr., received a patent for a nail-making machine. They were the first father/son pair to receive a patent.

1858 – The first mailboxes were installed along the street in Boston, MA and New York, NY.

1861 – The first Income Tax was passed by the United States Congress. The revenues were intended for the war effort against the South. The tax was never enacted.

1870 – The world’s first underground tube railway opened in London, England.

1873 – The Clay Street Hill Railroad began operating the first cable car in San Francisco, CA’s famous cable car system.

1887 – Rowell Hodge received a patent for barbed wire.

1892 – Charles A. Wheeler received a patent for the first escalator.

1921 – Eight White Sox players were acquitted of throwing the 1919 World Series.

1923 – Vice President Calvin Coolidge became the 30th President of the United States, after the death of Warren G. Harding.

1923 – The first Lake Michigan car ferry began operation to cross the Straits of Mackinaw between the upper and lower peninsula’s of Michigan.

1926 – John Barrymore and Mary Astor starred in the first showing of the Vitaphone System. The system combined the pictures and sound for the movies.

1937 – The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed to render marijuana and all its by-products illegal.

1938 – In an experiment, bright yellow baseballs were used in a major league baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the St. Louis Cardinals. The hope was the balls would be easier to see.

1939 – Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin Roosevelt urging the U.S. to begin the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear weapon.

1939 – President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Hatch Act. The act prohibited civil service employees from taking an active part in political campaigns.

1943 – The U.S. Navy patrol torpedo boat, PT-109, sank after being attacked by a Japanese destroyer. Lt. John F. Kennedy, future President, saved all but two of his crew.

1964 – The Pentagon reported the first of two North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin.

1965 – American’s first “Trimline” telephones were made available in Detroit, MI.

1982 – The Post Office issued a stamp honoring baseball great Jackie Robinson

1983 – U.S. House of Representatives approved a law that designated the third Monday of January be a federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The law was signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 2.

1984 – The Charles Schultz’ comic strip “Peanuts” was added to the Portsmouth Daily Times, making it the first comic strip to appear in 2,000 newspapers.

1985 – 137 people are killed when a Delta jumbo jet crashed at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

1987 – “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was re-released for it’s 50th anniversary.

1989 – The movie “Parenthood”, directed by Ron Howard and starring Steve Martin, premiered in theaters.

1990 – Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and seized petroleum reserves. That aggression began the Persian Gulf War.

1995 – China ordered the expulsion of two U.S. Air Force officers. The two were said to have been caught spying on military sights.

2014 – The Detroit Tigers scored in every inning played for the first time since 1912. Detroit beat Colorado 11-5.

2021 – It was announced that 70 percent of American had had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot.

2022 – The nearly complete film “Batgirl” — with a budget of more than $90 million — was shelved. The official reason was that it was not testing well enough with audiences to instill confidence at Warner Bros.

BIRTHDAYS:

Kathy Lennon – 82 years old (1943) – Singer (The Lennon Sisters)

Joanna Cassidy – 80 years old (1945) – Actress (“Blade Runner”, TV’s “Six Feet Under”, “Dallas”, “Boston Legal”, “Diagnosis Murder”, “Buffalo Bill”)

Lance Ito – 75 years old (1950) – Judge (Presided over the O.J. Simpson murder trial)

Butch Patrick – 72 years old (1953) – Actor (Played Eddie on TV’s “The Munsters”, “Lidsville”)

Victoria Jackson – 66 years old (1959) – Actress, comedian (“Casual Sex”, “UHF”, TV’s “Saturday Night Live”, “Romeo!”, “Strip Mall”)

Cynthia Stevenson – 63 years old (1962) – Actress (“The Player”, “Forget Paris”, “Home for the Holidays”, “Air Bud: Golden Receiver”, TV’s “Cheers”)

Mary-Louise Parker – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (“RED”, “RED 2”, “Fried Green Tomatoes”, “Boys on the Side”, TV’s “Weeds”, “The West Wing”)

Kevin Smith – 55 years old (1970) – Director, actor (“Clerks”, “Chasing Amy”, “Dogma”, “Jersey Girl”, “Mallrats”)

Sam Worthington – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (“Avatar”, “Terminator Salvation”, “Clash of the Titans”, “Wrath of the Titans”)

Edward Furlong – 48 years old (1977) – Actor (“Detroit Rock City”, “Pecker”, “American History X”, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”)

TODAY IS:

National Coloring Book Day: Long gone are the days when coloring is just for kids. Get out a coloring book and colored pencils, and get lost in the creative, meditative exercise of coloring.
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day: A sweet union of two delicate layers, with frosty bliss in between, offering delightful respite on a warm day.
National Disc Golf Day: Gather friends and family for a fun and competitive game of disc golf, or meet new people and make new friends by joining an amateur team or league.
International Blues Music Day: Soulful melodies echoing stories of resilience, pain, and joy, transcending generations with raw emotion and powerful rhythm.
National Mustard Day: Looking for a flavor that adds a zing to your meal? Sometimes spicy, sometimes tangy, this condiment might just be what you're looking for!
National CAD Day: National CAD Day is a day of celebration that honors the immense contributions of computer-aided design (CAD) to modern technology and innovation. CAD technology has been a cornerstone in various industries, helping professionals from engineering to fashion by turning complex visions into manageable and manipulable digital realities. The significance of this...
Sandcastle Day: Head to a lake, river, sea or even sandbox near you and let your inner child out by building the greatest sandcastle of all time, turrets and all.
National Sunflower Day: Vibrant blooms, facing the sun, symbolizing joy, optimism, and resilience, painting landscapes with their golden hues.
National Jamaican Patty Day: Have you ever tried a Jamaican patty? These savory pastries are a staple in Caribbean cuisine. They are loved for their flaky, golden crust and richly spiced filling, usually featuring beef, chicken, or vegetables. National Jamaican Patty Day is a vibrant celebration of one of Jamaica's most popular culinary exports...
Harriet Quimby Day: Harriet Quimby Day is all about celebrating a woman who dared to take flight—literally. She wasn’t just the first American woman to earn a pilot’s license; she was someone who saw the sky and thought, Why not me? Her story lifts this day into something more than a date. It’s a...
Food Day Canada: Food Day Canada is all about enjoying good food made close to home. It’s a big, delicious thank-you to the people who grow, catch, bake, and cook what ends up on our plates. On this day, kitchens fill with the smell of fresh herbs, sizzling butter, and warm bread. Farmers' markets...
National VFR Day: Have you ever thought about what happens after the sirens fade or the battlefield quiets down? National VFR Day brings attention to the emotional toll that veterans and first responders carry long after the action ends. These brave people often keep going, even while struggling inside. This day encourages everyone to...
National Summit Day: National Summit Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring mountain peaks and the individuals who ascend them. Enthusiasts of all skill levels take to trails, embracing the challenge of reaching summits, whether towering mountains or local hills. This day encourages everyone to experience the joy and accomplishment that comes from standing...
National Play Outside Day: Imagine a day when families, friends, and neighbors step away from screens and head outdoors together. National Play Outside Day encourages everyone, regardless of age, to embrace the joys of outdoor activities. Whether it's playing catch in the backyard, exploring a local park, or simply enjoying the fresh air, this...
International Hangover Day: After a night of lively celebrations, many wake up to the dreaded aftermath: a pounding headache, queasy stomach, and a vow to swear off alcohol forever. International Hangover Day acknowledges this universal experience, offering a lighthearted nod to those grappling with the consequences of overindulgence. It's a day when people...
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...
World Breastfeeding Week: Nurturing a bond like no other, this natural act of love fosters the health and well-being of both mother and child.
National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, bringing together the best of the nation's music, literature, and performance arts. Each year, the festival moves to a different location within Wales, alternating between the north and south. This week-long event attracts thousands of visitors who immerse...
National Twins Day: National Twins Day is a vibrant celebration that recognizes and honors the unique connection between twins. This day is not just about the remarkable similarities twins share but also about embracing their individuality. Across the globe, twins, their families, and friends come together to share experiences and celebrate the extraordinary...
Tisha B’Av: Tisha B'Av is a deeply meaningful day for many people. It marks a time of reflection and mourning, where communities come together to remember significant losses. The day offers a moment to pause and consider the impact of historical events on the present. Many find comfort in gathering to share...
Love Parks Week : Enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and leisure activities that rejuvenate the mind and body in nature's embrace.
International Clown Week: Exploring playful characters, spreading joy with colorful costumes, and delighting audiences with whimsical performances and antics.