July 13

Scott Winters July 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:

1832 – Henry Schoolcraft discovered the source of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

1836 – John Ruggles received patent #1 from the U.S. Patent Office. It was for a traction wheel used in locomotive steam engines. There were 9,957 previous patents, but they were not numbered.

1919 – The British airship R34 landed in Norfolk, England, completing the first airship return journey across the Atlantic in 182 hours of flight.

1923 – The Hollywood Sign was officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, California. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland” but the last four letters were dropped when it was renovated in 1949.

1938 – Five people died when a 10 foot Michigan Tsunami wave in Lake Michigan hit Holland State Park.

1972 – Carroll Rosenbloom (owner of the Baltimore Colts) and Robert Irsay (owner of the Los Angeles Rams) traded teams.

1973 – Alexander Butterfield revealed the existence of the “Nixon tapes” to the special Senate Committee investigating the Watergate break in.

1977 – New York, NY experienced a 24-hour blackout, that was caused by lightning strikes, that lead to widespread fires and looting.

1978 – Lee Iacocca was fired as president of Ford Motor Co. by chairman Henry Ford II.

1982 – The All-Star Game was played outside the United States for the first time. They played in Montreal, Canada.

1984 – Kermit and Miss Piggy took over the Big Apple…the movie “The Muppets Take Manhattan” premiered in theaters. This was the first appearance for the Muppet Babies.

1984 – In Arkansas, Terry Wallis was injured in a car accident and was left comatose. He came out of the coma in June, 2003.

1985 – Vice President George Bush became the Acting President for the day when President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery to remove polyps from his colon.

1985 – Live-Aid concerts took place in Philadelphia, PA, and London, England, as well as other venues such as Sydney, Australia and Moscow, Russia.

1990 – The movie “Ghost”, starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze, opened in theaters.

1998 – “Image of an Assassination” went on sale. The video documentary is about Abraham Zapruder’s home video of President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas in November of 1963.

1994 – Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, was sentenced (in Portland, OR) to a two-year prison term for his role in the attack on skater Nancy Kerrigan.

2001 – The movie “Legally Blonde”, starring Reese Witherspoon, was released in theaters.

2008 Anheuser-Busch was purchased by the No. 2 brewer at that time, In Bev, for $52 billion . The new company is called Anheuser-Busch-InBev.

2013 – George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

2024 – Former President Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt while speaking at an election campaign rally near Butler, PA.
Births

BIRTHDAYS:

Patrick Stewart – 85 years old (1940) – Actor (The Star Trek and X-Men series; TV’s Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Harrison Ford – 83 years old (1942) – Actor (“Star Wars”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “The Fugitive”)

Roger McGuinn – 83 years old (1942) – Singer (The Byrds)

Ernő Rubik – 81 years old (1944) – Creator of Rubik’s Cube puzzle

Cheech Marin – 79 years old (1946) – Comedian, Actor (Cheech & Chong, “Born in East LA”, “Up in Smoke”, TV’s “Nash Bridges”)

Didi Conn – 74 years old (1951) – Actress (played Frenchy in “Grease” and “Grease 2”)

Louise Mandrell – 71 years old (1954) – Singer

Cameron Crowe – 68 years old (1957) – Director (“Jerry Maguire”)

Tom Kenny – 63 years old (1962) – Comedian, voice actor (“SpongeBob Squarepants”)

TODAY IS:

International Rock Day: Where would we be without rocks? Go on a rock hunt and see how many different kinds you can find, including some surprisingly beautiful and rare ones.
Embrace Your Geekness Day: Geeks are in! Dig out that Star Trek t-shirt, drink out of your Buffy mug, even consider sharing some of that fanfiction you definitely “didn’t” write.
National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day: Harmonizing melodies in close-knit camaraderie, evoking nostalgia with rhythmic vocal bliss, weaving musical tapestries that resonate joy.
Beef Tallow Day: Substitute beef tallow for other cooking or vegetable oils in your dishes and see how much richer the flavor gets, while giving you important nutrients.
Barn Day: Barn Day honors the sturdy shelters that serve as the heart of farms. People gather to appreciate barns as vital spaces for animals, hay, tools, and memories of shared work. It brings to mind friendly community events and the simple joy of rural life. The celebration feels lively and grounded...
Gruntled Workers Day: Gruntled Workers Day celebrates those who feel truly content in their jobs. It’s a fun, upbeat nod to people who enjoy their work and choose to find purpose each day. It’s about noticing what goes well, applauding small wins, and appreciating coworkers or service workers. By recognizing these positive moments...
Fool’s Paradise Day: Fool’s Paradise Day kicks off with a sweet escape from everyday pressure. It invites you to step into a cozy mental world where joy rules. You set the scene with bright thoughts and gentle hope. A soft mood fills your mind. You let go of worries, even if just for a...
National Delaware Day: National Delaware Day shines a light on the small but mighty state that helped shape the country. Delaware was the first to approve the U.S. Constitution, earning its proud title, “The First State.” That early decision set everything in motion for a new government. Though tiny in size, its impact...
National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day : National Beans 'n' Franks Day honors a classic American comfort food: baked beans mixed with sliced hot dogs. This simple yet satisfying dish has warmed many hearts and homes across the country. Tender beans blend with savory franks to create a hearty and nostalgic meal. The smoky-sweet combination makes it...
Fiesta de la Tirana: Fiesta de la Tirana is a vibrant celebration held in northern Chile. It transforms the small town of La Tirana into a bustling center of energy, color, and sound. Thousands of people come together, filling the streets with traditional costumes, lively dances, and rhythmic music. It's a festival where faith...
Wimbledon: Wimbledon stands out as one of the most iconic and prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. The event draws attention not only for the high level of competition but also for its rich traditions. Players, fans, and even members of the British Royal Family come together to celebrate the sport...
Running of the Bulls: The Running of the Bulls draws people from around the world. This thrilling spectacle involves a group of bulls charging through narrow streets, guided by daring runners. The excitement is electric, and thousands watch and participate. It's a day filled with anticipation, adrenaline, and community spirit. Whether you're a participant...
National Transplant Week: National Transplant Week highlights the vital role organ donation plays in saving lives. It's a time to consider the impact of giving and receiving transplants. The week aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider becoming donors. It's a reminder of the life-changing potential within us all. Celebrating this...