July 24

Scott Winters July 24, 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:

1701 – Detroit, MI was founded by Antoine Cadillic.

1847 – Richard M. Hoe patented the rotary-type printing press.

1866 – Tennessee became the first state to be readmitted to the Union after the Civil War.

1880 – The first electric light was used in Grand Rapids, MI. The power was generated by water at the Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company. The light fixtures were leased on an annual basis for a cost of $120 per year.

1915 – The passenger ship the S.S. Eastland capsized while it was tied to a dock in the Chicago River. A total of 844 passengers and crew were killed. It was the largest loss of life disaster from a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes.

1935 – The Dust Bowl heat waves reached their peak, sending temperatures to 109 degrees in Chicago, IL and 104 degrees in Milwaukee, MI.

1938 – Instant coffee was invented.

1950 – Cape Canaveral Air Force Station began operations with the launch of a Bumper rocket.

1956 – Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis called it quits as a comedy team. Their partnership began on July 25, 1946.

1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

1971 – WUHQ TV-41 in Battle Creek, MI signed on for the first time.

1974 – The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon did not have the authority to withhold subpoenaed White House tapes, and they ordered him to surrender the tapes to the Watergate special prosecutor.

1978 – Escaped 16 ft. python “Big Sid” was captured in Standale, MI. He had escaped his plywood and rope cage on June23rd. Read more about “Big Sid” here.

1983 – George Brett, in a game with the Kansas City Royals against the New York Yankees, had a game winning home run nullified because of pine tar.

1985 – Walt Disney released their 25th full-length cartoon called “The Black Cauldron.”

1987 – At the age of 91 years old, American climber Hulda Crooks reached the peak of Mt. Fuji to become the oldest woman to climb Japan’s highest peak. (She passed way in 1997 at the age of 101.)

1988 – The first West Michigan Grand Prix took place on the streets of downtown Grand Rapids, MI. The event was approved for three years, but only lasted two because of difficulties finding a main sponsor for the third year.

1998 – Russell Eugene Weston, Jr., burst into the U.S. Capitol and opened fire killing two police officers. He was later ruled to be incompetent to stand trial.

1998 – The movie “Saving Private Ryan”, starring Tom Hanks, debuted in theaters.

2014 – Air Algérie Flight 5017 lost contact with air traffic controllers 50 minutes after takeoff. It was travelling between Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso and Algiers. The wreckage was later found in Mali. All 116 people onboard were killed.

BIRTHDAYS:

Ruth Buzzi – 89 years old (1936) – Actress-comedian (TV’s “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”)

Robert Hays – 78 years old (1947) – Actor (“Airplane!”, “Homeward Bound”)

Michael Richards – 76 years old (1949) – Actor, comedian (TV’s “Fridays”, “Seinfeld”)

Lynda Carter – 74 years old (1951) – Actress (TV’s “Wonder Woman”)

Kristin Chenoweth – 57 years old (1968) – Actress, singer (“The Pink Panther”, “Bewitched”, TV’s “The West Wing”)

Laura Leighton – 57 years old (1968) – Actress (TV’s “Melrose Place”)

Jennifer Lopez – 56 years old (1969) – Singer, actress (“The Back-Up Plan”, “Monster-in-Law”, “Shall We Dance”, “The Wedding Planner”, “Selena”, judge on TV’s “American Idol”)

Rose Byrne – 46 years old (1979) – Actress (“Annie”, “X-Men: First Class and Apocalypse”, “Bridesmaids”, “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones”, TV’s “Damages”)

Anna Paquin – 43 years old (1982) – Actress (“The Piano”, “X-Men” movies, TV’s “True Blood”)

Bindi Irwin – 27 years old (1998) – Daughter of the late Australian “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin

TODAY IS:

National Tell An Old Joke Day: Dig out and dust off your favorite old jokes, from Knock-Knocks to the age-old question of why the chicken crossed the road. Be prepared for groans.
National Tequila Day: This iconic Mexican spirit is the star of many famous cocktails and pairs well with a variety of foods. Salud!
National Drive-Thru Day: Indulge your less healthy cravings, and skip the standing around in lines by hitting your favorite fast-food drive-thru on National Drive-Thru Day.
National Cousins Day: Spend the day with your cousins, chatting about life, playing games, or gossiping about family. If they live far away, write them a heartfelt letter.
International Self Care Day: Nurturing the inner glow, tending to well-being, and recharging like a boss ensures a vibrant, balanced, and joyful life adventure!
Samaritans Awareness Day: Samaritans Awareness Day is a significant event dedicated to highlighting the importance of emotional support and listening. The day aims to raise awareness about the vital role the Samaritans play in providing round-the-clock support to individuals in distress. It's a time to recognize the value of having someone to talk...
Pioneer Day: Learn about a Christian denomination group that pioneered their way to Salt Lake City and began as a divinely restored Church, commonly known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
National Amelia Earhart Day: Join in by learning about and honoring the life of this pioneering female aviator for National Amelia Earhart Day! History of National Amelia Earhart Day Amelia Earhart was born in 1897, during a time when the attitude toward women in the United States was beginning to change. Defying traditional roles...
National Refreshment Day: Sipping a cool concoction on a hot day is pure bliss! Refreshing drinks can quench your thirst and transport you to a tropical paradise.
National Day of Motoring: The National Day of Motoring celebrates the simple thrill of taking a car out just for fun. It invites drivers to hit the open roads and enjoy the ride. People cruise scenic routes, bond with friends, or even join casual drives. The whole mood feels lively and upbeat. It centers...
National Thermal Engineer Day: National Thermal Engineer Day recognizes the experts who keep technology from overheating and failing. From smartphones to spacecraft, these engineers design cooling systems that protect devices and improve performance. Without their work, electronics would overheat, engines would break down, and modern life would look very different. This day brings attention...
National Zoo Keeper Week: Dedicated professionals caring for exotic animals, ensuring their well-being, educating the public, and contributing to conservation efforts.
Galway International Arts Festival: The Galway International Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity that takes over the city of Galway each year. This event brings together artists, performers, and visitors from around the globe for two weeks of music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and more. The festival transforms Galway into a hub of...
Darwin Show Day: Darwin Show Day is an annual event celebrating agriculture, local talent, and community spirit in the Northern Territory. It features exhibitions, competitions, and entertainment, drawing visitors from all over to the Darwin Showgrounds. The day is packed with fun activities, exhibitions, and competitions. Visitors enjoy a range of attractions, including...
National Moth Week: Sign up for an event or citizen project during Moth Week to get involved, take and post photos, and get a good look at the interesting varieties of moths out there.
National Parenting Gifted Children Week: The unique joys and challenges of nurturing exceptional talents, fostering creativity, and supporting their emotional growth.