July 3

Scott Winters July 3, 2025 0 Comments

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:

1775 – U.S. Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, MA.

1819 – The Bank of Savings in New York, NY — the first savings bank in the United States — opened.

1852 – Congresss established the United States’ second mint in San Francisco, CA.

1863 – The U.S. Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, PA, ended after three days. It was a major victory for the North as Confederate troops retreated.

1871 – The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Company introduced the first narrow-gauge locomotive. It was called the “Montezuma.”

1884 – Dow Jones and Company published its first stock average.

1886 – “The New York Tribune” became the first newspaper to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand.

1890 – Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state of the United States.

1903 – The first cable across the Pacific Ocean was spliced between Honolulu, Midway, Guam and Manila.

1922 – “Fruit Garden and Home” magazine was introduced. It was later renamed “Better Homes and Gardens” two years later.

1924 – Clarence Birdseye founded the General Seafood Corp.

1930 – Congress created the U.S. Veterans Administration.

1934 – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) made its first payment to Lydia Losiger.

1937 – Del Mar race track opened in Del Mar, CA.

1939 – Chic Young’s comic strip character, “Blondie” was first heard on CBS radio.

1940 – Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuted on NBC radio.

1945 – The first civilian passenger car built since February 1942 was driven off the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company plant in Detroit, MI. Production had been diverted due to World War II.

1952 – The kids’ show “Mr. Peepers”, starring Wally Cox, made its debut on TV.

1962 – Jackie Robinson became the first African American to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

1974 – Tony Orlando & Dawn debuted their CBS television variety series. It did so well in a summer run that the network brought it back in December

1981 – The Associated Press ran its first story about two rare illnesses afflicting homosexual men. One of the diseases was later named AIDS.

1985 – The movie “Back to the Future”, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and a DeLorean car, opened in theaters.

1986 – President Ronald Reagan presided over a ceremony that saw the relighting of the renovated Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

1991 – President George H.W. Bush formally inaugurated the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.

1997 – President Clinton made his first formal response to the charges of sexual harassment from Paula Jones. He denied all charges and asked the judge to dismiss the case.

2007 – The first “Transfomers” movie premiered in theaters.

2014 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 17,000 for the first time.

2019 – Research revealed that the U.S. produces the most waste per person globally and recycles the least.

BIRTHDAYS:

Jay Tarses – 86 years old (1939) – Writer, producer (TV’s “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd”, “The Slap Maxwell Story”, “Buffalo Bill”, “The Bob Newhart Show”)

Kurtwood Smith – 82 years old (1943) – Actor (TV’s “That 70’s Show”, “24”, movie “RoboCop”)

Michael Cole – 80 years old (1945) – Actor (TV’s “The Mod Squad”, “General Hospital”)

Johnny Lee – 79 years old (1946) – Singer (“Lookin’ for Love”)

Dave Barry – 78 years old (1947) – Humor writer

Betty Buckley – 78 years old (1947) – Actress (TV’s “Eight is Enough”)

Jan Smithers – 76 years old (1949) – Actress (Played Bailey Quarters on TV’s “WKRP In Cincinnati”)

Montel Williams – 69 years old (1956) – Talk show host

Aaron Tippin – 67 years old (1958) – Singer, producer (“You’ve Got to Stand for Something”)

Vince Clarke – 65 years old (1960) – Musician (Erasure, DePeche Mode)

Tom Cruise – 63 years old (1962) – Actor (“Born on the Fourth of July”, “Jerry Maguire”, “Magnolia”, “Edge of Tomorrow”, “Oblivion”, “Jack Reacher”, the “Mission: Impossible” movies, “War of the Worlds”, “Collateral”, “The Last Samurai”, “Minority Report”, “Vanilla Sky”, “Eyes Wide Shut”, “A Few Good Men”, “Interview with the Vampire”, “Top Gun”, “The Firm”, “Risky Business”)

Thomas Gibson – 63 years old (1962) – Actor (TV’s “Dharma and Greg”, “Chicago Hope, “Criminal Minds”)

Hunter Tylo – 63 years old (1962) – Actress (TV’s “The Bold and the Beautiful”, “All My Children”, “Days of Our Lives”)

Yeardley Smith – 61 years old (1964) – Actress (Voice of Lisa Simpson on TV’s “The Simpsons”, “Dharma and Greg”)

Moisés Alou – 59 years old (1966) – Baseball player

Kevin Hearn – 56 years old (1969) – Keyboardist (Barenaked Ladies)

Audra McDonald – 55 years old (1970) – Singer, actress (TV’s “Private Practice”)

Patrick Wilson – 52 years old (1973) – Actor (“The Conjuring”, the “Insidious” movies, “Hard Candy”, “Morning Glory”, “The Switch”, “The A-Team”, “Watchmen”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “The Alamo”, TV’s “Fargo”, “A Gifted Man”)

Olivia Munn – 45 years old (1980) – Actress (TV’s “The Newsroom”, “New Girl”, “The Daily Show”, movies “Deliver Us From Evil”, “Iron Man 2”, “Date Night”, “Magic Mike”)

TODAY IS:

National Chocolate Wafer Day: Try making chocolate wafers from scratch, or pick up your favorite brand from the store to indulge a little on this chocolate treat-based holiday.
International Plastic Bag Free Day: Help the fight against plastic pollution by eliminating those thin, filmy plastic bags. Try bringing reusable bags to the store, and forego bags for small purchases.
National Stay Out of the Sun Day: From carcinomas to sun burns to wrinkles, avoid the negative effects of the sun by staying indoors or in the shade, or investing in a sun shading hat or parasol.
V.I. Emancipation Day: Every year on this day, the U.S. Virgin Islands light up with the spirit of V.I. Emancipation Day. This vibrant holiday marked a defining moment in 1848 when Governor Peter von Scholten freed enslaved people in the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands). How to Celebrate V.I. Emancipation Day Ready...
National Independent Beer Run Day: Have you ever heard of National Independent Beer Run Day? It's a lively celebration that encourages beer enthusiasts to support local craft breweries by buying some of their favorite brews. It's all about promoting the small, independent breweries that add so much flavor to our communities. How to Celebrate National Independent...
Thirsty Thursday: The anticipation of midweek merriment, with friends and everyone's favorite beverages, is like a mini-vacation for the soul.
American Redneck Day: Embracing the authentic spirit of a distinct culture rooted in rural traditions, embodying a vibrant and genuine heritage.
Air Conditioning Appreciation Day: In the hot summer months, you don’t want your Air Conditioning breaking down. Change your air filters and schedule some AC maintenance, and remind others.
National Fried Clam Day: Deliciously crunchy and filled with fresh seafood flavor, fried clams are a New England staple. And people from the rest of the world can enjoy them too, of course, especially on National Fried Clam Day! How to Celebrate National Fried Clam Day Spend National Fried Clam Day paying homage to...
St. Thomas Day: St. Thomas Day is an important celebration dedicated to Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve apostles. Known for his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection, he later proclaimed Jesus as "My Lord and my God" after seeing and touching his wounds. This moment has inspired many to reflect on their...
StartTheConversation Day: StartTheConversation Day is a key moment dedicated to discussing and supporting mental health. It's a day to reach out, connect, and ensure that those around us know they are not alone in their struggles. The focus is on breaking down the barriers of silence that often surround mental health issues. How...
National Eat Your Beans Day: Beans, beans, good for your heart…see what recipes you can make with a variety of beans to keep yourself healthy and full, from chickpeas to fava beans.
National Compliment Your Mirror Day: Show yourself some love and support by complimenting your mirror—or the person in it, really. Affirmations can help brighten your day and change your perspective.
International Drop a Rock Day: Crafting silent smiles, stones adorned with kindness, scattered treasures weaving a tapestry of unexpected joy in discovery.
Disobedience Day: Change up your life and let loose a little by breaking the rules. Alter your routine, ignore advice that’s holding you back, and march to the beat of your own drum.
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...
Sweetness Week: Sweetness Week is an annual celebration that brings a special kind of joy to Argentina. During this time, people exchange kisses and sweet treats, turning it into a playful and romantic affair. How to Celebrate Sweetness Week Sweetness Week is a playful chance to spread joy and sugar. Here are some...