July 9

Scott Winters July 9, 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 – The United States Declaration of Independence was read to Gen. George Washington’s troops in New York.

1850 – President Zachary Taylor died after eating raw fruit and iced milk. Vice President Millard Fillmore became President after Taylor’s passing.

1868 – The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. This amendment granted citizenship to and protect the civil liberties of recently freed slaves. It prohibits states from denying or abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States, depriving any person of his life, liberty, or property without due process of law, or denying to any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

1872 – John Blondel patented the doughnut cutter.

1877 – Alexander Graham Bell, along with Gardiner Greene Hubbard, Thomas Sanders and Thomas Watson, formed the Bell Telephone Company.

1877 – The very first Wimbledon Tennis Championship was held.

1878 – Henry Tibbe patented the corncob pipe.

1892 – The first concrete road in the U.S. was completed in Bellefontaine, OH. The first asphalt road was laid down in July 1870 in Newark, NJ.

1893 – Daniel Hale Williams performed the first open heart surgery. He later founded Provident Hospital, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States.

1922 – Johnny Weissmuller (who later played “Tarzan”) became the first person to swim the 100 meters freestyle in less than a minute.

1937 – The silent film archives of Fox Film Corporation were destroyed by a vault fire.

1955 – The song “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets hit #1 on Billboard’s Pop charts, marking the first time a rock and roll recording hit #1

1956 – A TV show called “Bandstand”, hosted by Dick Clark debuted in Philadelphia, PA. The show later moved to ABC and the name was changed to “American Bandstand”.

1962 – Andy Warhol opened his first solo art show that included 32 portraits of Campbell’s soup cans.

1968 – The first indoor All-Star baseball game was played at the Astrodome in Houston, TX.

1981 – The Nintendo video game “Donkey Kong” was released. (It was also the debut of “Mario”, Nintendo’s future mascot.)

1977 – Elvis Costello quit his day job as a computer operator at a cosmetic factory.

1978 – Boxer Larry Holmes beat Ken Norton for the heavyweight championship.

1981 – Two iconic video game characters were introduced when Mario battled a big ape in the game “Donkey Kong”.

1983 – The Police’s single “Every Breath You Take” began a nine-week stretch at the #1 spot on the Pop Chart.

1985 – Joe Namath signed a five-year pact with ABC-TV to provide commentary for “Monday Night Football”. He reportedly earned $1 million a year.

1995 – The Grateful Dead gave their last concert with Jerry Garcia at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Garcia died the following month of a heart attack.

1997 – Mike Tyson was banned from boxing for 15 months and fined $3 million for biting the ear of Evander Holyfield during a match.

1999 – The movie “American Pie” premiered in theaters. The film was written by Adam Herz, who grew up in East Grand Rapids, MI.

2003 – The first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, “The Curse of the Black Pearl”, premiered in theaters.

2004 – A federal judge denied Martha Stewart’s request for a new trial.

2004 – The movie “Anchorman”, starring Will Ferrell, premiered in theaters.

2005 – Skateboarder Danny Way rode down a large ramp and jumped across the Great Wall of China. In doing so, he became the first person to ever clear the wall without the aid of a motor.

2010 – The animated movie “Despicable Me” was released in theaters.

2018 – Starbucks announced it would stop using plastic straws by 2020, reducing use of more than 1 billion straws a year.

BIRTHDAYS:

Dean Koontz – 80 years old (1945) – Author

Chris Cooper – 74 years old (1951) – Actor (“Adaptation”, “The Muppets”, “Seabiscuit”, “The Bourne Identity”, “American Beauty”)

John Tesh – 73 years old (1952) – Musician, television & radio personality

Debbie Sledge – 71 years old (1954) – Singer (Sister Sledge)

Jimmy Smits – 70 years old (1955) – Actor (“L.A. Law”, “NYPD Blue”, “The West Wing”)

Tom Hanks – 69 years old (1956) – Actor (TVs “Bosom Buddies, movies “Philadelphia”, “Forest Gump”, “Big”, “Saving Private Ryan”, “Apollo 13” and many others)

Marc Almond – 68 years old (1957) – Singer (Soft Cell)

Kelly McGillis – 68 years old (1957) – Actress (“Witness”, “Top Gun”, “Babe”)

Jim Kerr – 66 years old (1959) – Lead Singer (Simple Minds)

Courtney Love – 61 years old (1964) – Musician, Actress (Hole, “The People vs. Larry Flynt”, “Man on the Moon”)

Frank Bello – 60 years old (1965) – Bass guitarist (Anthrax)

Scott Grimes – 54 years old (1971) – Actor

Enrique Murciano – 52 years old (1973) – Actor (“Without a Trace”)

Jack White – 50 years old (1975) – Singer (The Raconuters, White Stripes). Born in Detroit, MI.

Fred Savage – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (“The Wonder Years”, “Working”)

TODAY IS:

Fashion Day: From bold prints to sleek lines, expressing yourself through clothing is an art form, letting you showcase your unique style and creativity.
National Dimples Day: Those charming facial contours, adding allure and warmth, uniquely defining smiles, are nature's delightful signature touch on faces.
National Sugar Cookie Day: In their simplest form, the sugar cookie only needs three ingredients: sugar, butter, and flour. Easy and fast to make, but oh so satisfying as well.
Durian Fruit Day: Durian Fruit Day is a celebration of one of the world's most intriguing fruits, known for its strong aroma and rich taste. Often called the "king of fruits," Durian has a creamy texture and unique flavor with a pungent smell. This day brings people together to explore the diverse uses...
Nunavut Day: Nunavut Day is a vibrant celebration that spotlights Nunavut's rich culture and heritage. This special day is filled with communal events, including traditional games, dances, and communal meals like pancake breakfasts and barbecues. The atmosphere is festive, with locals participating in various activities that reflect their unique way of life. Significance...
National Day of Prayer Reflection and Thanksgiving in Montserrat: The National Day of Prayer Reflection and Thanksgiving in Montserrat is a vibrant and significant occasion for the island's residents. This public holiday brings the community together to reflect and give thanks for the blessings received despite past adversities. People gather in churches across the island to pray, creating a...
World Misophonia Awareness Day: A disorder that is only recently coming to the forefront of conversation in the psychological and medical fields, misophonia is often misunderstood and widely underdiagnosed. While many people experience distress from triggers related to this auditory condition, lack of awareness continues to be a significant problem. Help improve community education...
National Don’t Put all your Eggs in One Omelet Day: National Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Omelet Day gives a clever spin to an old saying. Instead of baskets, it uses breakfast to teach a bigger idea. This playful day reminds people to mix things up—not just in the kitchen, but in life. It nudges you to try more...
Call of the Horizon Day: Call of the Horizon Day starts by inviting people to notice that pull toward something bigger than daily routines. It’s a moment to feel the urge for fresh challenges. Joy and hope come from setting eyes on distant views and thinking, “What if I reach there?” Enthusiasts use it to...
Argentina’s Independence Day: Argentina's Independence Day marks the moment the country broke free from Spanish rule. It’s a day full of pride when Argentinians reflect on the courage of those who fought for their freedom. This day brings people together, filling the streets with joy and celebration. Flags wave high, reminding everyone of...
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...