May 1

Scott Winters May 1, 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:

1805 – The state of Virginia passed a law requiring all freed slaves to leave the state, or risk either imprisonment or deportation.

1867 – Reconstruction in the South began with black voter registration.

1877 – President Rutherford B. Hayes withdrew all Federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction.

1883 – William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) had his first Wild West Show.

1884 – The construction of the first American 10-story building began in Chicago, IL.

1889 – Asa Candler published a full-page advertisement in The Atlanta Journal, proclaiming his wholesale and retail drug business as “sole proprietors of Coca-Cola … Delicious. Refreshing. Exhilarating. Invigorating.” Mr. Candler did not actually achieve sole ownership until 1891 at a cost of $2,300.

1905 – In New York, NY, radium was tested as a cure for cancer.

1915 – The city of Detroit, MI, mandated at all milk be pasteurized.

1920 – Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a Yankee and did it facing his former team, the Boston Red Sox.

1922 – Charlie Robertson, of the Chicago White Sox, pitched a perfect no-hit, no-run game against the Detroit Tigers. The Sox won 3-0. Another perfect game did not come along until 46 years later.

1926 – Henry Ford announced a five day work week. Ford Motor Company became one of the first companies in American to adopt a 5 day, 40 hour work week for workers.

1930 – The dwarf planet Pluto was officially named.

1931 – The Empire State Building in New York, NY, was dedicated and opened. It was 102 stories tall and was the tallest building in the world at the time.

1939 – A new crime fighter named “Batman” debuted in the May issues of Detective Comics #27.

1940 – The 1940 Summer Olympics were cancelled due to war.

1941 – “Citizen Kane,” directed and starring Orson Welles, premiered in New York, NY.

1951 – Mickey Mantle hits his first home run in the Major Leagues.

1952 – Production of Mr. Potato Head began.

1956 – The polio vaccine, developed by Jonas Salk, was made available to the public.

1958 – James Van Allen reported that two radiation belts encircled Earth.

1961 – Fidel Castro announced there would be no more elections in Cuba.

1969 – Leonard Tose bought the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles for $16,155,000.

1970 – Students at Kent State University rioted in downtown Kent, OH, in protest of the American invasion of Cambodia.

1971 – The National Railroad Passenger Corp. (Amtrak) went into service. It was established by Congress to run the nation’s intercity railroads.

1981 – The Japanese government announced that it would limit passenger car exports to the United States over the next three years.

1986 – The Tass News Agency reported the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

1986 – Bill Elliott set a stock car speed record with his Ford Thunderbird in Talladega, AL. Elliott reached a speed of 212.229 mph.

1989 – Police in California were called to a jewelry store after employees reported a suspicious person. The person turned out to be Michael Jackson shopping in disguise.

1989 – Disney-MGM Studios (now called Hollywood Studios) opened at Walt Disney World near Orlando, FL.

1991 – Charles Osborne of Anthon, IA, died at the age of 97. He hiccupped continuously every few seconds for 69 years.

1992 – On the third day of the Los Angeles, CA riots resulting from the Rodney King beating trial, King appeared in public to appeal for calm. He asked, “Can we all just get along?”

1999 – On Mount Everest, a group of U.S. mountain climbers discovered the body of George Mallory. Mallory had died in June of 1924 while trying to become the first person to reach the summit of Everest. At the time of the discovery it was unclear whether or not Mallory had actually reached the summit.

1999 – The cartoon “Spongebob Squarepants” first aired on TV.

2000 – ABC aired the first celebrity “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

2000 – The “Barbie for President” doll was released in stores.

2001 – Chandra Levy was last seen in Washington, DC. Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park on May 22, 2002. California Congressman Gary Condit was questioned in the case due to his relationship with Levy.

2003 – In what has become known as the “Mission Accomplished” speech, on board the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln (off the coast of California), President George W. Bush declared that “major combat operations in Iraq have ended”.

2008 – Bruce Springsteen and Peter Gabriel appear on Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people.

2010 – Flood waters took over Nashville, TN, leaving thousands of its citizens temporarily homeless. In the following days, country stars would hold fundraising concerts, help clear out victims’ homes, and deliver food and supplies to devastated neighborhoods.

2010 – Michigan banned smoking in public places, places of employment, and food service establishments.

2011 – President Barack Obama made a late evening TV announcement that the U.S. military has killed terror mastermind Osama bin Laden in a compound not far from the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. The President called it “the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda.”

2011 – Pope John Paul II was beatified by his successor, Pope Benedict XVI.

2015 – The movie “Avengers: Age of Ultron” premiered in theaters. With a budget of $365 million, at the time is was the second most expensive movie ever made.

2017 – Ryan Seacrest joined Kelly Ripa as co-host on TV’s “Live with Kellly and Ryan”

BIRTHDAYS:

Judy Collins – 86 years old (1939) – Singer, songwriter (“Both Sides, Now”)

Bobbie Ann Mason – 85 years old (1940) – Novelist, short story writer, essayist, literary critic

Stephen Macht – 83 years old (1942) – Actor (“Raid on Entebbe”, TV’s “The Immigrants”, “American Dream”, “Knots Landing”, “Strange Voices”)

Rita Coolidge – 80 years old (1945) – Singer (“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me”, “We’re All Alone”, “The Way You Do The Things You Do”)

John Woo – 79 years old (1946) – Director (“Mission: Impossible II”, “Face/Off”, “Hard Target”)

Jerry Heard – 78 years old (1947) – Golfer

Douglas Barr – 76 years old (1949) – Actor, writer, director (TV’s “The Fall Guy”, “The Wizard”, “Designing Women”)

Dann Florek – 75 years old (1950) – Actor (TV’s “Law and Order: SVU”). Born in Flat Rock, MI.

Glen Ballard – 72 years old (1953) – Producer, songwriter (Alanis Morissette, Michael Jackson, Dave Matthews, Goo Goo Dolls, Katy Perry)

Ray Parker Jr. – 71 years old (1954) – Singer (Raydio, “Jack and Jill”, “Ghostbusters”). Born in Detroit, MI.

Nick Feldman – 70 years old (1955) – Musician (Wang Chung)

Wayne Hancock – 60 years old (1965) – Country musician

Johnny Colt – 59 years old (1966) – Bass guitarist (Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes)

Charlie Schlatter – 59 years old (1966) – Actor (TV’s “Diagnosis: Murder”)

Tim McGraw – 58 years old (1967) – Country musician

D’Arcy Wreztky – 57 years old (1968) – Bass player (Smashing Pumpkins). Born in South Haven, MI.

Wes Anderson – 56 years old (1969) – Director (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”, “The Royal Tenenbaums”, “Moonrise Kingdom”, “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, “The Darjeeling Limited”, “Rushmore”)

Julie Benz – 53 years old (1972) – Actress (TV’s “Dexter,” “Angel”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)

Darius McCrary – 49 years old (1976) – Actor (TV’s “Family Matters”, “Freedom”, movies “Big Shots”)

Jamie Dornan – 43 years old (1982) – Actor (“Fifty Shades of Grey”, “Marie Antoinette”)

Tim Urban – 36 years old (1989) – Singer (Finished seventh on TV’s “American Idol: Season 9”)

TODAY IS:

Learn to Ride a Bike Day: Every year on this day, people of all ages celebrate Learn to Ride a Bike Day. This special day sparks excitement and brings back fond memories for many! Learning to ride a bike is a thrilling experience that marks a significant moment of growth and independence. It's a chance to...
World Password Day: Protect your privacy and self by taking some time to update your passwords. Avoid pet or family names, important dates, and other identifying information.
National Purebred Dog Day: Many purebred dogs offer invaluable services to mankind, from sheepherding to hunting to guarding and search-and-rescue, so give some love to purebreds.
School Principals’ Day: Organize an event or write a card to show your appreciation for the educators that run our schools. School principals work hard to make kids’ lives and educations better.
Save the Rhino Day: Save the Rhino Day is celebrated annually, aiming to rally global support for rhino conservation. The day provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to unite and raise awareness about the perilous situation rhinos face. With a lively spirit, it emphasizes the need to protect these majestic animals and the ecosystems...
Couple Appreciation Day: Couple Appreciation Day is a charming occasion dedicated to honoring the bond between two people in a relationship. It's a day set aside to show your significant other just how much they mean to you, whether through small gestures or grand expressions of love and gratitude! How to Celebrate Couple Appreciation Day Celebrating...
Calan Mai: Calan Mai is a vibrant and meaningful festival that heralds the start of summer in Wales. This day is rich in history, tradition, and a strong connection to nature, making it a special occasion for many. On this day, Welsh communities come alive with various customs that have been popular through...
National Mother Goose Day: Nursery rhymes and fairy tales like Mother Goose have proven to help kids read, think, and be better, so tell some stories on National Mother Goose Day.
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day: National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day, celebrated each year, highlights black barber shops' significant role in the community. This day was established to honor these establishments' grooming services and historical and cultural importance in African American life. How to Celebrate National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day Jazz Up Your Trim Day May 1st rolls...
Lei Day: Bring the feeling of sand in your toes and sun on your face to wherever you are by wearing a tropical lei, most commonly associated with beautiful Hawai’i.
National Chocolate Parfait Day: Indulge in a sweet, creamy, and decadent treat with layers of velvety goodness that will leave your taste buds in awe.
International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day: International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day bursts into bloom every spring, spreading joy and beauty in unexpected places. This unique celebration encourages people everywhere to plant sunflowers in neglected areas, brightening these spaces with tall, sunny blooms. Participants join forces in a global effort to transform overlooked plots into patches of color...
Global Love Day: Love yourself, love your friends and family, and love everyone else around you: spread some positivity and joy to an often tough world on World Love Day.
New Home Owners Day: If you’re lucky enough to own your home, throw a housewarming party on New Homeowner’s Day. If not, this may be a good time to start planning for your future.
Frequent Flyer Day: Frequent Flyer Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, excites travel enthusiasts and frequent flyers alike. The day brings attention to passengers who frequently travel and rewards their loyalty. It creates an opportunity for airlines to appreciate and celebrate these travelers who often take to the skies. How to Celebrate Frequent Flyer...
National Executive Coaching Day: Send a big thank-you to the executive coaches who help corporate businesses run more effectively and smoothly, benefiting our entire society at the same time.
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day: It’s easy to think of massages as an unnecessary luxury, but relieving stress and treating your body right is crucial to your well-being, so treat yourself a little.
National Rotate Your Beer Day: Ever picked up a beer at the back of the fridge, only to find it dusty or skunky? That’s where National Rotate Your Beer Day steps in. This fun but purposeful day reminds bar owners, shop workers, and even fridge-loving beer fans to shift their stock. By moving the older cans...
National Loyalty Day: National Loyalty Day is a time for Americans to celebrate their shared values and appreciation for their country. It’s a moment to reflect on what unites people—freedom, opportunity, and the principles that shape daily life. Across the nation, communities come together, whether through local gatherings, speeches, or simple acts of...
School Bus Drivers Day: School bus drivers provide a necessary service to our society, helping kids reach their education safely, so give them a big thanks for what they do.
Thank you Thursday: It’s easy to get involved with Thank You Thursday: just reach out to the people in your life, whether personal or professional, and thank them for what they do.
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day: Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day encourages drivers to slow down to 25 mph in areas where children walk, bike, or play. The goal is simple: help families feel safer on the streets. People across America take a moment to think about how their speed affects their neighbors. Communities unite around signs, decals...
Phone in Sick Day: Phone in Sick Day invites workers to pause and reconsider the daily grind. On this day, people choose to stay home, not due to illness, but to highlight the pressures of modern work life. It's a collective nod to the need for balance between job demands and personal well-being. By...
Worthy Wage Day: Worthy Wage Day draws attention to the people who care for and educate young children. These dedicated professionals support early learning, offer emotional care, and help build strong foundations for life. Despite the importance of their role, many of them earn low wages and struggle to make ends meet. This...
International Doodle Dog Day: Fluffy coats, happy paws, and bouncing steps fill the world of International Doodle Dog Day. This joyful day celebrates doodle dogs—playful mixes like goldendoodles, labradoodles, and Aussiedoodles. Their soft fur and bright eyes pull people in wherever they go. Known for their sweet nature and lively charm, these dogs turn...
Silver Star Service Banner Day: Courage comes at a cost, and some bear it for a lifetime. Silver Star Service Banner Day honors those who have been wounded, fallen ill, or sacrificed their lives in military service. It also pays tribute to those awarded the Silver Star Medal, one of the highest honors for valor...
World Passkey Day: World Passkey Day is part of a much larger global initiative that is meant to bring attention to the newer versions of online security that are available through the implementation of passkeys. Using innovation to explore cutting edge technology for authentication, the organizers of this event are committed to progress in...
May Day: With flowers blooming and the sun shining, it's the perfect time to dance around the maypole and celebrate springtime!
International Workers’ Day: Appreciate the many ways you and others build our society, and acknowledge your own hard work by treating yourself kindly on International Worker’s Day.
National Day of Prayer: The National Day of Prayer is a significant celebration in the United States, marked on the first Thursday of May each year. It's a day set aside for people from all walks of life to come together and pray. This tradition is rooted deeply in the country's history, with over...
Law Day: Navigating rules and regulations, understanding legal intricacies, ensures a society built on justice and fairness prevails.
National Stop Snoring Week: National Stop Snoring Week is a week to focus on snoring. It is often the source of jokes. But the reality is that it can be a first sign of larger, sometimes unseen, health concerns. This annual week of observance can help raise national awareness about snoring! It also zeroes...
National Youth Violence Prevention Week: National Youth Violence Prevention Week is an important event that focuses on preventing violence among young people. During this week, various organizations and communities come together to raise awareness and promote safety. Activities and events are organized to educate both youth and adults on how to identify and prevent violence...
National Physical Education and Sport Week: National Physical Education and Sport Week kicks off a lively month dedicated to fitness and sports. It's a period that highlights the crucial roles health and physical education play in developing lifelong healthy habits! How to Celebrate National Physical Education and Sport Week Celebrating National Physical Education and Sport Week is...
Tracky Dack Day: Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...