May 5

Scott Winters May 5, 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:

1809 – Mary Kies was awarded the first patent to go to a woman. It was for technique for weaving straw with silk and thread.

1831 – “The Detroit Free Press” began publication.

1846 – Michigan abolished the death penalty.

1862 – The Battle of Puebla took place. It is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo Day.

1865 – The Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the U.S.

1865 – In North Bend, OH (a suburb of Cincinnati), the first train robbery in the U.S. took place.

1866 – Memorial Day was first celebrated in the U.S. at Waterloo, NY.

1891 – Music Hall was dedicated in New York, NY. It was later renamed Carnegie Hall.

1904 – The third perfect game of the major leagues was thrown by Cy Young (Boston Red Sox) against the Philadelphia Athletics. It was the first perfect game under modern rules.

1921 – Coco Chanel debuted her first fragrance. It was called “Chanel No. 5”. Why was it called No. 5? In 1920, when she presented with small glass vials containing sample scents numbered 1 to 5 and 20 to 24 for her assessment, she chose the fifth vial.

1925 – John T. Scopes, a biology teacher in Dayton, TN, was arrested for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution.

1934 – The first “Three Stooges” short, “Woman Haters”, was released.

1936 – Edward Ravenscroft received a patent for the screw-on bottle cap with a pour lip.

1952 – The “Vitameatavegamin” episode of TV’s “I Love Lucy” aired for the first time.

1956 – Jim Bailey became the first runner to break the four-minute mile in the U.S. He was clocked at 3:58.5.

1961 – Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he made a 15 minute suborbital flight.

1966 – Willie Mays broke the National League record for home runs when he hit his 512th.

1973 – Secretariat won the 99th Kentucky Derby.

1978 – Pete Rose, of the Cincinnati Reds, registered his 3,000th major league hit.

1986 – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun announced that Cleveland, OH, had been chosen as the city where the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum would be built.

1987 – The U.S. congressional Iran-Contra hearings opened.

1994 – American teenager Michael P. Fay was caned in Singapore for theft and vandalism.

1997 – Dolores Hope received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997 – Ivan Reitman received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1997 – TV’s “Married With Children” aired its last episode on Fox. It debuted on April 5, 1987.

1998 – The Michigan state legislature introduced a bill that would limit concert attendance by minors under the age of 18.

2000 – The final episode of TV’s “Boy Meets World” aired on ABC.

2002 – The movie “Spider-man”, starring Tobey McQuire, became the first film to make over $100 million on it’s opening weekend.

2004 – Picasso’s 1905 painting “Boy with a Pipe” sold for $104 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new record for an auctioned painting.

2023 – The World Health Organization declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global health emergency.

BIRTHDAYS:

Michael Murphy – 87 years old (1938) – Actor (“Batman Returns”)

Lance Henriksen – 85 years old (1940) – Actor (“The Last Samurai”, “Dog Day Afternoon”, “Pumpkinhead”, “Aliens”, “The Terminator”, TV’s “Millennium”)

Michael Palin – 82 years old (1943) – Comedian, actor (“Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, “A Fish Called Wanda”)

John Rhys-Davies – 81 years old (1944) – Actor (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy)

Kurt Loder – 80 years old (1945) – MTV newsman, music journalist

Bill Ward – 77 years old (1948) – Drummer (Black Sabbath)

Richard E. Grant – 68 years old (1957) – Actor (“Ready to Wear”, “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, TV’s “Game of Thrones”)

Kevin Mooney – 63 years old (1962) – Rock bassist, guitarist (Adam & The Ants)

Tina Yothers – 52 years old (1973) – Actress (Played Jennifer Keaton on TV’s “Family Ties”)

Craig David – 44 years old (1981) – Singer

Danielle Fishel – 44 years old (1981) – Actress (TV’s “Boy Meets World”, “Girl Meets World”)

Henry Cavill – 42 years old (1983) – Actor (“Man of Steel”, “The Man From UNCLE”)

Adele – 37 years old (1988) – Singer

Chris Brown – 36 years old (1989) – Singer, actor

TODAY IS:

National Astronaut Day: Blast off into an out-of-this-world celebration! Learn about space, astronauts, and explore the cosmos. It's time to reach for the stars!
National Cartoonists Day: Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting the beloved, charming, often bizarre cartoons of your childhood like Calvin and Hobbes, or discover new ones.
International Midwives’ Day: Doctors and hospitals are a recent development for birthing. In the past, experienced women called midwives kept new mothers and babies safe during birth.
Revenge of the Fifth: Cheering for the dark side, and finding fascination in characters who embrace their complexity and challenge traditional notions of good and evil.
World Portuguese Language Day: Many would agree that Portuguese is one of the most melodious languages on Earth. It is a language spoken by millions of people worldwide. It brings together millions of people from all corners of the globe in one unity. World Portuguese Language Day is a vibrant occasion dedicated to the...
National Hoagie Day: Load up a soft or crispy bread roll with your favorite toppings, like meat, lettuce, tomato, and mustard, and dig in. Just don’t forget the napkins!
Sleep Apnea Awareness Day: Sleep Apnea Awareness Day highlights the significance of understanding and managing this common sleep disorder. Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea, leading to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and depression. When we bring attention to this condition, we can encourage individuals to recognize symptoms and seek...
World Hand Hygiene Day: This day acts as a reminder to all healthcare workers and general citizens that every single person is empowered to prevent the spread of infection and disease through the simple practice of hand washing! How to Celebrate World Hand Hygiene Day This event offers a variety of simple ways to get involved...
Melanoma Monday: Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that might not be as common as others, but it is one of the more dangerous forms of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread. Melanoma Monday seeks to educate and inform people about the warning signs, risks and preventative actions that...
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls: Advocating for justice, honor, and remembrance, ensuring visibility and action to address the safety and rights of indigenous women and girls.
National Concert Day: Savor the electrifying atmosphere, pulsating rhythms, and soul-stirring melodies at live music events that captivate and resonate.
Nail Day: Get your nails done (or do them yourself) and post or share your favorite “nailfie” (nail selfie) on social media to showcase your creativity.
National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day: National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day is a special occasion to honor the dedicated professionals who ensure that meetings and events run smoothly. These planners work tirelessly behind the scenes, handling everything from booking venues and coordinating travel to managing vendors and overseeing logistics.Their efforts help create seamless, successful events, whether...
Museum Lover’s Day: Museum Lover’s Day is a special time for anyone who enjoys wandering through galleries, halls, and exhibits. It invites people to pause, explore, and reconnect with art, culture, and history. Each visit brings something new—a forgotten painting, a curious sculpture, or a story you didn’t know you needed. Museums are more...
Hug A Shed And Take A Selfie Day: They hold our gardening tools and extra storage, reflect our quirks, and often go unappreciated. Get outside and Hug a Shed…and Take a Selfie with it.
African World Heritage Day: The roar of a lion across the savannah. Drums echoing through a quiet village. Carvings etched deep into stone walls. These aren't just scenes—they're pieces of Africa's heritage, alive and full of meaning. African World Heritage Day shines a light on places that hold deep stories and natural beauty. From...
National Totally Chipotle Day: National Totally Chipotle Day is all about celebrating a pepper that packs a smoky punch. Chipotle isn’t just any spice—it’s a jalapeño transformed by fire and time, turning it into something bold and unforgettable. Its deep, rich flavor makes dishes more exciting, adding a warm, slow-building heat that lingers just...
Silence the Shame Day: Many people who struggle with mental health issues not only have the burden to face their own problems, but often they also feel embarrassed or they believe they need to hide it – which could mean they avoid getting help. Show support while gaining some focus and perspective during this event...
Great Lakes Awareness Day: Great Lakes Awareness Day shines a light on five vast freshwater lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Together, they stretch across the U.S. and Canada, forming the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. These waters support over 40 million people with drinking water and serve as a hub for...
Netherlands Liberation Day: The Netherlands Liberation Day is a spirited celebration that marks the end of a difficult time in Dutch history. The day brings people together to honor freedom and remember those who fought for it. Parades, concerts, and festivals fill the air with a sense of joy and unity. Across the...
Cinco de Mayo: With delicious food, lively music, and colorful decorations, it's a time to come together and honor the bravery of the Mexican people.
Early May Bank Holiday: Held on the first Monday of May, Early May Bank Holiday is an annual public holiday in the United Kingdom that has been held for many years. A day off work for many people, it is also a time to celebrate the start of spring and enjoy time with friends. Many...
Children’s Book Week : Spark the joy of exploration in young minds through tales that open doors to realms of endless fascination and growth.
National Lawyer Well-Being Week: Lawyers have high-stress jobs, and yet are often the punchline of jokes. Join the Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being to see how you can support these crucial workers.
Teacher Appreciation Week : The unsung champions shaping tomorrow, deserve our gratitude for guiding and inspiring young minds on their incredible learning journeys.
Dog Anxiety Awareness Week: Dog Anxiety Awareness Week spotlights a common but often overlooked issue affecting our canine companions. This special week encourages dog owners to recognize and address the signs of anxiety in their pets, promoting a happier, healthier life for them! How to Celebrate Dog Anxiety Awareness Week Be a Detective for the...
National Pet Week: National Pet Week is a celebration of the special connection we share with our pets. It's a time to honor the animals that fill our lives with joy, whether they're loyal dogs, playful cats, or even fish or birds. Throughout this week, pet owners are encouraged to consider ways to...
Public Service Recognition Week: Public Service Recognition Week celebrates the dedicated work of public servants across the United States. These individuals include federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees. They play vital roles in our daily lives, from delivering mail and teaching children to ensuring public safety and managing resources. This week is...
Screen-Free Week: Have you ever tried turning off your screens for a whole week? Imagine a week without your phone, computer, or TV. This is what Screen-Free Week is all about. It happens every year during the first week of May. During this time, people across the globe power down their devices...
Deaf Awareness Week: Deaf Awareness Week is the one week when society can really make an effort to raise public awareness of the issues that can affect deaf people and their culture. Society and its development are entwined with the growth of deaf communities and deaf education this week. It’s when we can...
National Tourism Week: Embark on journeys that unfold stories, connecting cultures, creating memories, and weaving the tapestry of global exploration.
Dying Matters Awareness Week: Dying Matters Awareness Week is a vibrant annual event in the UK. This week encourages open conversations about death, dying, and bereavement. It invites communities to break the silence around these often-taboo subjects to foster a more supportive environment for everyone facing these realities. How to Observe Dying Matters Week Host a...
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...
National Wildflower Week : The opportunities for enjoying and celebrating National Wildflower Week are probably as vast and fascinating as the number of wildflower species there are in the world. And since there are at least 20,000 species of wildflowers in the US alone, that’s definitely a lot to celebrate! How to Celebrate National...
National Correctional Officer’s Week: National Correctional Officer's Week is a dedicated time to recognize the essential work correctional officers do every day. These officers play a critical role in maintaining safety and order in our nation's prisons and jails. Their work often goes unnoticed by the public, but it is vital for the security...
Drinking Water Week: Water is an essential resource that supports every aspect of our lives. Drinking Water Week highlights its importance, emphasizing how clean water is vital for health and community growth. This celebration educates the public on how water reaches our taps and the rigorous processes ensuring its safety. Communities celebrate this week...
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...
Air Quality Awareness Week: Without air, life on Earth would cease to exist! Clean air is necessary not only for humans and other animals, but also for plants and entire ecosystems to survive and thrive. When the quality of the air is compromised, it can affect the health of everyone – leading to health...