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:
1842 – Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, IL.
1846 – Benjamin Palmer was granted a patent for an artificial leg.
1847 – Scottish obstetrician James Young Simpson discovered the anesthetic qualities of chloroform.
1862 – Dr. Gatling patented the machine gun.
1880 – The first cash register was patented by James and John Ritty of Dayton, OH.
1904 – Harvard Stadium was the first facility built for football.
1907 – Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigensen founded Faygo pop. They started with grape, fruit punch and strawberry flavored sodas that were based on their cake frosting recipes.
1922 – In Egypt, Howard Carter discovered the entry of the lost tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen.
1924 – Calvin Coolidge won a full term as President of the United States.
1924 – Nellie T. Ross, of Wyoming, was elected America’s first woman governor so she could serve out the remaining term of her late husband, William B. Ross.
1939 – The first air-conditioned car, The Packard, went on display at the 40th National Automobile Show in Chicago, IL.
1952 – Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected the 34th President of the United States.
1952 – The National Security Agency (NSA) was established.
1965 – Lee Ann Roberts Breedlove became the first woman to exceed 300 mph when she went 308.5 mph. (There must have been a sale somewhere!)
1972 – The first game played on artificial turf in Michigan occurred at Kelly-Short Stadium at Central Michigan University.
1979 – A mob of Iranians (mostly students) overran the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 90 hostages (63 were Americans). The militants demanded that the United States send the former Shah back to Iran to stand trial. Some of the hostages were later released, but 52 were held for the next 14 months.
1980 – Republican Ronald Reagan was elected the 40th President of the United States in a landslide over President Jimmy Carter.
1981 – The second scheduled flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia was canceled with only 31 seconds left in the countdown.
1982 – The Food and Drug Administration began requiring tamper-proof packaging on certain drugs.
1991 – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library opened in Simi Valley, CA. The dedication ceremony was attended by President George H.W. Bush and former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford and Richard M. Nixon. It was the first gathering of all five past and present Chief Executives.
1996 – Michael Jackson announced that he and a friend, Debbie Rowe, were expecting a child. They denied that they had used artificial insemination and that Rowe had been paid to carry the baby.
1999 – Cristina Saralegui received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 – President Bill Clinton vetoed a bill that would have criminalized the leaking of government secrets.
2001 – The movie “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” had its world premiere in London.
2008 – Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States.
BIRTHDAYS:
Gail E. Haley – 86 years old (1939) – Author and illustrator
Delbert McClinton – 85 years old (1940) – Singer-songwriter
Kafi Benz – 84 years old (1941) – Conservationist, environmentalist, historic preservationist, author, artist, community leader
Clark Graebner – 82 years old (1943) – Tennis player
Laura Bush – 79 years old (1946) – Educator and librarian, 45th First Lady of the United States
Frederick Elmes – 79 years old (1946) – Cinematographer
Charles Frazier – 75 years old (1950) – Novelist
Carlos Gutierrez – 72 years old (1953) – Cuban-American businessman and politician, 35th United States Secretary of Commerce
Jordan Rudess – 69 years old (1956) – Keyboard player and songwriter
Anne Sweeney – 67 years old (1958) – Businesswoman
Kathy Griffin – 65 years old (1960) – Comedian and actress
Daron Hagen – 64 years old (1961) – Pianist, composer, and conductor
Edward Knight – 64 years old (1961) – Composer and academic
Ralph Macchio – 64 years old (1961) – Actor
Jeff Probst – 64 years old (1961) – Television host and producer
Eric Karros – 58 years old (1967) – Baseball player and sportscaster
Matthew Tobin Anderson – 57 years old (1968) – Author, critic, and educator
Sean Combs – 56 years old (1969) – Rapper, producer, and actor
Matthew McConaughey – 56 years old (1969) – Actor and producer
Samantha Smith – 56 years old (1969) – Actress
Tim DeBoom – 55 years old (1970) – Triathlete
Anthony Ruivivar – 55 years old (1970) – Actor
Gregory Porter – 54 years old (1971) – Jazz singer-songwriter and actor
Mikki Moore – 50 years old (1975) – Basketball player
Orlando Pace – 50 years old (1975) – Football player
Heather Tom – 50 years old (1975) – Actress and director
Larry Bigbie – 48 years old (1977) – Baseball player
John Grabow – 47 years old (1978) – Baseball player
Richard Owens – 45 years old (1980) – Football player and coach
Emme Rylan – 45 years old (1980) – Actress
Vince Wilfork – 44 years old (1981) – Football player
Devin Hester – 43 years old (1982) – Football player
Dustin Brown – 41 years old (1984) – Ice hockey player
Dez Bryant – 37 years old (1988) – Football player
Ce'Aira Brown – 32 years old (1993) – Middle-distance runner
Kaitlin Hawayek – 29 years old (1996) – Ice dancer
Eric Paschall – 29 years old (1996) – Basketball player
Tyrese Maxey – 25 years old (2000) – Basketball player
TODAY IS:
- National Candy Day: Indulge your sweet tooth by feasting on your favorite confectionary or caramelizing your own sugary sensations at home on Candy Day.
- Use Your Common Sense Day: Taking a step back and relying on good ol' logic, like deciphering a puzzle without needing a map or a compass.
- National Easy-Bake Oven Day: Every year on November 4th, people celebrate National Easy-Bake Oven Day, a fun tribute to the beloved toy oven that has been a part of childhood for over six decades. This special day honors an invention that allows kids to experience the joy of baking safely and simply. It's a...
- Texas Cowboy Poetry Week: Texas Cowboy Poetry Week is a vibrant celebration of cowboy culture and poetry. It marks an occasion where the tales and traditions of the American West come alive through verse and music. This event draws people from far and wide, offering a deep dive into the cowboy way of life...
- National Chicken Lady Day: National Chicken Lady Day is a lively celebration honoring Dr. Marthenia "Tina" Dupree. Known as "The Chicken Lady," Dupree is celebrated for her motivational speaking, community involvement, and efforts in business development. Her inspiring journey from a corporate role to becoming a renowned speaker highlights the importance of giving back...
- Melbourne Cup Day: Melbourne Cup Day is a thrilling event that captures the attention of people across Australia. Known as "the race that stops a nation," it features a high-stakes horse race held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. The excitement isn't limited to the racecourse; it spreads nationwide, with many people gathering in...
- Flag Day in Panama: Flag Day in Panama is a vibrant celebration of national pride. On this day, Panamanians honor their flag, a symbol of their identity and aspirations. The flag's design, with its bold colors and meaningful stars, embodies the nation's unity and hopes for the future. The event is a time for...
- National Medical Cannabis Week: National Medical Cannabis Week is here. Are you ready to weed between the lines and discuss the high points of medical marijuana? It is a week of breaking down barriers to medically necessary cannabis use. This week also means showing that the grass might actually be greener when people in...
- National School Grounds Week: National School Grounds Week is when we offer special attention to the outdoor play and learning areas that are part of children's development in our schools. The initiative comes from the UK children's charity, 'Learning Through Landscapes,' which values the work many groundskeepers invest in the school grounds. History of National...
- Marzipan Week: With its unique texture and delicate almond flavor, marzipan is a delicious treat — perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
- Rad Tech Week: Rad Tech Week is a lively celebration of radiologic technologists and their essential work in the medical field. This special week shines a spotlight on the professionals who use cutting-edge imaging technology to diagnose and treat countless conditions. From X-rays to MRIs, these skilled technologists help doctors understand what’s happening...
- National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is a special time dedicated to recognizing the invaluable work done by animal shelters. These shelters serve as safe havens for millions of animals in need. They offer a second chance to pets that might otherwise face dire situations. This week highlights the efforts of...
- Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week highlights the critical issue of driving while tired. Many people underestimate the dangers of drowsy driving, but it poses a significant risk on the road. Fatigued drivers often have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced attention, which can lead to serious accidents. This campaign emphasizes...
- 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 Patient Transport Week: National Patient Transport Week honors the vital work of hospital transporters—the people who move patients with care and attention. It highlights how these team members keep patients and hospitals connected. Their efforts help patients get to tests, surgeries, or rooms on time. Each trip supports smoother daily operations and helps reduce...
- Polar Bear Week: Polar Bear Week is a dynamic and vital event that takes place each year during the first full week of November, from November 3rd to 9th. This special week is timed with the autumn polar bear migration. This is why it is a perfect period to focus on these magnificent...
- World Communication Week: World Communication Week sparks conversations and connections during this time each year. This exciting week celebrates communication's vital role in our personal and professional lives! It encourages everyone, from friends and family to coworkers and communities, to reach out, share ideas, and build stronger relationships through effective communication. How to Celebrate...
- Cuckoo Dancing Week: Cuckoo Dancing Week celebrates the playful “Dance of the Cuckoos,” the signature theme of Laurel and Hardy films. Fans step into the groove from across the globe, echoing the duo’s charm with lively, lighthearted moves. This festival lifts spirits and connects people through shared laughter and movement. It brings joy through...
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For additional information check out websites like: www.on-this-day.com, www.born-today.com, www.famousbirthdays.com, www.daysoftheyear.com, and www.nationaldaycalendar.com.

