October 1

Scott Winters October 1, 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:

1836 – Michigan’s first railroad began operation. It was the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad. Horses pulled the cars at 10 mph between Adrian, MI and Toledo, OH.

1880 – Thomas Edison began the commercial production of electric lamps at Edison Lamp Works in Menlo Park, NJ.

1885 – Special delivery mail service began in the United States. The first routes were in West Virginia.

1890 – Yosemite National Park was established by Congress.

1896 – Rural Free Delivery was established by the U.S. Post Office.

1903 – The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Boston Pilgrims in the first World Series game.

1908 – The Model T automobile was introduced by Henry Ford. You could purchase one for $850.

1933 – Babe Ruth made his final pitching appearance — a complete game. He also hit a home run in the fifth inning.

1940 – The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened as the first toll superhighway in the U.S.

1946 – The first baseball play-off game for a league championship was played. It was a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Cardinals beat the Dodgers 4-2.

1952 – The TV show “This is Your Life” began airing on NBC. The show was hosted by Ralph Edwards

1957 – The first appearance of “In God We Trust” on U.S. paper currency.

1958 – NASA was created to replace NACA.

1961 – Roger Maris, of the New York Yankees, hit his 61st home run of the season to break Babe Ruth’s longstanding Major League record.

1962 – Johnny Carson took over for Jack Paar as host of “The Tonight Show” on NBC. Carson hosted the show for 29 years.

1968 – “Night of the Living Dead” premiered in Pittsburgh, PA.

1971 – Walt Disney World opened in Orlando, FL. The tourist attraction draws 52 million visitors per year from around the world.

1971 – The first brain scan using x-ray computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) was performed at Atkinson Memorial Hospital in Wimbledon, London.

1974 – The movie “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” debuted in theaters. It has earned over $30.8 million in ticket sales.

1975 – The Thrilla in Manila: Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in a boxing match in Manila, Philipines.

1979 – Pope John Paul II began his first pastoral visit to the United States.

1980 – Robert Redford became the first male to appear alone on the cover of “Ladies’ Home Journal.” He was the only male to achieve this in 97 years.

1982 – Sony launched the first consumer compact disc player (model CDP-101).

1982 – Disney’s EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) Center opened in Orlando, FL. Walt Disney came up with the concept.

1992 – The Cartoon Network debuted.

1994 – The National Hockey League began a 103 day lockout of its players.

1995 – Jurors in the O.J. Simpson murder trial reached a verdict of “not guilty”. They deliberated for only four hours. The decision was made public the next day.

1995 – Nearly $1 million was raised at the Farm Aid concert in Louisville, KY. Musicians that performed were Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Hootie and the Blowfish, and The Dave Matthews Band.

1996 – Animal Planet debuted on cable systems.

1996 – A federal grand jury indicted Theodore Kaczynski in the 1994 “Unabomber” slaying of an ad executive.

1998 – John Fogerty received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2001 – Mark McGwire retired from baseball on his 38th birthday.

2001 – The Supreme Court disbarred former President Bill Clinton from practicing law.

2004 – After being dormant for almost 20 years, Mt. St. Helens erupted in a small explosion of steam and ash. No deaths, injuries or damage were reported.

2009 – David Letterman admitted on TV’s “The Late Show” that he had extramarital affairs with women he worked with at CBS.

2010 – The movie about Facebook, “The Social Network”, premiered in theaters.

2013 – The Affordable Care Act website (Obamacare) went online. The website immediately had issues.

BIRTHDAYS:

Chen-Ning Yang – 103 years old (1922) – Chinese-American physicist, academic, and Nobel Prize laureate

Phyllis Chesler – 85 years old (1940) – Feminist psychologist

Marc Savoy – 85 years old (1940) – Accordion player, created the Cajun accordion

Herb Fame – 83 years old (1942) – R&B singer

Jerry Martini – 82 years old (1943) – Saxophonist

Rod Carew – 80 years old (1945) – Panamanian-American baseball player and coach

Tim O'Brien – 79 years old (1946) – Novelist and short story writer

Buzz Capra – 78 years old (1947) – Baseball player and coach

Stephen Collins – 78 years old (1947) – Actor and director

Yvette Freeman – 75 years old (1950) – Actress

Mark Helias – 75 years old (1950) – Bassist and composer

Randy Quaid – 75 years old (1950) – Actor

Earl Slick – 73 years old (1952) – Rock guitarist and songwriter

Pete Falcone – 72 years old (1953) – Baseball player

Miguel Lopez – 72 years old (1953) – Salvadorian-American soccer player

Howard Hewett – 70 years old (1955) – Singer-songwriter

Jeff Reardon – 70 years old (1955) – Baseball player

Brian P. Cleary – 66 years old (1959) – Author and poet

Joshua Wurman – 65 years old (1960) – Scientist, Doppler on Wheels inventor, and storm chaser

Rico Constantino – 64 years old (1961) – Wrestler and manager

Esai Morales – 63 years old (1962) – Actor

Mark McGwire – 62 years old (1963) – Baseball player and coach

Cindy Margolis – 60 years old (1965) – Actress and model

Mike Pringle – 58 years old (1967) – American-Canadian football player

Scott Young – 58 years old (1967) – Ice hockey player and coach

Kevin Griffin – 57 years old (1968) – Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer

Jon Guenther – 57 years old (1968) – Author and engineer

Jay Underwood – 57 years old (1968) – Actor and pastor

Zach Galifianakis – 56 years old (1969) – Actor, comedian, producer, and screenwriter

Joseph Patrick Moore – 56 years old (1969) – Musician, composer, and producer

Ori Kaplan – 56 years old (1969) – Israeli-American saxophonist and producer

Christian Borle – 52 years old (1973) – Actor and singer

John Mackey – 52 years old (1973) – Composer

John Thomson – 52 years old (1973) – Baseball player and coach

Sherri Saum – 51 years old (1974) – Actress

Antonio Roybal – 49 years old (1976) – Painter and sculptor

Katie Aselton – 47 years old (1978) – Actress

Nicole Atkins – 47 years old (1978) – Singer-songwriter

Leticia Cline – 47 years old (1978) – Model and journalist

Curtis Axel – 46 years old (1979) – Wrestler

Ryan Pontbriand – 46 years old (1979) – Football player

Sarah Drew – 45 years old (1980) – Actress

David Yelldell – 44 years old (1981) – German-American soccer player

Beck Bennett – 41 years old (1984) – Actor and comedian

Matt Cain – 41 years old (1984) – Baseball player

Jurnee Smollett – 39 years old (1986) – Actress

Matthew Daddario – 38 years old (1987) – Actor

Brie Larson – 36 years old (1989) – Actress

Robbie Ray – 34 years old (1991) – Baseball player

Daniel Gafford – 27 years old (1998) – Basketball player

Luna Blaise – 24 years old (2001) – Actress and singer

Livvy Dunne – 23 years old (2002) – Gymnast and social media personality

Priah Ferguson – 19 years old (2006) – Actress

TODAY IS:

World Sake Day: World Sake Day is a global celebration dedicated to the traditional Japanese rice wine, sake. This event goes beyond merely appreciating a drink; it symbolizes craftsmanship, culture, and connection. The day unites people from all over the world, whether they are enjoying a casual sip or exploring the complexity of...
National Green City Day: As populations of cities continue to be on the rise, the necessity to improve infrastructures of cities to be more ‘green’ is a vital part of protectin the planet. Sometimes referred to as sustainable cities or eco cities, the concept of green cities has been around since the 1960s when...
International Coffee Day: Give your business to a local coffee shop, sign up for a coffee subscription, or try making a new kind of coffee at home with an espresso machine of some kind.
National Homemade Cookies Day: Cookies are fun and easy to make, so why not bake a batch to enjoy and share with family and friends on National Homemade Cookies Day!
International Music Day: By this one common thread that has the power to bring all humans, societies and cultures together, International Music Day seeks to gather, connect and promote musicians around the world.
National Hair Day: Those strands on your head, like nature's crown, expressing personality and style, making each day a new canvas.
World Vegetarian Day: Explore the vegetarian cuisine for a day, and see if this lifestyle could help you improve your health, happiness, and the environment all at once.
Sausage Day: Sausage Day is a time to celebrate the delicious and versatile food that has found a place in kitchens worldwide. It’s a day when people come together to appreciate the endless varieties, flavors, and sheer joy that sausages bring to any meal. Sausages have been a beloved food for centuries...
National Black Dog Day: Consider the beauty of a shiny black coat on an adorable black puppy or a large black guard dog. No matter the size and the breed, black dogs deserve love and affection. And National Black Dog Day is the perfect time for it! How to Celebrate National Black Dog Day Loving black...
National Coffee with a Cop Day: National Coffee with a Cop Day offers a unique chance for communities to connect with their local police officers over a cup of coffee. This casual event helps break down barriers between law enforcement and the public. Sitting together in a relaxed setting allows people to discuss issues that matter...
International Raccoon Appreciation Day: Mischievous little bandits with a penchant for late-night snack raids and trash can acrobatics — nature's comedians at their finest.
National Kale Day: Add a one-two punch to your diet and your health by embracing the joy of eating kale. National Kale Day offers the ideal opportunity to learn more about this healthful and nutritious vegetable that has become more popular in the past several years. Learn more about kale and enjoy the...
National Pumpkin Seed Day: In many places, the fall weather this month signals the time for harvesting of crops. And it’s a special treat when those crops include pumpkins! Not only are the pumpkins themselves delicious and nutritious, but each pumpkin typically also contains a large collection of seeds that can be eaten and...
Random Acts of Poetry Day: Grab some chalk or a megaphone and get ready to share your poetry with the whole entire world, guerilla-style, on Random Acts of Poetry Day.
ROK Alliance Day: ROK Alliance Day is a significant event that celebrates the strong partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea. This day highlights the enduring bond and cooperation between these two nations. It's a moment to recognize their shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the region and...
International Walk and Bike to School Day: International Walk and Bike to School Day encourages kids and adults alike to boost their health through physical activity. It's not just about exercise; it also brings people together, fostering a sense of community and fun. Whether you're pedaling or pacing, it's a day to enjoy the journey to school with...
International Day of Older Persons: With increasing lifespans, it grows more and more important to think about and appreciate the place and contributions of older persons in our lives and society.
Model T Day: Model T Day is a lively celebration of the iconic car that changed the way Americans traveled. This day is all about honoring the Model T, which was the first mass-produced automobile that made car travel affordable for many people. The Model T, introduced by Henry Ford, symbolizes innovation and...
Lincolnshire Day: Honor the uprising of Roman Catholics against the Church of England in the county of Lincolnshire, England in the 1530s by brushing up on your history.
World Postcard Day: Small, vivid windows into distant places, postcards encapsulate tales of exploration, offering snapshots of unique cultures and landscapes.
CD Player Day: Dig out your old discman or boombox and pop in a CD from that nostalgic era between cassettes and digital music, when little discs held the whole world of music.
National Lace Day: With its intricate patterns and delicate touch, it's fashion's secret weapon, adding elegance and charm wherever it appears.
Willy Wonka Day: Willy Wonka Day is all about the magic that lives in stories we never forget. It's when people pause their usual routine and step into a world where candy can float, squirrels sort nuts, and kids chase golden tickets. Laughter spills out as folks remember the wild factory tours and...
National Fire Pup Day: National Fire Pup Day is a special occasion highlighting dogs' vital role in fire departments. Fire pups, often Dalmatians, are celebrated for their bravery and service. These dogs provide comfort and support to firefighters, making tough days a bit easier. Their presence in firehouses has a long history and continues...
World Bluegrass Day: From fiddle and banjo to upright bass and mandolin, the stringed instruments are key when it comes to bluegrass music, and this day is the perfect time to enjoy it! How to Celebrate World Bluegrass Day Have some fun and bring the family along when you come up with all sorts...
National Pumpkin Spice Day: National Pumpkin Spice Day honors the warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice that defines autumn's favorite flavor. This spice mix, originally crafted to enhance pumpkin pies, has become a seasonal staple in numerous treats and beverages. Its comforting aroma and taste evoke cozy memories of crisp fall...
International Gaucher Day: Creating awareness for a rare genetic condition, sparking compassion for those facing unique health challenges every day.
International Ethical Hackers Day: In a world that is increasingly digitized, it doesn’t take much time for vulnerabilities to be exposed and for damage, sometimes even catastrophe, to come from a lack of due diligence online. International Ethical Hackers Day is here to promote the good that is done through these folks who act...
Ukraine Defender Day: Honoring the courage and sacrifice of Ukraine's defenders fosters national pride and unity among its citizens.
China National Day: China National Day is a vibrant celebration marked by nationwide festivities. This special day honors the founding of the People's Republic of China. Streets and public spaces are adorned with flags and decorations. The day often begins with a grand flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, watched by millions on television...
World Animal Week: Shining light on the silent plight, voices unite for the voiceless, fostering compassion, a global symphony against neglect.
BPD Awareness Week: Raising understanding about a mental health condition, fostering empathy for those navigating the complexities of BPD.
Rtveli: Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...
Fiesta de San Pacho: Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...
Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur, often called the Day of Atonement, stands as the most sacred day in Judaism. It's a time when Jewish people reflect deeply, seeking forgiveness for past actions and aiming to start anew. The day encourages individuals to pause, consider their deeds, and make amends with both others and...
Hispanic Heritage Month: Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.
Walk Your Dog Week: Take your dog out for a long walk and give you both some exercise, or volunteer to walk shelter dogs at a rescue or humane society—maybe you’ll take one home!