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:
1860 – 11 year old Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln. In the letter she said that Lincoln would look better if he would grow a beard.
1878 – The Edison Electric Light Company began operation.
1892 – The U.S. government announced that the land in the western Montana was open to settlers. The 1.8 million acres were bought from the Crow Indians for 50 cents per acre.
1928 – The German dirigible Graf Zeppelin landed in Lakehurst, NJ, on its first commercial flight across the Atlantic.
1939 – New York Municipal Airport was dedicated. The name was later changed to La Guardia Airport.
1948 – Gerald R. Ford married Elizabeth (Betty) Bloomer at Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, MI. The reception was held at Kent Country Club.
1951 – The television show “I Love Lucy”, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, debuted on CBS.
1952 – The children’s book “Charlotte’s Web” was published.
1955 – The TV show “Grand Ole Opry” premiered on ABC.
1966 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill creating the Department of Transportation.
1966 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill creating the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the Lake Superior shoreline.
1966 – In Illinois, Cahokia Mounds was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
1966 – The First Bank of the United States was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1973 – The late night talk show “Tomorrow” debuted on NBC.
1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a 1971 Federal Communications directive that broadcasters censor from the airwaves songs with drug-oriented lyrics.
1984 – The Freedom of Information Act was passed.
1989 – Wayne Gretzky, while playing for the Los Angeles Kings, surpassed Gordie Howe’s NHL scoring record of 1,850 career points.
1991 – Despite allegations by Anita Hill of crude sexual harassment, the Senate confirmed Clarence Thomas as a Supreme Court justice by a vote of 52-48.
1996 – CSX Corp. announced plans to buy Conrail Inc. for $8.4 billion to create the nation’s third largest railroad company.
1996 – Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) was charged with attacking a cameraman that was trying to take pictures of him and his wife Pamela Anderson Lee.
1997 – British Royal Air Force pilot Andy Green broke the land-speed record by driving a jet-powered car faster than the speed of sound.
1997 – The Cassini-Huygens mission was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL. On January 14, 2005, a probe sent back pictures of Saturn’s moon Titan during and after landing.
2000 – Larry David’s TV show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” debuted.
2001 – A letter sent to the Washington office of Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle tests positive for anthrax.
2001 – Bethlehem Steel Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
2001 – NASA’s Galileo spacecraft passed within 112 miles of Jupiter’s moon Io.
2008 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 733.08 points, or 7.87% — the second worst percentage drop in the Dow’s history.
2009 – A Colorado family named Heene riveted national attention when a homemade balloon tethered in their backyard floated away, reportedly with their six-year-old son on board. After a media frenzy, it turned out to be a hoax by the father, who had dreams of turning his family into reality TV stars. He later pleaded guilty to a felony charge, his wife to a misdemeanor.
2011 – Legoland Florida opened in Winter Haven, FL.
BIRTHDAYS:
Barry McGuire – 90 years old (1935) – Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Hilo Chen – 83 years old (1942) – Taiwanese-American painter
Harold W. Gehman – 83 years old (1942) – Jr. , American admiral
Don Stevenson – 83 years old (1942) – Singer-songwriter and drummer
Haim Saban – 81 years old (1944) – Israeli-American businessman, co-founded Saban Entertainment
Jim Palmer – 80 years old (1945) – Baseball player and sportscaster
Richard Carpenter – 79 years old (1946) – Singer-songwriter and pianist
Laurie McBain – 76 years old (1949) – Author
Roscoe Tanner – 74 years old (1951) – Tennis player
Larry Miller – 72 years old (1953) – Actor and comedian
Jere Burns – 71 years old (1954) – Actor
Mira Nair – 68 years old (1957) – Indian-American actress, director, and producer
Stacy Peralta – 68 years old (1957) – Skateboarder, director, producer, and businessman, co-founded Powell Peralta
Emeril Lagasse – 66 years old (1959) – Chef and author
Todd Solondz – 66 years old (1959) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Eric Benét – 59 years old (1966) – Singer-songwriter
Bill Charlap – 59 years old (1966) – Pianist and composer
Dan Forest – 58 years old (1967) – Politician, 34th Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
Vanessa Marcil – 57 years old (1968) – Actress
Ginuwine – 55 years old (1970) – Singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor
Joey Abs – 54 years old (1971) – Wrestler
Fred Hoiberg – 53 years old (1972) – Basketball player and coach
Matt Keeslar – 53 years old (1972) – Actor
Devon Gummersall – 47 years old (1978) – Actor, director, and screenwriter
Wes Moore – 47 years old (1978) – Politician, author, nonprofit executive, and television producer, 63rd Governor of Maryland
Blue Adams – 46 years old (1979) – Football player and coach
Bohemia – 46 years old (1979) – Pakistani-American rapper and producer
Jaci Velasquez – 46 years old (1979) – Singer-songwriter and actress
Keyshia Cole – 44 years old (1981) – Singer-songwriter and producer
Arron Afflalo – 40 years old (1985) – Basketball player
Dominique Jones – 37 years old (1988) – Basketball player
Blaine Gabbert – 36 years old (1989) – Football player
Brock Nelson – 34 years old (1991) – Ice hockey player
Vincent Martella – 33 years old (1992) – Actor
Richaun Holmes – 32 years old (1993) – Basketball player
Jack Flaherty – 30 years old (1995) – Baseball player
Grace Van Dien – 29 years old (1996) – Actress
Bailee Madison – 26 years old (1999) – American-Canadian actress and singer
TODAY IS:
- Global Handwashing Day: Help prevent disease by getting in the habit of regular handwashing, and raise awareness to encourage others to do the same and improve global health.
- National Mushroom Day: With so many different varieties, these little fungi are a fantastic source of nutrients and add a delicious umami flavor to any dish.
- National Grouch Day: It’s the one day of the year when it’s a little bit more acceptable to let that bad-tempered side show. Enjoy the fun of being prickly and crusty in celebration of National Grouch Day! History of National Grouch Day Beginning in 1969, Oscar the Grouch joined the cast of Sesame...
- Global Dignity Day: Young people, take some time to set goals and consider what’s important to you. Global Dignity Day is a time to assess and consider what brings us dignity.
- National Shawarma Day: Made from deliciously seasoned meat that is slow-roasted and thinly sliced, shawarma can be made from many types of meat, including lamb, chicken beef, or turkey. Traditionally roasted on a vertical rotisserie, the name shawarma comes from a Turkish word that means ‘turning’. National Shawarma Day invites everyone to celebrate this...
- International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: In solemn unity, hearts gather to honor the tender souls who left too soon, fostering support and healing for those who grieve.
- National Chicken Cacciatore Day: Quick, easy, and healthy, chicken cacciatore is the perfect dish to add to your recipe book. Try making it at home, and treat your friends and family.
- National Take Your Parents To Lunch Day: Take your parents to school (or go to your kid’s school) to see what food is available, and help make changes for healthier, higher quality food in schools.
- National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD): National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) is a crucial effort to address the impact of HIV on Hispanic and Latino communities. It shines a light on the need for prevention, testing, and treatment. The day encourages people to understand their risk, get tested, and access treatment options. It plays a...
- National Cheese Curd Day: Made from young cheddar, cheese curds are the peanut-sized, roundish version of cheese before it is made into a wheel. Enjoyed by many people in their own right, the most important thing about eating cheese curds is to make sure they are extremely fresh! National Cheese Curd Day offers a delightful...
- White Cane Safety Day: The blind and near-blind use a long white cane to feel objects, and to signal to others that they are visually impaired. Help raise safety awareness for them.
- Global Ethics Day: Guiding principles of morality, these unwavering ideals illuminate the path of righteousness, offering profound wisdom to those who seek them.
- National Missouri Day: Known for its rolling hills, BBQ, blues, and the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri offers a mix of urban and rural charm.
- Hagfish Day: As one of the sea’s most hideous creatures, the hagfish represents all nature’s bizarre little creatures. Seek out the icky and disgusting on Hagfish Day.
- National Roast Pheasant Day: National Roast Pheasant Day is a delightful celebration that brings the rich flavors of roasted pheasant to the forefront. This day is a feast for the senses, highlighting a dish that has graced tables with its distinct taste and elegant presence. The occasion encourages people to savor the unique, gamey...
- International Day of Rural Women: Untold strength emanates from quiet landscapes, where resilient women shape narratives, weaving the fabric of endurance.
- Weet-Bix Day: Crunchy, whole-grain goodness, these breakfast squares pack a punch, fueling mornings with sustained energy and nutrition.
- National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day: What fun it is to dance and spread awareness on National Dance/Movement Therapy Advocacy Day! Held every October 15th, this special day shines a light on the benefits of dance therapy. It's a day to bring joy and share the uplifting effects the movement has on mental health. People celebrate...
- SUDEP Action Day: SUDEP is a sudden death that affects those with epilepsy. While there is no cure, awareness can lead to prevention and better treatments.
- Shine a Light Night: Shine a Light Night is a powerful event that brings people together to support those without homes. Organized by Focus Ireland, it invites individuals, businesses, and communities to spend a night outdoors, experiencing a glimpse of what many face daily. Participants sleep outside in gardens, workplaces, or public spaces, raising funds...
- National Lemon Bar Day: National Lemon Bar Day is all about a dessert that hits the sweet spot between tart and smooth. A lemon bar has a soft, golden crust and a punchy citrus layer on top. It’s the kind of treat that feels like summer, no matter the season. Each bite is bright...
- Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day: Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day celebrates the vital role chambers play in our communities. These organizations bring together local businesses, offering support through networking events, workshops, and shared resources. They help businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy. This day is an opportunity to recognize and...
- National Aesthetician Day: National Aesthetician Day shines a light on the people who help us feel good in our own skin. Aestheticians don’t just smooth, cleanse, and treat—they bring care to every touch. In calm rooms filled with quiet music and soft light, they focus completely on the person in front of them...
- National I Love Lucy Day: Have you ever laughed so hard that your cheeks hurt? That’s the magic of I Love Lucy, a show that still brings joy decades after it first aired. National I Love Lucy Day celebrates this timeless sitcom and its unforgettable characters. From Lucy's hilarious schemes to Ricky's exasperated reactions, the...
- National School Lunch Week: Fueling minds, nourishing potential—school lunches aren't just meals; they're key ingredients for young aspirations to thrive.
- National Baking Week: Creating delightful treats combines creativity, skill, and tradition, bringing joy and delicious aromas to any home.
- 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...
- Anti-Poverty Week: Poverty in the 21st century should not exist, yet millions still struggle daily. During Anti-Poverty Week people unite to raise awareness and seek solutions to end poverty. Communities come together to highlight the struggles faced by many and to work towards creating solutions. It's a time when the spotlight is...
- Baby Loss Awareness Week: Baby Loss Awareness Week brings light to a tender topic, uniting those touched by the loss of a baby. Celebrated from the 9th to the 15th of October every year, it offers a meaningful time for parents, families, and friends to honor and remember their dearly missed babies. This week serves...
- Haemophilia Awareness Week: Haemophilia Awareness Week plays a crucial role in shining a light on bleeding disorders. This week helps educate the public about haemophilia, a genetic condition that affects blood clotting. People with haemophilia bleed longer than usual, which can lead to serious health issues. By raising awareness, the event aims to...
- Recycle Awareness Week: Recycle Awareness Week is an exciting time when everyone is encouraged to think more about recycling. This annual event shines a spotlight on how recycling helps the environment and reduces waste. During this week, communities and organizations join forces to promote better recycling habits and educate people on how to...
- Drink Local Wine Week: Drink Local Wine Week gives small wineries a chance to be noticed. It’s when bloggers and wine writers focus on bottles made nearby. Instead of just talking about famous spots like Napa or Willamette, this week shifts attention to local vineyards. People get to read about wines made just down the...
- 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.
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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.
