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:
1620 – The Pilgrims left from Plymouth, England, on the Mayflower to settle in the New World.
1819 – Thomas Blanchard patented the lathe.
1835 – The Michigan Militia invaded Toledo. Both Ohio and Michigan claimed the “Toledo Strip”. They found no Ohio troops so went home after five days and thus the “Toledo War” ended. The Strip eventually went to Ohio and Michigan got the Upper Peninsula.
1876 – The Southern Pacific rail line was completed. It stretched from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA.
1899 – The first can of evaporated milk was processed by Carnation.
1901 – President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. McKinley died eight days later. Czolgosz, an unemployed anarchist, was executed the following October.
1909 – American explorer Robert Peary sent word that he had reached the North Pole. He had reached his goal five months earlier.
1916 – The first self-service grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, was opened in Memphis, TN by Clarence Saunders.
1975 – Czechoslovak tennis star Martina Navratilova requested political asylum to remain in the United States. She was in New York, NY for the U.S. Open.
1992 – A 35-year old man, who was the transplant recipient of a baboon liver, died at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 10 weeks after receiving the animal’s organ.
1993 – Renault of France and Volvo of Sweden announced they were merging. Volvo eventually canceled the deal the following December.
1995 – Cal Ripken played his 2,131st consecutive game setting a new record. Lou Gehrig previously held the record for 56 years.
1997 – The Funeral for Diana, Princess of Wales, took place in London. Over a million people lined the streets. It was watched on television by over 2.5 billion people around the world.
2002 – In New York, NY, the U.S. Congress convened at Federal Hall for a rare special session. The session was held in New York to express the nation’s mourning for the loss on September 11, 2001 and unity in the war against terrorism.
2010 – The movie “The King’s Speech” premiered in theaters. It would win Best Picture at the Oscars.
2018 – Amway co-founder and philanthropist Rich DeVos died at the age of 92.
BIRTHDAYS:
Jo Anne Worley – 88 a old (1937) – Actress, comedian (TV’s “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In”)
Roger Waters – 82 a old (1943) – Singer, bassist (Pink Floyd)
Swoosie Kurtz – 81 a old (1944) – Actress (TV’s “Carol and Company”, “Sisters”, “Pushing Daisies”, “Mike & Molly”, movies “Wildcats”, “Dangerous Liaisons”, “Liar Liar”)
Jane Curtin – 78 a old (1947) – Actress, comedian (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”, “Kate & Allie”, “3rd Rock from the Sun”, movie “Coneheads”)
Jeff Foxworthy – 67 a old (1958) – Comedian (“You Might be a Redneck”, TV’s “The Jeff Foxworthy Show”, “Blue Collar” television specials, “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”)
Michael Winslow – 67 a old (1958) – Comedian (Played Larvelle Jones in the “Police Academy” films, “Spaceballs”, “Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie”)
Rosie Perez – 61 a old (1964) – Actress (“Do the Right Thing”, “White Men Can’t Jump”, TV’s “The View”)
William DuVall – 58 a old (1967) – Vocalist, rhythm guitarist (Alice in Chains, Comes With The Fall)
Justin Whalin – 51 a old (1974) – Actor (Played Andy Barclay in “Child’s Play 3”, played Jimmy Olsen on TV’s “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”)
TODAY IS:
- National Read a Book Day: Once upon a time, a reader's journey began with a book in hand, and adventures unfolded within its pages. Let your imagination soar with every page turn!
- National Coffee Ice Cream Day: Go get yourself some coffee flavored ice cream, make it at home, or try a delicious affogato: a dollop of ice cream “drowned” in some rich espresso.
- National Color Blind Awareness Day: Embracing a unique perspective, this condition enriches the world with diverse viewpoints, highlighting the beauty of human individuality and resilience.
- National Pet Rock Day: Everyone needs a friend. Find a suitable rock, pick up some craft supplies, and get to work making your own Pet Rock with googly eyes, paint, whatever you like.
- Belarusian Written Language Day: Belarusian Written Language Day celebrates the nation's deep connection to its native tongue and literary heritage. This special day highlights the role of language in preserving Belarusian identity and culture. Writers, poets, and thinkers come together, drawing on centuries of tradition to honor the power of the written word. The event fosters...
- Fight Procrastination Day: Set your alarm for earlier, make your to-do list in advance, and prepare to actually tackle some of those pesky things you’ve been procrastinating for so long.
- Great Egg Toss Day: Great Egg Toss Day is all about fun and excitement. People team up to toss raw eggs back and forth without breaking them. The challenge increases as the distance between the throwers grows. Players rely on quick reflexes, gentle hands, and luck to keep the egg intact. This seemingly simple...
- Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day: Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day brings together volunteers and federal agencies to clean national parks, forests, rivers, and lakes. People of all ages grab trash bags and gloves. They walk trails and shorelines, picking up litter. Smiles and shared effort take center stage. Everyone feels proud to care for...
- National Pastor’s Spouses Day: Not every hero stands in the spotlight. National Pastor's Spouses Day celebrates those who often work quietly behind the scenes. They comfort, encourage, listen, and lead in their own way. While pastors speak from the pulpit, their partners often carry the unspoken weight of shared responsibility. These spouses keep things...
- National Grandparents Day: Let's hear it for the wise and experienced elders who dote on their grandchildren, sharing stories of the past and imparting valuable life lessons.
- Unification Day in Bulgaria: Unification Day in Bulgaria commemorates a defining moment in the country’s history when the nation came together, merging the Principality of Bulgaria with Eastern Rumelia. It symbolizes the strength and determination of the Bulgarian people to unite despite opposition from powerful international forces. This significant act not only consolidated the country...
- Crayfish Party: Crayfish Party is a lively and festive occasion celebrated with friends and family. This event marks the end of summer, bringing people together for a joyful feast. Tables are often set with bright decorations, and the air is filled with laughter. The menu features cooked and seasoned crayfish. The atmosphere...
- Festa do Vinho: Festa do Vinho, the Wine Festival, celebrates Madeira’s world-renowned wine and captivates both locals and visitors. Held during the grape harvest season, this festival transforms the island into a vibrant showcase of its cultural heritage. The festivities extend from Funchal's lively streets to the serene vineyards of rural areas. Visitors immerse...
- National Childhood Injury Prevention Week: Kids run, jump, explore, and push limits every day. That curiosity brings joy, but also risk. National Childhood Injury Prevention Week speaks to that very balance. It’s a reminder that while we can’t stop every scraped knee, we can prevent many serious injuries. It’s about everyday choices—like buckling a car seat...
- 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...
- National Child Protection Week: National Child Protection Week is a fantastic opportunity to come together and focus on keeping our kids safe. It's all about raising awareness, having fun, and learning important safety tips. This week serves as a powerful reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting children. The theme underscores the importance...
- National Waffle Week: National Waffle Week is a delightful celebration of one of the most beloved breakfast foods. It shines a spotlight on waffles and encourages people to enjoy this crispy, golden treat in all its forms. Throughout this week, waffle lovers are invited to explore different recipes and toppings, transforming their morning...
- 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...
- Navasard: Navasard is the ancient Armenian New Year, a celebration that once united communities in festivities and tribute to their gods. Marking the start of a new cycle, it was a time when people believed divine forces came down to the Earth. With music, dance, and communal feasts, it reflected a...
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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.


1 Comment
This was AWESOME, Scott! Thanks 😀