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January 1st 0001 - Origin of the Christian Era. 0069 - The Roman garrison of Mainz uprising took place. 0089 - Governor Lucius Antonius Saturninus of Germany became emperor of Rome. 0313 - Start of Roman (Pontifical) Indiction. 0379 - Born this day, Basilius the Great, of Caesarea, holyman (Moralia). 0404 - The last gladiator competition took place in Rome. 0404 - Died this day, Telemachus, Roman monk, murdered. 0414 - King Ataulf of Narbonne married emperor Honorius sister Galle Placidia. 0722 - Hofmeier Charles Martel fled from bishop Willibrord. 0898 - Died this day, Odo, Earl of Paris, king of France (888-98), aged about 39. 0962 - Died this day, Boudouin III, count of Flanders. 0990 - Russia adopted the Julian calendar. 1387 - Born this day, Charles the Angry One, king of Navarra (1349-87). 1387 - Died this day, Karel de Boze, king of Navarra (1349-87). 1430 - Jews of Sicily were no longer required to attend conversionist services. 1431 - Born this day, Alexander VI [Rodrigo Borgia], Spanish/Italian pope (1492-1503). 1438 - Albrecht II von Habsburg became king of Hungary. 1449 - Born this day, Lorenzo de' Medici [The Magnificent] of Florence. 1467 - Born this day, Sigismund I, the old, king of Poland. 1481 - Born this day, Huldrych Zwingli, Swiss Protestant reformer. 1494 - Juw Dekama was elected potentate of Frisia. 1500 - The Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral searched the coast of Brazil and claimed the region for Portugal. 1502 - Portuguese navigators landed at a harbour on the coast of South America and named the site Rio de Janeiro (River of January). 1502 - Died this day, Gregorius XIII [Ugo Buoncampagni], Italy, pope (1572-85). 1504 - King Louis XII lost his last bulwark in Naples, Caeta. 1504 - Born this day, Caspar Cruciger, German church reformer. 1515 - Jews were expelled from Laibach, Austria. 1515 - Francis [François], Duke of Angouleme, became Francis I of France on the death of Louis XII. 1515 - Died this day, Louis XII, Father of People, "the Justified" King of France (1498-1515), aged 52. 1517 - Died this day, Hermann Vischer the Younger, German bronze merchant. 1520 - Born this day, Franciscus Balduinus [François Baudouin], lawyer. 1557 - Died this day, Jacques Cartier, French explorer (Canada), aged 65. 1559 - Died this day, Christian III, king of Denmark/Norway (1534-59). 1560 - Died this day, Guillaume du Bellay, Sieur de Langey, French soldier. 1573 - Geuzen set fire to Woudrichem. 1583 - First day of the Gregorian calendar in Holland and Flanders. 1586 - Sir Francis Drake launched a surprise attack on the heavily fortified city of Santo Domingo in Hispanola. 1610 - German astronomer Simon Marius first discovered the Jupiter moons, but does not officially report it, Galileo does on 1 July 1610. 1617 - Born this day, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Spanish painter and artist. 1617 - Died this day, Hendrick Goltzius, Dutch painter, cartoonist, engraver. 1622 - The Papal Chancery adopted January 1 as the beginning of the year (was Mar 25). 1622 - Born this day, Isaac Sweers, Dutch Admiral, General, Civil rights activist. 1626 - Died this day, Cornelis Pieterse Hoft, Amsterdam merchant, regent, aged 68. 1628 - Born this day, Christoph Bernhard, German composer. 1630 - Died this day, Tetsugen, Zen teacher (Jodo sect converted to Obaku Zen). 1638 - Born this day, Antoinette du Ligier de la Guard Deshoulieres, French poet, playwright. 1651 - Charles II Stuart was crowned king of Scotland. 1652 - Born this day, Johann Krieger, composer. 1660 - General Moncks' army battled with the Tweed on the way to London. 1660 - Thomas Fairfax's New Model-army occupied York 1660 - Samuel Pepys began his famous diary. 1661 - Died this day, Pieter Claesz, Dutch still life painter, aged about 64. 1672 - Jean Racine's Bajazet premiered in Paris. 1673 - A regular mail delivery began between New York and Boston. 1675 - Don Carlos de Gurrea/Aragón became Spanish land guardian of the South Netherlands. 1697 - Born this day, Johann Pfeiffer, composer. 1698 - The Abenaki Indians and Massachusetts colonists signed a treaty halting hostilities between the two. 1700 - Protestant West-Europe (except England) began using the Gregorian calendar. 1700 - Russia replaced Byzantines with the Julian calendar. 1701 - Died this day, Pietro Sanmartini, composer, aged 64. 1707 - Jacob V succeeded his father Pedro II as king of Portugal. 1707 - Union with Scotland - Scots agree to send 16 peers and 45 MPs to English Parliament in return for full trading privileges - Scottish Parliament meets for the last time in March. 1709 - Born this day, Johann H. H. Bütz, German/Dutch organ builder. 1714 - Born this day, Kristijonas Donelaitis, Lutheran pastor, Lithuanian poet (The Seas). 1716 - Died this day, William Wycherley, dramatist (The Country Wife), aged about 75. 1723 - Born this day, Christian Friedrich Gregor, composer. 1729 - Born this day, Edmund Burke, British author, famous Whig (Philosophy & Inquiry, Reflections on the Revolution). 1730 - Died this day, Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham, aged 82. 1734 - Born this day, John F. E. Acton, cruel premier of Naples. 1735 - Born this day, Paul Revere, Boston silversmith, American nationalist. Died in 1818. 1739 - J. B. C. Bouvet de Lozier discovered Bouvet Island, near Antarctica. 1745 - Born this day, "Mad" Anthony Wayne, General. 1748 - Born this day, Giovanni Furno, composer. 1752 - Born this day, Betsy Ross (Elizabeth Griscom), flagmaker from Philadelphia, legendary folklore says she sewed the first American flag. She died 30 January 1836. 1753 - Died this day, Louis-Maurice de La Pierre, composer, aged 55. 1758 - Died this day, Johann F. von Cronegk, German playwright (Codrus), aged 26. 1764 - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played for the Royal Family at Versailles in France. He was even given the honour of standing behind the Queen at dinner. Mozart was only eight years old. 1764 - Born this day, John Kinker, Dutch linguist, philosopher, poet (Minderjarige Zangster). 1766 - Died this day, The Old Pretender, son of James II. 1768 - Died this day, Jean-Laurent Krafft, composer, aged 73. 1772 - The first travellers' cheques were introduced by the London Credit Exchange Company. 1776 - George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, the first national flag in America after King George III of England called on American forces to surrender. 1777 - Born this day, Micah Hawkins, composer. 1777 - Died this day, Emanuele Barbella, composer, aged 58. 1780 - Pioneer Methodist bishop and circuit rider Francis Asbury wrote in his journal: 'My God, keep me through the water and fire, and let me rather die than live to sin against thee!' 1780 - Died this day, Johann Ludwig Krebs, composer, aged 66. 1782 - Died this day, Johann Christian Bach, German composer, Mozart's tutor, aged 46. 1783 - Died this day, Jacobus Enschedé, Haarlems printer, aged 39. 1784 - Died this day, Patrice F. Earl de Nény, South Netherlands Secret Council chairman, aged 67. 1784 - Born this day, William Beale, composer. 1785 - The Daily Universal Register was first published by John Walter. It was renamed 'The Times' in 1788. 1787 - Died this day, Arthur Middleton, US farmer (signed Declaration of Independence), aged 44. 1788 - Quakers in Pennsylvania emancipate their slaves. 1788 - The Times, London's oldest running newspaper, published its first edition. 1789 - Died this day, Christleib Siegmund Binder, composer, aged 65. 1792 - Born this day, Henrik A. Bjerregaard, Norwegian writer, poet (Sønner af Norge). 1793 - Died this day, Francesco Guardi, Italian painter, aged 80. 1797 - Albany became the capital of New York state, replacing New York City. 1798 - Russia appointed the first Jewish censor, to censor Hebrew books. 1800 - The Dutch East Indies Company dissolved. 1800 - Born this day, Sydney Nelson, composer. 1800 - Died this day, Louis J.M. Daubenton France, zoologist, aged 83. 1800 - Born this day, Vaclav Horak, composer. 1801 - The Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland became effective, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. 1801 - The first asteroid to be identified was Ceres, discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi on New Year's Day 1801. 1802 - Thomas Jefferson, in a letter written to the Danbury [CT] Baptist Association, coined the metaphor, "a wall of separation between Church and State." From 1947, the "wall of separation" concept gained acceptance as a constitutional guideline. 1804 - After helping to lead a rebellion against the French, Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti independent. 1807 - Curaçao was taken by the English and held until March 1816. 1808 - The African Benevolent Society (education) was formed. 1808 - US Congress published a law banning the import of slaves, but it was widely ignored. 1808 - The United Kingdom made Sierra Leone a crown colony. 1809 - Born this day, John Pieter Heije, Dutch physician, writer, poet (Silver Fleet). 1809 - The Holland Brigade under Brigadier General Chassé reached Madrid. 1814 - Field marshal Blücher's troops crossed the Rhine at Kaub. 1815 - Born this day, Charles Renouvier, French philosopher (neocriticism). 1816 - Died this day, François Alexander Sallantin, composer. Died aged 60. 1817 - Died this day, Martin H. Klaproth, German chemist (uranium). Died aged 73. 1818 - Died this day, Fedele Fenaroli, composer, aged 87. 1818 - The official reopening of the White House was held. 1819 - Born this day, Arthur Hugh Clough, poet, friend of Matthew Arnold. 1819 - Born this day, George Foster Shepley, Brigadier General (Union volunteers). Died in 1878. 1823 - Born this day, Sándor Petöfi Kikkörös, in Hungary, poet, revolutionary (Jáos Vitéz). 1824 - The Camp Street Theatre opened as the first English-language playhouse in New Orleans. 1826 - Baron Van der Capellen resigned as Governor of the Dutch-Indies. 1827 - Dutch Trade Company NHM got the opium monopoly on Java. 1827 - Born this day, William Lewis "Old Tige" Cabell, Brigadier General (Confederate Army). 1830 - William Lloyd Garrison published the first edition of a journal entitled The Liberator, calling for the complete and immediate emancipation of all slaves in the United States. (Or 1831). 1831 - Born this day, William Joseph Westbrook, composer. 1832 - In Lexington, Kentucky, 12,000 followers of Alexander Campbell, (called "Campbellites") merged with 10,000 followers of Barton W. Stone (known as "Christians") to form the Disciples of Christ (Christian) Church. 1833 - The United Kingdom claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. 1833 - A Curaçao census gave the population as 2,602 whites, 6,531 free people & 5,894 slaves. 1834 - The German Tolunie went into effect. 1834 - Born this day, Ludovic Halévy, in Paris, France, actor (Carmen). 1838 - Born this day, William Hugh Young, Brigadier General (Confederate Army). Died in 1901. 1838 - The first official horse race was held in South Australia at Adelaide. 1839 - Born this day, Maria Louise Ramé "Ouida", in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, screenwriter (A Dog of Flanders, The Little Dutch Girl). 1840 - The first recorded bowling match in the US, was held at Knickerbocker Alleys, New York City, NY. 1842 - The first illustrated weekly magazine in the US published its first issue in New York City, NY. (Title?). 1843 - Born this day, Nikolay Nikolayevich Lodizhensky, composer. 1844 - The first edition of New Rotterdam's Daily (3x per week) was published. 1846 - Yucatan declared independence from México. 1846 - Born this day, Nikola Pasic, Serbian nationalist, premier (1891-1926). 1847 - Michigan became the first state to abolish capital punishment. 1847 - Netherlands Haarlem's Current newspaper started publishing. 1848 - Britain took Mosquito Coast from Nicaragua. 1850 - Died this day, Raphael G. Kiesewetter, in Austria, musicologist. Died aged 76. 1851 - City of Glasgow steamer inaugurated the Philadelphia-Liverpool line. 1852 - The first US public bath opened in New York City, NY. 1852 - The Netherlands began issuing postage stamps. 1853 - Born this day, Hans Koessler, composer. 1853 - The first practical fire engine (horse-drawn) in the US entered service. 1854 - Lincoln University, a black college, was chartered in Oxford, Pennsylvania. 1854 - Born this day, Sir James Frazer, in Britain, anthropologist, author (The Golden Bough). 1855 - The registration of births, marriages and deaths was made compulsory in Scotland. 1858 - Canada began using a decimal currency system. 1860 - Slavery came to an end in the Netherlands Indies. 1861 - Born this day, Isaac Murphy, thoroughbred jockey, 628 wins on 1,412 mounts (44.5%). 1861 - Born this day, William Morris, in Boston, Massachusetts, actor (Brothers, The Roadhouse Murder). 1861 - Porfirio Diaz conquered Mexico City. 1861 - President Lincoln declared slavery in Confederate states unlawful. 1862 - The first US income tax came into force. 3% on incomes up to $600, and 5% of incomes up to $10,000. 1862 - The Battle of Fort McRee in Florida took place. 1862 - The Battle of Port Royal in South Carolina took place. (Port Royal Ferry). 1862 - Born this day, Snitz Edwards, in Hungary, actor (College, Phantom of the Opera). 1863 - Born this day, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, in France, revived Olympic games. 1863 - Born this day, Aleko Konstantinov, Bulgarian writer (To Chicago & Back). 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation formally freeing all slaves in the Confederate States. 1863 - Confederate General Braxton Bragg and Union General William Rosecrans readjusted their troops as the Battle of Murfreesboro continued. 1863 - The first homestead under the Homestead Act was claimed, near Beatrice, Nebraska. 1863 - At the Battle of Galveston in Texas, Confederates recaptured the city. 1863 - The Battle of Helena in Arkansas took place. 1863 - Franz Schubert's Missa Solemnis premiered in Leipzig. 1864 - Born this day, Alfred Stieglitz, US photographer, father of modern photography, art dealer (Camera Work). 1865 - Born this day, Giuseppe Ferrata, composer. 1866 - Born this day, [Lars] Peter Elfelt [Petersen], in Denmark, director (Henrettelsen). 1867 - Born this day, Lew Fields, in New York, NY, comedian, actor (of Weber & Fields, 23-Skidoo). 1867 - Born this day, Charles Edward Montague, English author, critic (Fiery Particles). 1869 - Born this day, Louis de la Vallée-Poussin, Belgian indologist. 1871 - The Church of Ireland was formally disestablished. Aligned with Anglicanism from 1537, the Irish Church represented the faith of only 12% of the populace by the mid-19th century. 1871 - Belgium disbanded its salt tax. 1873 - Origin of the Japanese Era. 1873 - Born this day, Mariano Azuela, in Mexico, novelist (The Flies, The Bosses). 1873 - Born this day, Willis Robards, in Texas, actor, director (Mothers of Men, Every Woman's Problem). 1874 - Born this day, Hugo Leichtentritt, composer. 1874 - New York City annexed the Bronx. 1875 - Born this day, Charles Rist, French economist. 1875 - Born this day, N. F. Druce, cricketer (5 Tests for England vs Australia 1897-98). 1876 - Born this day, Johan C. Altorf, sculptor (October 3rd monument). 1876 - The first British trademark was registered for Bass Pale Ale. 1877 - Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. 1878 - Born this day, Edwin Franko Goldman, composer. 1878 - Born this day, François Ambrosiny, French dancer, choreograph (L'oiseau enchanté). 1879 - Born this day, Edward Dillon, in New York, NY, actor, director (Young Ironsides, The Golden West). 1879 - Born this day, Emile Argand, Swiss geologist (Dekbladen Theory). 1879 - John Brahms' Violin Concerto in D major premiered in Leipzig. 1879 - Born this day, Ernest Jones, British psychoanalyst (Life & Work of Sigmund Freud). 1879 - Born this day, Paul Porcasi, in Palermo, Sicily, Itlay, actor (Say It Again, I'll Remember April). 1879 - Born this day, William Fox, in Tulchva, Hungary, US film pioneer (Nickelodeon). 1879 - Born this day, [Edward Morgan] E.M. Forster, English novelist, concerned with the interplay of personality and the conflict between convention and instinct. His novels include A room with a view 1908, Howards End 1910, and A passage to India 1924. He also wrote short stories, for example The Eternal Omnibus 1914; criticism, including Aspects of the novel 1927, and essays, including Abinger Harvest 1936. Forster published his first novel, Where angels fear to tread in 1905. Died 1970. 1880 - Born this day, Edie Martin, in London, England, actress (Titfield Thunderbolt). 1880 - Born this day, Shalom Asch, in Poland, yiddish writer (Motke Ganev). 1880 - The building of the Panama Canal began. 1881 - Dr John H. Watson is introduced to Sherlock Holmes. 1881 - Born this day, Carry van Bridges [de Haan], Dutch author (Heleen, Eva). 1881 - Born this day, Richard Kean, in England, actor (Story of Will Rogers, Ten Commandments). 1882 - Born this day, W. C. Wendelaar, mayor of Alkmaar (1919-34), Dutch MP (VVD). 1883 - Born this day, Federigo Tozzi, Italian writer, journalist (La Torre, Tre Croci). 1883 - Born this day, Heiko E. Arnoldi, Dutch actor (3 Drops of Water), theatre director. 1884 - Born this day, George W. Meyer, in Boston, Massachusetts, composer, lyricist (Bells of St. Mary's, Broadway Babies). 1885 - Born this day, Lawrence Alfred Bowes, in Newark, California, actor (Big Town Ideas). 1885 - Born this day, Roland Diggle, composer. 1885 - Born this day, Winifred Greenwood, in Geneseo, New York, actress (Don't Call Me Little Girl, Love Never Dies). 1886 - Born this day, Willard Robertson, in Runnels, Texas, actor (Deep Valley, Fury at Furnace Creek). 1886 - Born this day, William Edmunds, in Italy, actor (Lost Moment, Big Sombrero). 1886 - The United Kingdom annexed Upper Burma. 1886 - The first Tournament of Roses was held in Pasadena, California. 1887 - Died this day, Johan Hendrik Koelman, portrait painter, aged 66. 1887 - Born this day, Wilhelm Canaris, German admiral, head German military intelligence. 1888 - Born this day, Chesley Bonestell, in San Francisco, California, special effects, actor, writer (Swiss Family Robinson, War of the Worlds). 1888 - Born this day, Joseph Marievsky, in Russia, actor (Three Godfathers). 1888 - Born this day, Ludwig Rex, in Berlin, Germany, actor (Der Mensch am Wege). 1889 - Born this day, Alexander Smallens, in St. Petersburg, Russia, conductor. 1889 - Born this day, Tadeusz Jarecki, composer. 1889 - Born this day, Tom Dugan, in Dublin, Ireland, actor (Circus Clown, Drag, Skyway). 1890 - Born this day, Florence Lawrence, in Hamilton, Ontario, silent screen actress (Confidence). 1890 - Born this day, Lawford Davidson, in London, England, actor (Love Doctor, Vagabond King). 1890 - Born this day, Wanda Capodaglio, in Asti, Italy, actress (La Donna Nuda, Gelosia). 1891 - Born this day, Alessandro De Stefani, in Cividale del Friuli, Italy, writer (La Signorina, Africa sotto i mari). 1891 - Born this day, Charles Bickford, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, actor (John-The Virginian, Days of Wine and Roses). 1891 - Born this day, Frank Pettingell, in Liverpool, England, actor (Gaslight, Goose Steps Out). 1891 - French troops occupied Nioro in the West-Sudan, 3000 were killed. 1891 - King Pakketvaart sailed to the Netherlands Indies. 1892 - Born this day, Manuel Roxas y Acuna, 1st President of Philippines. 1892 - Born this day, Artur Rodzinski, in Spalato, Dalmatia, Poland, conductor, composer. 1892 - Born this day, Lillian Lorraine, in San Francisco, California, actress (Lonesome Corners, Should a Wife Forgive?). 1892 - Born this day, Miklos Radnai, composer. 1892 - Ellis Island opened to begin the processing of what would amount to more than 20 million immigrants to the United States. The immigration center was also used as a deportation station, a Coast Guard Station, and a national park and is now a museum. (Or 1891 from another source). 1893 - Born this day, Frank Badgley, in Ottawa, Canada, actor (Man From Glengarry). 1893 - Born this day, Jay Rescher, in Bayonne, New Jersey, cinematographer (Girl of the Sea, Straight To Heaven). 1893 - The first US college extension courses for credit were inaugurated at the University of Chicago. 1893 - Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar. 1894 - Denmark adopted Mid-European time. 1894 - The Manchester Ship Canal in England opened to traffic. 1894 - Born this day, Iván Petrovich, in Novi Sad, Serbia, actor (Magician, Garden of Allah). 1895 - Born this day, J. Edgar Hoover, founder and director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). 1895 - Born this day, Alice Tissot, in Paris, France, actress (Tambour battant, Jamais deux sans trois). 1895 - Born this day, Nathaniel Shilkret, in New York City, NY, conductor. 1895 - Born this day, Rafael Martínez, in Zaragoza, Spain, composer (Nuestra Natacha, Ana María). 1895 - Norway adopted Mid-European time. 1896 - Born this day, Maurice Jacobson, composer. 1896 - Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of x-rays. 1896 - Born this day, Teinosuke Kinugasa, in Mie Ken, Japan, writer, director (Jujiro, Jigoku-mon). 1896 - Born this day, Yitzhak Edel, composer. 1897 - Born this day, Al Martin, screenwriter (Blondie Knows Best). 1897 - Born this day, Walter Greaza, St. Paul, Minnesota, actor (Martin Kane Private Eye, Edge of Night). 1897 - The first football game between black colleges was held, Atlanta University 10, Tuskegee 0. 1897 - Brooklyn merged with New York to form present City of New York. 1898 - A lightship replaced the whistling buoy at the mouth of San Francisco Bay. 1898 - d'Annunzio's Sogno d'un mattino di primavera premiered in Rome. 1898 - Born this day, George van Derton, Belgian racer (won 500 race). 1898 - Born this day, Viktor Ullmann, opera composer (Der Kaiser von Atlantis). 1898 - The consolidation of Greater New York City occurred with the merger of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Before the merger Brooklyn had absorbed Williamsburg, Bushwick, Flatbush, Flatlands, and New Lots among other towns. The merger created a city of 3.4 million people. Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island were consolidated into New York City. 1899 - Born this day, Juozas Tallat-Kelpsa, composer. 1899 - Born this day, Lev V. Kuleshov, in Tambov, Russia, director, theorist (Po Zakonu). 1899 - Born this day, Raymond Loucheur, composer. 1899 - The United States installed a military government in Cuba under General John R. Brooke who became the first US military governor. The US occupied Cuba until 1902. 1900 - The first date mentioned in John dos Passos' USA trilogy (The 42nd Parallel). 1900 - The British protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria were established. 1900 - Compulsory education in the Netherlands came into effect. 1900 - Born this day, Erwin S. Gelsey, in New York, NY, screenwriter (Cover Girl, Touchdown Army). 1900 - Born this day, Hubert van Doorne, Dutch auto manufacturer (DAF). 1900 - Born this day, Lillian Rich, in Herne Hill, London, England, actress (One Wonderful Night, Never Say Die). 1900 - Born this day, Paola Borboni, in Parma, Italy, actress (La Cage aux folles II, Cicciabomba). 1900 - Born this day, William Haines, in Staunton, Virginia, actor (Fast Life, Little Annie Rooney). 1900 - Born this day, Xavier Cugat [Francisco de Asís Javier Cugat Mingall de Brue y Deulofeo], in Tirona, Catalonia, Spain, violinist, composer, band leader: The Lady in Red, Perfidia, Brazil, Begin the Beguine. Married to Abbe Lane, Charo. Died 27 October 1990. 1901 - On 1 January the six previously independant states of the British colony officially became known as the United Commonwealth of Australia with Edmund Barton as prime minister. 1901 - Born this day, Christine Wittewaall van Stoetwegen, Dutch MP (CDD). 1901 - Died this day, Ignatius Donnelly, US attorney, Lieutenant-Governor of Minnesota, aged 69. 1902 - Born this day, Aldo Graziati, in Scorze, Italy, cinematographer (Othello, Indiscretion, The Wayward Wife). 1902 - The first Rose Bowl game was held in Pasadena, California. University of Michigan-49, Stanford-0. 1902 - Nathan Stubblefield made the first public demonstration of radio in the US in Pennsylvania. 1902 - Born this day, Buster Nupen, cricketer (1-eyed South African quick, great on matting). 1902 - Born this day, Dimiter Nenov, composer. 1904 - The Netherlands Indies colony began opium production. 1905 - A 9 hour work day for diamond miners was established. (Where?). 1905 - Born this day, Melvin Price (Representative-D-IL, 1945- ). 1906 - Born this day, Frank Stack, in Canada, speed skater (Olympics-bronze-1932). 1906 - Died this day, Joseph Miroslav Weber, composer, aged 51. 1906 - A new Dutch law made a driver's license mandatory. 1907 - President Theodore Roosevelt shook a record 8,513 hands in just one day. 1907 - Died this day, Cyrill Kistler, composer, aged 58. 1907 - Born this day, Erich Schmid, composer. 1907 - The Pure Food and Drug Act became law in the United States. 1908 - Born this day, Kinue Hitoma, in Japan, 800m runner (Olympics-silver-1928). 1908 - Today was the first time a ball, signifying the new year, was dropped at Times Square. (Anyone explain the significance?). 1908 - Jack Hobbs made his Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (83 & 28). 1909 - Robert Fowler ran a then world record marathon in 2 hours 52 minutes 45.4 seconds. 1909 - Born this day, D. D. Hindlekar, cricketer (Indian batsman & wicket-keeper 1936-46). 1909 - Born this day, Dana Andrews, in Collins, Mississippi, actor (Battle of the Bulge, Laura). Died 1992. 1909 - Born this day, Barry Morris Goldwater, in Phoenix, Arizona, (Senator-R-AZ, 1953-65, 69- ), controversial presidential candidate in 1964. Died in 1998. 1909 - The Old Age Pensions Act came into force in Britain. 1910 - Born this day, Russ Bender, actor, writer (Amazing Colossal Man, Space Monster). 1910 - Simpson-Hayward of England took 6-43 on his debut with underarm lobs. 1911 - Born this day, Hammerin' Hank Greenberg, Hall-of-Fame first baseman (Detroit Tiger). 1911 - Born this day, Endre Szervanszky, composer. 1911 - South Australia transfered the Northern Territory to federal government. 1911 - Belgian Mining law introduced a 9 and a half hour work day. 1912 - Today was the first running of the San Francisco famed "Bay to Breakers" race. A distance of 7.63 miles or 12.3 km. (Who won?). 1912 - Sun Yat-sen formed the Chinese Republic. 1912 - Born this day, Kim Philby, British spy, Soviet mole, traitor. 1912 - Born this day, Victor Reuther, in Wheeling, West Virginia, labor leader. 1913 - Born this day, Eliot Janeway, financial writer (Economics of Chaos). 1913 - In the United States, parcel post started for the first time, the previous weight limit had been four pounds. 1914 - The first scheduled airline flight between St Petersburg-Tampa took off, with pilot Tony Jannus at the controls. 1914 - Northern and Southern Nigeria united to become the British colony of Nigeria. 1914 - Klaas ter Laan became the Netherlands' first socialist mayor (Zaandam). 1915 - The British battleship Formidable was sunk by a torpedo in the English Channel, killing 547. (Another source says - 1915 - The German submarine U-24 sank the British battleship Formidable off the coast of Plymouth, Massachusetts.). 1915 - Born this day, François Bondy, writer. 1915 - Born this day, Lewis Bingham Keeble, town planner. 1915 - D. W. Griffith showed Clansman at a sneak preview. (Where?). 1916 - The first issue of "Journal of Negro History" was published. 1916 - The first football game in the Rose Bowl was held between Washington State and Brown. (Scores anyone?). 1916 - Born this day, Earl Wrightson, in Baltimore, Maryland, singer, actor (Paul Whiteman's Goodyear Revue). Died in 1993. 1918 - The first gasoline pipeline began operation. Along the 40 miles and three inches of pipe from Salt Creek to Casper, Wyoming. 1918 - Born this day, Willy den Ouden, Dutch swimmer, (WR 100m, 1 04.06). 1918 - This was the last day of the Julian calendar in Finland. 1919 - Born this day, Bernard Drukker, Dutch organist, pianist, orchestra leader (Devil's Wheel). 1919 - Born this day, Carole Landis, in Fairchild, Wisconsin, actress (One Million BC, Topper Returns). 1919 - The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic was established. 1919 - Died this day, William W. Campbell, Canadian poet (Ian of the Orcades), aged 60. 1920 - Born this day, J. D. [Jerome David] Salinger, in New York City, NY, author. (The Catcher in the Rye, Franny and Zooey). 1920 - Died this day, Paul Adam, French writer (L'enfant d'Austerlitz), aged 57. 1920 - Born this day, Elisabeth Andersen [Anna de Bruyn], Dutch actress (Yerma, Titania). 1920 - Born this day, Roger Peacock, writer. 1921 - Born this day, Alain Mimoun O'Kacha, Algerian/French world cross-country champion (Olympics gold 1956). 1921 - Born this day, Rocky Graziano [Rocco Barbella], champion prize fighter. Died 1990. 1922 - Born this day, Ernest F. Hollings, (Senator-D-SC, 1966- ). 1922 - Vancouver in British Columbia started driving on the right side of road. 1923 - Born this day, Chalmers Goodlin, US test pilot (XS-1). 1923 - A confederation of Russia, Byelorussia, Ukraine and Transcaucasia was established; the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) came into effect the following July. 1923 - Sadi Lecointe set a new aviation speed record flying an average of 208 mph at Istres. 1923 - Born this day, Milton Jackson, jazz musician, vibraphonist. (Milt of Bags). Died in 1999. 1924 - Frank B. Cooney of Minneapolis, Minnesota received a patent for ink paste. 1924 - Born this day, Robert N. Cronk, first person born in the United States in this year, in Savannah, Georgia, USA, at exactly five seconds after midnight. 1924 - Grossdeutsche Völksgemeinschaft/Völkische Block replaced NSDAP. (Where - Germany?). 1925 - Lucrezia Bori and John McCormack of the famous Metropolitan Opera in New York City made their singing debuts on radio. The broadcast over what was WEAF Radio (now WABC) encouraged others to sing on radio. People like: Hootie and the Blowfish, Fat Head Todd and Toad the Wet Sprocket, to name a few. 1925 - Norway's capital city, Christiania or Kristiana since 1674, was renamed as Oslo on this date. 1925 - Born this day, George Conner, NFL tackle, linebacker (Chicago Bears). 1925 - Born this day, Valentina Cortesa, in Milan, Italy, actress (Kidnap Syndicate). 1926 - Born this day, Claire Polin [Schaff], composer, flautist, musicologist. 1926 - A flooded Rhine struck Cologne. 1927 - Born this day, Barbara Baxley, in Stockton, California, actress (Norma Rae, Countdown). 1927 - Born this day, Juliusz Luciuk, composer. 1927 - Born this day, Maurice Béjart, in France, ballet choreographer (Rite of Spring). 1927 - Born this day, Yuri Grigorovich, in Leningrad, Russia, choreographer. 1927 - A communist uprising took place in West Java. 1927 - The Dodgers announced the release of future Hall of Famer Zack Wheat. 1928 - The first US air-conditioned office building opened, in San Antonio. 1928 - Algemeene Vereeniging Radio Omroep (AVRO) began broadcasting in the Netherlands. 1928 - Born this day, Ernest R. Tidyman, in Ohio, novelist, screenwriter (French Connection). 1928 - Born this day, Khan Mohammad, cricketer (Pakistani fast-med bowler, 54 wickets in 13 Tests). 1928 - Born this day, Frank Pourcel, composer, violinist. 1929 - Born this day, Holling Gustav Vapor, character on Northern Exposure. 1929 - Roy Riegels ran 60 yards the wrong way with a Rose Bowl fumble recovery. 1930 - Earl Claus von Stauffenberg was promoted to second lieutenant. 1930 - Jurgens & Van den Berg merged with Lever Brothers to form Unilever. 1930 - Born this day, Gaafar Muhammad Nimeiry, Premier/President (Sudan). 1930 - Born this day, Werner Heiden, composer. 1930 - One of radio's first comedy programs, The Cuckoo Hour was heard for the first time on the NBC-Blue Network, which later became ABC Radio. 1931 - The Road Traffic Act came into force, introducing traffic policemen and compulsory third-party insurance. 1931 - Born this day, Carel Brons, composer. 1931 - Born this day, Siddig El Nigoumi, ceramicist. 1932 - Jacob Cocey Sr. was chosen as mayor of Massillon, in Ohio. 1932 - Rasse und Siedlungshauptamt published Himmler's wedding laws. 1932 - Born this day, Giuseppe Patane, in Naples, Italy, conductor. 1932 - Born this day, Arnfried G. D. P. Dutch manufacturer (breadcrumbs)/drugs dealer. 1933 - Born this day, Joe Orton, in England, actor, dramatist (Prick Up Your Ears). 1933 - Born this day, Anders Bo Leif Linde, composer. 1933 - Born this day, James A. Abrahamson, USAF, astronaut. 1934 - Died this day, Jakob Wassermann, writer, aged 60. 1934 - Alcatraz officially became a US federal prison. 1934 - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (US bank guarantor) became effective the US. 1934 - An International Telecommunication Union established. 1935 - The first Sugar Bowl and the first Orange Bowl were held. 1935 - The Associated Press inaugurated Wirephoto. 1935 - Eastern Airlines hired Eddie Rickenbacker as General Manager (GM). 1935 - President Mustapha Kemal Pasha named himself "Atatürk Father of Turkey". 1935 - Born this day, Harold Martina, in Netherlands Antilles, pianist, conductor. 1935 - Born this day, Valentin Nikolaevich N. Benderov, in Russia, cosmonaut. 1935 - Born this day, Bernard Kliban, cartoonist. 1936 - Born this day, Eve Queler, in New York City, NY, conductor. 1936 - Born this day, Willye B. White, US long jumper (Olympics silver 1956). 1936 - The New York Herald Tribune became the first newspaper to microfilm its current issues. 1937 - US Army Air Corps physiological research laboratory was completed, in Ohio. 1937 - Anastasio Somoza became President of Nicaragua. 1937 - Count Claus von Stauffenberg was promoted to captain. 1937 - At a party at the Hormel Mansion in Minnesota, a guest won $100 for naming a new canned meat, love it or hate it - Spam. 1938 - Born this day, Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard, Queen of Netherlands (1980- ). 1938 - Born this day, Bill Emerson, (Representative-R-MO, 1981- ). 1940 - Born this day, Frank Langella, in Bayonne, New Jersey, actor (Dracula, Diary of a Mad Housewife, 12 Chairs). 1940 - Born this day, Jack Kiefer, in Columbian Pennsylvania, PGA golfer (1994 Ralphs Senior Classic). 1940 - Born this day, Laszlo Sary, composer. 1940 - Born this day, Richard Henry Orton, composer. 1940 - Born this day, Jahn Helmut, architect. 1941 - The Netherlands began taxing wages. 1941 - Russian General Zhukov was appointed chief of General staff. 1942 - Died this day, Jaroslav Jezek, composer, aged 35. 1942 - The Rose Bowl was played in North Carolina due to the Japanese threat. Oregon 20, Duke 16. 1942 - On this day 26 nations signed the "Declaration of the United Nations (UN)," affirming opposition to Axis powers. 1942 - Born this day, Country Joe McDonald, in El Monte, California, rock guitarist, vocalist (& the Fish). Lead a famous cheer while performing at Woodstock. 1942 - Born this day, Gennadi Vassilyevich Sarafanov, in USSR, cosmonaut (Soyuz 15). 1942 - Born this day, George Couroupos, composer. 1942 - Born this day, Martin Frost (Representative-D-TX, 1971- ). 1943 - Born this day, Don Novello [Father Guido Sarducci], in Ashtabula, Ohio, actor, comedian (SNL). 1943 - Born this day, Jerilyn Britz, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, LPGA golfer (1979 US Women's Open). 1943 - Born this day, Tony Knowles, Governor of Alaska. 1943 - Count Claus von Stauffenberg was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. 1943 - Negro League star Josh Gibson suffered a nervous breakdown. 1944 - The first feature-length foreign movie, African Journey, was shown on American TV, in New York City, NY. 1944 - The Army defeated the Navy 10-7 in football at the Arab Bowl, in Oran, North Africa. 1944 - General Clark replaced General Patton as commander of the US 7th Army. 1944 - Born this day, Charlie Davis, cricketer (West Indies batsman in 15 Tests 1968-73). 1944 - Died this day, C. T. B. Turner, cricket (17 Tests 1886-95, 101 wicket All time great). 1945 - Died this day, Vit Nejedly, composer, aged 33. 1945 - Born this day, Jacky [Jacques] Ickx, in Belgium, Le Mans auto race (6-time winner). 1945 - France was admitted to the United Nations (UN). 1945 - In Operation Bodenplatte, German planes attacked American forward air bases (allied airports at Eindhoven/Saint-Trond/Brussels) in Europe. This is the last major offensive of the Luftwaffe. 1946 - Emperor Hirohito of Japan announced that he was not a god. 1946 - A National Assembly proclaimed Hungary a republic. 1946 - ENIAC, the first US computer was finished by Mauchly/Eckert. 1946 - Test flights began from a major new airport to the west of London. It was to become to be known as Heath Row. 1946 - Born this day, Manfred Stengl, in Austria, 2 man lugist (Olympics gold 1960). 1946 - Born this day, Rick Hurst, in Houston, Texas, actor (Dukes of Hazzard). 1947 - Born this day, Alexei Ivanovich Bobrov, in Russia, cosmonaut. 1947 - Born this day, Gary "BB" Coleman, blues vocal, guitarist, producer. 1947 - Born this day, Peter Lankhorst, Dutch MP (PPR). 1947 - Born this day, Vladimir Georgiyevich Titov, in Russia, cosmonaut (Soyuz T-8, TM-4, STS 63). 1947 - Born this day, Leonard Thompson, golfer. 1947 - Britain nationalised its coal industry. 1947 - Benelux agreed to work related issues. 1947 - WTTG TV channel 5 in Washington, DC (MET) began broadcasting. 1948 - The first colour newsreel was filmed, in Pasadena, California. 1948 - A general agreement on Tariffs & Trade became effective in the US. 1948 - Orissa province acceded to India. 1948 - Don Bradman scored 132 in the first innings of the 3rd Test vs India. 1948 - Italy adopted its constitution. 1948 - British Railways were nationalised. 1948 - Died this day, Hermann K.J. Zilcher, German pianist, composer (Liebesmesse), aged 66. 1948 - Died this day, Willem Louis Frederic Landre, composer, aged 73. 1949 - Died this day, Malcolm Campbell, English cyclist (world speed-record), aged 63. 1949 - The Tokelau (Union) Islands were declared part of New Zealand. 1949 - KPRC TV channel 2 in Houston, Texas (NBC) began broadcasting. 1949 - KTTV TV channel 11 in Los Angeles, California (MET) began broadcasting. 1949 - Born this day, Nikolai Tikhonovich Moskalenko, in Russia, cosmonaut. 1949 - Born this day, Peter Dormer, arts writer. 1950 - Born this day, Svetlana Georgievna Beregovkina, in Russia, cosmonaut. 1950 - Born this day, Yevgeni Vladimirovich Saley, cosmonaut. 1950 - Born this day, Morgan Fisher, keyboards, Mott The Hopple, 1972 UK No.3 and US No.37 single All The Young Dudes, a song David Bowie offered the band on hearing they were about to split. 1950 - Ho Chi Minh began an offensive against French troops in Indo-China. 1951 - A massive combined Chinese/North Korean assault took place against United Nations (UN) lines. 1951 - The first ever episode of The Archers was broadcast. 1951 - Born this day, Frans Kellendonk, author (Ruin, The Good for Nothing). 1951 - Born this day, Jaco Pastorius, rock musician. 1952 - Dmitri Shostakovich completed his 5th string quartet. 1953 - Ernest Blochs' Suite Hebraique premiered. 1953 - WBRE TV channel 28 in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Pennsylvania (NBC) made its first broadcast. 1953 - Died this day, Hank Williams, country singer, of a heart attack at the age of 29. He made his first record in 1946 and scored 36 top 10 US country hits. His best known being Your Cheatin' Heart. Williams was on his way to a concert engagement in Canton, Ohio, when he quietly died of a heart attack while riding in the back seat of a Cadillac. His driver found him dead when he stopped at a gas station in West Virginia. Earlier that day, near Rutledge, Tennessee, the driver was stopped for speeding by a policeman. The officer commented that the person in the back seat looked dead. The driver thought that Williams was sleeping. Williams was only 29 years old when he died. His premature death was brought on by an overdose of alcohol and drugs. Over 20,000 mourners attended his funeral. 1953 - Born this day, Gary Johnson, Governor of New Mexico. 1953 - Died this day, Hank Williams, country singer, of a heart attack aged 29, he made his first record in 1946, scored 36 top 10 US country hits, his best known being Your Cheating Heart, over 20,000 mourners attended his funeral. 1953 - Died this day, Ludomir Rózycki, Polish composer, conductor (Casanova), aged 68. 1953 - Born this day, Alpha Blondy [Seydou Kone], Ivory coast, reggae singer (Jerusalem). 1953 - Born this day, Kevin Hangon, composer. 1953 - Born this day, Rochelle S. Abramson, violinist. 1954 - Born this day, F. R. David, in Paris, France, rock musician, singer. (Words). 1954 - The Rose and Cotton Bowl became the first sport colour broadcast. 1954 - KSLA TV channel 12 in Shreveport, Louisiana (CBS) began broadcasting. 1954 - WWTV TV channel 9 in Cadillac-Traverse City, Michigan (CBS) made its first broadcast. 1954 - Yugoslav parliament chairman and Vice President Milovan Djilas criticised communism. 1955 - Bhutan issued its first postage stamps. 1955 - WEAT (now WPEC) TV channel 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida (CBS) began broadcasting. 1955 - The Vickers Valiant, Britain's first A-bomb carrying aircraft, entered service with the RAF. 1955 - Born this day, Michael James Sullivan, in Gary, Indiana, PGA golfer (1980 Southern Open). 1956 - Born this day, Anatoli Borisovich Polonsky, in Russia, Lieutenant-Colonel, cosmonaut. 1956 - Born this day, Sergei Vasiliyevich Avdeyev, Russian cosmonaut (Soyuz TM-15, SK TM-28). 1956 - Born this day, Diane Warren, US songwriter. Has written over 80 US Top 20 hits including Aerosmith, I Don't Want To Miss A Thing, LeAnn Rimes, How Do I Live, Toni Braxton, Un-Break My Heart. And hits for Cher, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart and Ace Of Base. 1956 - The Sudan (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) gained independence from Britain and Egypt. Now a National Day. 1956 - KHAS TV channel 5 in Hastings, Nebraska (NBC) began broadcasting. 1956 - KOSA TV channel 7 in Odessa, Texas (CBS) began broadcasting. 1956 - WREC (now WREG) TV channel 3 in Memphis, Tennessee (CBS) began broadcasting. 1956 - RCA released Elvis Presley's hit single Heartbreak Hotel / I Was the One. In 1999, the single would be certified multi-platinum for the second time. 1957 - France returned Saar to become the 10th state of German Federal Republic. 1957 - International Geophysical Year began. It ended 30 June 1958, an 18-month year. 1957 - Benjamin Britten's ballet Prince and the Pauper premieres in London. 1957 - Died this day, Ruth Draper, US elocutionist, aged 67. 1958 - Died this day, David Broekman, musician (Think Fast), aged 55. 1958 - A BOAC Britannia flew London to New York in a record 7 hours and 57 minutes. 1958 - Sammy Davis Jr. married Loray White. 1958 - WMBD TV channel 31 in Peoria, Illinois (CBS) began broadcasting. 1958 - The EEC came into being. Its original six members were France, Italy, West Germany, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Britain, Ireland and Denmark joined on this day in 1973. 1958 - Born this day, Joseph Saddler [Grandmaster Flash], 1982 UK No.8 single The Message. A major force in early Rap music, was given his nickname after his rapid hand movements on the record decks. 1958 - Born this day, Ellen DeGeneres, comedienne, actress. 1958 - Born this day, Ren Woods, in Portland, Oregon, actress (Fanta-Roots). 1959 - Elvis Presley totalled his BMW on Germany's Autobahn, while stationed there in the US Army. 1959 - Born this day, Abdul Ahad Mohmand, in Afghanistan, cosmonaut (Soyuz TM-6). 1959 - Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba after dictator General Fulgencio Batista fled to the Dominican Republic. 1959 - Chad became an autonomous republic in the French Community. 1959 - Rohan Kanhai completed 256 vs India at Calcutta. 1960 - The Bank of France issued a new franc worth 20¢. 1960 - Cameroon (French Cameroon) gained independence from France. 1960 - Montserrat adopted its constitution. 1960 - The US census put the population of America at 179,245,000. 1960 - Johnny Cash played the first of many free concerts behind bars, for the inmates of San Quentin Prison, California. 1960 - Born this day, Michael David Morrison, actor (Caleb Snyder-As the World Turns). 1960 - Died this day, Margaret Sullavan, actress (Back Street), overdosed aged 48. 1961 - Born this day, Irv Eatman, NFL tackle (Houston Oilers). 1961 - Born this day, Marcia Cross, actress (Melrose Place). 1961 - On this day the farthing ceased to be legal tender in the United Kingdom. 1961 - The Houston Oilers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16 in the AFL championship game. 1961 - Largest check issued in the US, was issued by the National Bank of Chicago to Sears ($960.242 billion). 1961 - Russia introduced a new ruble worth $1.11. 1961 - Briggs Stadium was renamed Tigers Stadium. (Where is it?). 1962 - Died this day, Diego Martínez Barrio, Spanish president (1939), aged 76. 1962 - Rwanda was granted internal self-government by Belgium. 1962 - The Beatles auditioned for Decca records, only to be rejected because the company felt 'groups of guitars were on the way out'. Decca signed the Tremeloes instead. 1962 - Western Samoa gained independence from New Zealand. Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II became co-chief of Western Samoa. 1962 - Born this day, Ravshanbek Aliyev Kirgiz, cosmonaut. 1963 - Born this day, Glenn Trimble, cricketer (son of Sam Two ODI's for Australia 1986). 1963 - Born this day, Lance Smith, NFL guard (New York Giants). 1963 - Born this day, Famke Janssen, actress. 1963 - G. Woods succeeded Eugene Black as president of the World Bank. 1963 - WTEV (now WLNE) TV channel 6 in Providence, Rhode Island began broadcasting. 1964 - Born this day, DeDee Pfeiffer, actor, sister of Michelle Pfeiffer. (Cybill). 1964 - The very first Top Of The Pops, broadcast on a Wednesday evening at 6.36pm, was introduced by DJ Jimmy Saville. The opening band was The Rolling Stones, who had just made No.13 in the chart with I Wanna Be Your Man. They were followed by Dusty Springfield with I Only Want to be With You; Glad All Over by the Dave Clark Five; The Hollies with Stay and The Swinging Blue Jeans performing The Hippy Hippy Shake. The show was completed by filmed pieces with Cliff Richard & The Shadows and Freddie & The Dreamers, together with The Beatles, who played the week's number one, I Want to Hold Your Hand. It was transmitted from an old church hall in Manchester. 1964 - The federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was dissolved. 1964 - KNMT TV channel 12 in Walker, Minnesota (CBS) began broadcasting. 1964 - KTVS TV channel 3 in Sterling, Colorado (CBS) began broadcasting. 1964 - Died this day, Alf Hall, cricketer (South African lefty quick took 40 wickets in 7 Tests). 1964 - Died this day, Otto Emanuel Olsson, composer, aged 84. 1964 - Died this day, Rika Hopper, Dutch actress (Comedia, Anastasia), aged about 86. 1964 - The Beach Boys recorded Fun, Fun, Fun. 1965 - Died this day, Gertrude Michael, actress (Caged, Cleopatra), aged 53. 1965 - Died this day, Juan Bautista Plaza-Alfonzo, composer, aged 66. 1965 - The Yardbirds, with Eric Clapton, played two shows at The Odeon Cinema, Hammersmith, London. One at 6.15 and 8.45. 1965 - Born this day, Andrew O. Valmon, in Brooklyn, New York, 400 metre runner. 1965 - International Cooperation Year began. 1965 - The Palestinian al-Fatah organisation was formed. 1965 - Stanley Matthews while still playing for Stoke at the age of 50, became the first footballer to be knighted. 1965 - Born this day, Harry Galbreath, NFL guard (Green Bay Packers). 1965 - Born this day, Mark Dewey, US baseball player (Pittsburgh Pirates). 1966 - Ushering in the psychedelic era, the famous Psychedelic Shop opened on Haight Street in San Francisco. 1966 - Born this day, Rawley Valberde, in Oceanside, California, actor (Amado-Santa Barbara). 1966 - The final episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, with Rick Nelson, was filmed. 1966 - Born this day, Mika Nieminen, in Tampere, Finland, hockey forward (Team Finland, Olympics bronze 1998). 1966 - President David Dacko of the Central African Republic was overthrown in a coup by Jean-Bedel Bokassa. 1966 - Born this day, Embeth Davidtz, US actress. 1966 - Simon and Garfunkel started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with The Sounds Of Silence. It made it to No.13 in the UK. 1966 - A 12-day transit worker strike, shut down the New York City, NY subway. 1966 - From this day, all US cigarette packs had to carry "Caution Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health". 1966 - Died this day, Vincent Auriol, President of France (1947-53), aged 82. 1967 - Sonny and Cher were barred from the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, for supporting the Sunset Strip rioters. 1967 - Died this day, Maurice Leyland, cricketer (41 Tests for England, 2764 runs). 1967 - Died this day, Moon Mullican, rock musician, aged 58. 1967 - Green Bay Packers beat Dallas Cowboys 34-27 in the NFL championship game. 1967 - Kansas City Chiefs beat Buffalo Bills 31-7 in the AFL championship game. 1967 - The CRU became the CAFA and turned over the Grey Cup trophy to the CFL. 1967 - This day's play in the Calcutta Test vs West Indies was cancelled due to riots. 1967 - The FCC required AM-FM sister stations to be at least 50% different. 1967 - St. Helena adopted its constitution. 1967 - Tonga revised its constitution. 1967 - WABW TV channel 14 in Pelham, Georgia (PBS) began broadcasting. 1967 - In his annual New Year’s column of predictions, the great Criswell wrote that there would be a one-week war with Egypt and Russia against Israel. War broke out in the Mideast that June - The Arab-Israeli 6-Day War. His column also stated that actress Jayne Mansfield would die in that year. She did. 1967 - Born this day, Andy Heck, NFL tackle (Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears). 1967 - Born this day, Derrick Thomas, NFL linebacker (Kansas City Chiefs). 1968 - Born this day, John de Visser, soccer player (SC Heerenveen). 1968 - Born this day, Sandy Beasley, in Richmond, British Columbia, softball outfielder (Olympics 1996). 1968 - Criswell was at it again, predicting that a black civil rights leader would be assassinated before October. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in April. 1968 - A group known as The Blue Velvets decided to change its name this day to Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the new name soon became a national pop music favourite as the group climbed to stardom. 1968 - Evel Knievel, stunt performing daredevil, lost control of his motorcycle midway during a jump of 141 feet; and right over the ornamental fountains in front of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. 1968 - ABC radio split into 4 networks, they were Info, Entertainment, Contemp & FM. 1968 - The Netherlands got colour TV. 1968 - WDCO TV channel 15 in Cochran, Georgia (PBS) began broadcasting. 1969 - Marmalade had their only UK No. 1 with their version of The Beatles song Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da. 1969 - Died this day, Barton Maclane, actor (General Peterson-I Dream of Jeannie), aged 68. 1969 - Born this day, Cate Blanchett, US actress. 1969 - Died this day, Ian Fleming, writer (James Bond), aged 80. 1969 - The supersonic Concorde jet made its first trial flight on this date. 1969 - Jack Kent Cooke, owner of NHL's Los Angeles Kings, fined each player $100 for 'NOT' arguing with the referee. 1969 - Born this day, Morris Chestnut, actor (Boyz N the Hood). 1969 - Sir Learie Constantine became Britain's first black life peer. 1969 - Rupert Murdoch won the take-over battle with Robert Maxwell for The News of the World. 1969 - Born this day, Reemt Pyka, in Bremerhaven, Germany, hockey forward (Team Germany). 1970 - Elvis's last non-documentary film, Change of Habit, hit theatres in the US. The movie paired Elvis, as an inner-city doctor, and Mary Tyler Moore, as a nun. 1970 - Born this day, Brian Morton, in Wollongong, Australia, canoeist (Olympics 1996). 1970 - Born this day, Tom Sier, soccer player (SC Heerenveen). 1970 - Born this day, Vadim Glovatskiy, hockey defenseman (Team Kazakhstan Olympics 1998). 1970 - Charles 'Chub' Feeney became president of baseball's National League. 1970 - A revised calendar for the Western (RC) Church went into effect. 1970 - The Epoch (Time 0 for UNIX systems, Midnight GMT). 1970 - An Afro-American historical calendar series was established. 1970 - Neth Christian Workers Union (NCW) was formed. 1971 - Born this day, Beno Bryant, WLAF running back (Amsterdam Admirals). 1971 - Born this day, Bobby Holik, in Jihlava, Czechoslavakia, NHL left wing (New Jersey Devils, Team Czech Rep). 1971 - Born this day, Bridget Pettis, WNBA guard (Phoenix Mercury). 1971 - Born this day, Kevin Lee, NFL wide receiver (New England Patriots). 1971 - Born this day, Kevin Mitchell, NFL linebacker (San Francisco 49ers). 1971 - This was the last day of advertising on radio or TV in America for tobacco and cigarettes. The adverts represented $20 million dollars and were banned from broadcast. 1971 - The Divorce Reform Act (1969) came into force in the United Kingdom. 1972 - Died this day, Jane Morgan, actress (Mrs Margaret Davis-Our Miss Brooks), aged 91. 1972 - Died this day, Kenneth Patchen, US poet, writer (Cloth of Tempest), aged 60. 1972 - Died this day, Maurice A. Chevalier, French actor, singer (Can Can, Gigi), aged 83. 1972 - Marc Bolan signed a deal with EMI to release records in the UK on his own T. Rex Wax Co. label. 1972 - Carole King started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with Music, her second US chart topper. 1972 - International Book Year began. 1972 - Company closed at the Alvin Theatre in New York City, NY after 690 performances. 1972 - On the Town closed at the Imperial Theatre in New York City, NY after 65 performances. 1972 - Promises Promises closed at the Shubert Theatre in New York City, NY after 1281 performances. 1972 - KDSD TV channel 16 in Aberdeen, South Dakota (PBS) began broadcasting. 1972 - The People's Republic of China performed a nuclear test at Lop Nor, People's Republic of China. 1972 - Born this day, Barron Miles, NFL defensive back (Pittsburgh Steelers), WLAF corner (Frankfurt). 1972 - Born this day, Ivan Droppa, hockey defenseman (Team Slovakia 1998). 1972 - Three Dog Night became the first rock band to appear on a Tournament of Roses Parade float. Lawrence Welk was the Grand Marshall of the parade for this year. 1973 - Britain, Ireland and Denmark become 7th, 8th and 9th members of Common Market. 1973 - West African Economic Community was formed comprising Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Upper Volta. 1973 - In the 47th Australian Women's Tennis tournament Margaret Court beat Evonne Goolagong (6-4 7-5). 1973 - Born this day, Clyde Wijnhard, soccer player (Ajax, RKC). 1973 - Born this day, Fang Li, in Hunan, China, tennis star (1991 Futures-Bilbao-ESP). 1973 - Born this day, Justin Armour, NFL wide receiver (Buffalo Bills). 1973 - Born this day, Mercury Hayes, wide receiver (Atlanta Falcons). 1974 - Born this day, Johnie Church, NFL defensive end (Seattle Seahawks). 1974 - World Population Year began. 1974 - Lee MacPhail took over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin. 1974 - NBC radio began on-the-hour news, 24 hours a day, following CBS's lead. 1975 - International Women's Year began. 1975 - Sweden adopted its constitution. 1975 - Born this day, Thomas Bangaltier, Daft Punk, 1997 UK No.5 single Around The World, remixed Gabrielle, Chemical Brothers. 1975 - John Ehrlichman, H.R. Haldeman and John Mitchell were found guilty of obstruction in the Watergate investigation. 1975 - Died this day, Arthur Pierson, actor, director (Hat Check Girl), aged 73. 1975 - Born this day, Becky Kellar, ice hockey defenseman (Canada, Olympics 1998). 1975 - Born this day, Chris Anstey, NBA center (Dallas Mavericks). 1976 - NBC Television debuted a new abstract capital 'N' - a corporate symbol that replaced the familiar peacock logo after 20 years. The cost of the new NBC logo was estimated to be between $750,000 and $1 million. After much ridicule, it took two more years before they got the really bad news. Nebraska Public Television went after NBC for copying ITS logo; which it had broadcast for several years. The cost... 35 dollars. NBC paid the costs and the 'N' stayed around for a short time before being replaced by... the peacock. NBC shipped the 'N' to Nebraska Public TV and told them to put it to good use. 1976 - Musical Jubilee closed at the St. James Theatre in New York City, NY after 92 performances. 1976 - The Liberty Bell moved to a new home behind Independence Hall. 1976 - Venezuela nationalised its oil fields. 1976 - Appearing at the Great British Music Festival, London, were Procol Harum, John Miles, Baclay James Harvest, Baker Gurvitz Army and Snafu, tickets were £3.30. 1977 - Czech and China intellectuals began Human Rights Group Chapter 77. 1977 - Belgium reapportioned 2,359 communities into just 596. 1977 - Tony Dorsett ran for a record 202 yards in the Sugar Bowl. 1977 - Jacqueline Means, wife of an Indiana truck driver and mother of four, became the first woman in the US to be ordained as a priest in the Protestant Episcopal Church. 1977 - Genesis played the first of 3 nights at the new look Rainbow Theatre, London, tickets £2.50p, the theatre had been completely renovated at a cost of £80,000. 1977 - The Clash played the opening night at punk's first real venue, The Roxy Club in London. 1978 - An Air India B747 jumbo jet exploded in mid-air near Bombay, killing 213. 1978 - President Ford signed the first major revision of US copyright law since 1909. 1979 - International Year of the Child began. 1979 - Jura, the 26th canton of Switzerland, was established. 1979 - The United States and China established diplomatic relations, 30 years after the foundation of the People's Republic. 1979 - The Invaders played their last gig at the Film-Makers Co-Op, in London and then went on to form what became Madness. 1980 - Cliff Richard was included in the Queen's New Year list, being awarded an OBE. 1980 - Alabama beat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl for the college football championship. 1980 - Chrysler UK was renamed Talbot. 1980 - Died this day, Frank Clifford Wykoff, sprinter (Olympics gold 1928, 1932, 1936), aged 70. 1980 - Died this day, Pietro Nenni, Italian politician (Socialists), aged 88. 1980 - The International Decade of Water & Sanitation began. 1980 - Sweden changed the order of succession to the throne. 1980 - In the 54th Australian Womens Tennis toournament, Barbara Jordan beat S. Walsh (6-3 6-3). 1980 - A mob stormed the Russian embassy in Teheran. 1980 - Premier Adbou Diouf became President of Senegal. 1981 - Greece was admitted as the 10th member of the European Economic Community. 1981 - Georgia beat Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl for the college football title. 1981 - International Year for the Disabled began. 1981 - Palau (Trust Territory of Pacific Is) became self-governing. 1981 - Roger Smith became CEO of General Motors. 1982 - Died this day, Victor Buono actor (Mr Schubert-Man from Atlantis), aged 43. 1982 - Died this day, Paul Belmondo, French sculptor (Bathing Woman, Orléans), aged 83. 1982 - Died this day, Vladimir K. Zworykin, Russian/American engineer (cathode ray tube). 1982 - Abba made their final live appearance as a group when they played in Stockholm, Sweden. 1982 - 30 Something stars Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig met, later they married. 1982 - Clemson won the Orange Bowl for the college football championship. 1982 - Pope John Paul II prayed for an end to martial law in Poland. 1982 - Javier Pérez de Cuellar became Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). 1982 - The New York MTA launched a 5-year capital program to overhaul New York City NY subway system. 1983 - Penn State beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl for the college football title. 1983 - PGA inaugurated an all-exempt tour. 1983 - World Communications Year began. 1984 - Died this day, Alexis Korner, a major force behind the UK R&B scene. He formed Blues Incorporated with Charlie Watts, and had hits with CCS. He was also a writer and radio presenter. 1984 - AT&T's 22 owned Bell system companies, were divested into 8 companies. 1984 - New York City, NY transit fares rose from 75¢ to 90¢. 1984 - Brunei became an independent state, from the UK. 1985 - Actress Judith Light (Who's the Boss) married Robert Desiderio (Knots Landing). 1985 - The International Youth Year began. 1985 - The US's first manadatory seat belt law went into effect, in New York. 1985 - VH-1 made its broadcasting debut. 1985 - In this year, 237,839,000 people lived in the United States. The number represented a birth rate well below the levels of the 50s and 60s baby boom which saw 3,690,000 newborns. 1986 - Aruba became independent from neighbouring island Curaçao (part of Kingdom of the Netherlands). 1986 - International Peace Year began. 1986 - Iowa's All-American running back, Ronnie Harmon, fumbled the ball 4 times in his last game - the Rose Bowl. 1986 - Born this day, Alexa Ray Joel, daughter of Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley. 1986 - New York City, NY transit fares rose from 90¢ to $1.00. 1986 - Oklahoma won the Orange Bowl for the college football championship. 1986 - Spain and Portugal became the 11th and 12th members of the Common Market (European Economic Community). 1986 - Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters relationship broke up. 1986 - As the United States built its strength in the Mediterranean, Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi threatens to retaliate if attacked. 1987 - 60 bodies were recovered in the Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in Puerto Rico. 1987 - International Year of Shelter for Homeless began. 1987 - The Year of the Reader began. 1987 - China's rudimentary civil code came into effect. 1987 - Died this day, Gustav Knuth, actor (Heidi, Rats), aged 85. 1988 - Died this day, Leo Steiner, New York Carnegie Deli's owner. 1988 - Breakdancers Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan signed a contract with Boney M producer Frank Farian. Milli Vanilli were born. 1988 - Prince played an after midnight New Years Eve charity gig in aid of the homeless in Minnesota. Miles Davis joined him on stage. 1988 - Actress Kelly McGillis married Fred Tillman. 1988 - Miami beat Oklahoma for the college football championship. 1988 - Czech born tennis star Hana Mandlikova became an Australian Citizen. 1989 - New York City, NY transit fares rose from $1.00 to $1.15. 1989 - The Year of the Young Reader began. 1989 - Nirvana signed a one year recording contract with Sub Pop. 1990 - David Dinkins was sworn in as New York City's first black mayor. 1990 - The FCC implemented "SYNDEX" giving independent stations more rights over cable TV outlets for exclusive syndicated programs. 1990 - New York City, NY - Municipal Transit Authority stopped token redemption at subway stations. 1990 - Sports News Network began operation on cable TV. 1990 - A new radio station WKRL in Florida played Led Zeppelins Stairway To Heaven, for 24 hours, as a prelude to an all Zeppelin format. 1990 - Mitsuko Nishiwaki beat Nakano to become the Japan Women's wrestling champion. 1990 - Died this day, Charles Boost, Dutch film critic, aged 82. 1990 - Died this day, Gerhard Schröder, West German minister of Defense, aged 79. 1990 - Died this day, Joe Hardstaff Jr., cricketer (23 Tests for England, 1636 runs). 1990 - Died this day, Suzuki Sochu, Zen teacher (Rinzai line), abbot of Ryutakuji. 1991 - Died this day, Charles B. Timmer, Dutch writer (Russia Black on White), aged 83. 1991 - Died this day, Yvonne Waegemans, Flemish author (Gnome Patjoepelke), aged 81. 1991 - P. Bouw took over the presidency of KLM from J.F.A. Soet. 1991 - A 5% sales tax on consumer goods and services went into effect in USSR. 1991 - Iraq rejected a peace proposal from Egyptian President Hosi Mubarak. 1991 - Died this day, Buck Ram, manager of The Platters. He was aged 83. 1991 - Les Miserables opened at the Festival Theatre, Adelaide. 1992 - A peace accord to end the El Salvador civil war was reached at the United Nations (UN). 1992 - Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt succeeded Javier Perez de Cuellar of Peru as United Nations (UN) secretary-general. 1992 - Europe broke down trade barriers. 1992 - The International Space Year began. 1992 - New York City, NY transit fares rose from $1.15 to $1.25. 1992 - Pop diva Diana Ross opened the annual Harrods January sale in London. 1992 - President Bush became the first US President to address the Australian Parliament. 1992 - Curaçao became the first in the Dutch Antilles to have compulsory education. 1992 - Died this day, Constantin Poustochkine, jazz critic. 1992 - Died this day, Corky Geil, dancer, in Long Beach, California aged 64. 1992 - Died this day, Ginette Leclerc, actress (Baker's Wife), aged 79. 1992 - Died this day, Grace Hopper, computer scientist, aged 85. 1992 - Died this day, Hette G. Abma, vicar, Dutch MP (SGP). 1992 - Died this day, Mike Frankovich, US producer (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner). 1993 - Died this day, June Clayworth, actress (Bodyguard, Criminal Court), died of lymphoma. 1993 - Died this day, Phyllis Hill, actress (Singing in the Dark), of lung cancer aged 72. 1993 - The 12 member European Economic Community set up a vast free trade zone. 1993 - Blockbuster Bowl 3 - Stanford beat Penn State, 24-3. 1993 - Cigarette advertisements were banned in New York City, NY's Municipal Transit Authority. 1993 - Czechoslovakia ceased to exist, when it separated into the Czech Republic (Bohemia) and Slovakia. 1993 - Harry Connick Jr. was arrested at a New York airport for gun possession. 1994 - Bill Gates, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, wed Marilyn French. The wedding was held on the island of Lanai in Hawaii. 1994 - The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect. 1994 - Flying Karamzov Brothers closed at the Helen Hayes theatre, New York City, NY after 50 performances. 1994 - Grand Night after Singing closed at the Criterion theatre, New York City, NY after 52 performances. 1994 - Aleksandr Popov swam a world record 100m free style (47.83). 1994 - Carquest Bowl 4 Boston College beats Virginia, 32-13. 1994 - Appearing at The Brixton Academy, London, were Underworld, Orbital, System 7, The Drum Club and Eat Static. 1994 - Music paper Melody Maker's top singles of 1993 were, No.3 Pulp with Razzamtazz, at No.2 Radiohead and Creep and at No.1 The Breeders with Cannonball. The top 3 albums were, Star by Belly at No.3, Afghan Whigs with Gentleman at No.2 and at No.1 were Tindersticks with a self-titled debut album. 1994 - Died this day, Cesar Romero, US actor (Joker-Batman), aged 86. 1994 - Died this day, Werner Schwab ,Austrian playwright (Female Presidents), aged 35. 1995 - Died this day, Eugene Wigner, physicist (Nobel prize for physics-1963), aged 92. 1995 - Died this day, Jess Stacy, US jazz pianist (Great Gatsby), aged 90. 1995 - Died this day, Ted Hawkins, US blues singer (Watch Your Step), aged 58. 1995 - Suspected English serial killer Frederick West, accused of murdering 12 women and girls in Britain's notorious Gloucester House of Horrors case, was found hanged in his jail cell. He committed suicide aged 53. 1995 - Glass Menagerie closed at the Criterion Theatre, New York City, NY after 57 performances. 1995 - Shadow Box closed at the Circle in Square Theatre, New York City, NY after 49 performances. 1995 - Tuna Christmas closed at Booth Theatre, New York City, NY after 20 performances. 1995 - Fernando Henrique Cardoso was installed as the President of Brazil. 1995 - 1995 was designated The International Year of Tolerance. 1995 - Austria, Finland and Sweden joined the European Union. 1995 - The Centennial of Canadian Mounties presence in Canada's Yukon Territory was celebrated. 1995 - The last Far Side was published by cartoonist Gary Larson. It started in 1980. 1995 - Raman Lamba and Ravi Sehgal scored 464 for a first wicket for Delhi. (What match, who was the opponent?). 1996 - After 27 years, Betty Rubble debuted as a Flintstone vitamin. 1996 - Curaçao gained a limited form of self rule (Status Aparte). 1996 - Saudi Arabia's King Fahd handed over the running of the country to his younger brother Crown Prince Abdullah after suffering a stroke. 1996 - Died this day, Arleigh Albert Burke, British Admiral, aged 94. 1996 - Died this day, Arthur Rudolph, rocket engineer, aged 89. 1996 - Died this day, Hamish Imlach, folk singer, comic, aged 55. 1997 - Died this day, Graham Kersey, cricket wicket keeper, in a car crash. 1997 - Died this day, Joan Rice, actress (Payroll, Steel Key, Curtain Up), aged 66. 1997 - Died this day, John Burgess, rugby administrator, aged 71. 1997 - Died this day, Townes Van Zandt, country singer, aged 52. 1997 - Kofi Annan assumed the title of United Nations (UN) secretary-general. 1998 - A new anti-smoking law went into effect in California, prohibiting people from lighting up in bars. 1998 - The US Census Bureau estimated the American population at 268,921,733. 1998 - Mongolia switched from a 46 hour to a 40 hour working week. 1998 - A mystery buyer paid £31,000 for the car number plate 'OAS 15', at auction in Cheltenham. It was rumoured that a member from Oasis had bought the plate but their record label were unavailable for comment. 1998 - Died this day, Helen Wills Moody Roark, tennis ace (31 Grand Slams), aged 92. 1999 - European Monetary Union began this year. The UK opted out. By the end of the year the Euro had approximately the same value as the US Dollar. 2000 - In England the Cezanne painting Auvers-Sur-Oise, valued at $4.8 million, was stolen from the Ashmoleum Museum in Oxford. 2001 - Today is the first real day of the new Millennium, or in 2000, depending on your point of view. 2001 - An Algerian man was fighting for his life after being stabbed in an apparently racist attack in front of his horrified wife in London. 2002 - The Euro rolled out in those countries which had adopted it as the currency of use. Twelve - Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. 2002 - Eric Clapton married 25 year old Melia McEnery, the mother of his baby daughter, at a secret ceremony at the 15th Century St. Mary Magdalen Church in Ripley, Surrey. 2002 - Shakin' Stevens spent several hours in police custody after being arrested for drink driving. The 1980's singer was charged and released to appear before magistrates on 16 January. 2002 - The Top five selling UK albums of 2001 were, No.5 Shaggy Hot Shot, No.4 Travis The Invisible Band, No.3 Eva Cassidy Songbird, No.2 David Gray White Ladder and No.1 Dido No Angel. 2003 - Aretha Franklin sang the US national anthem as Michigan's first woman governor was sworn in. |
Trivia
Trivia - petty details or considerations, matters or things that are very unimportant, inconsequential, or nonessential; trifles; trivialities.
Trivial - of very little importance or value; insignificant: "Don't bother me with trivial matters." Trivially - unimportant, nugatory, slight, immaterial, inconsequential, frivolous, trifling.