Today in History

1953
The debut of TV Guide featured Lucille Ball&Desi Arnaz's son, Desi Arnaz,Jr on the cover.The issue cost 15 cents,they now come out every 2 weeks,cost is $ 4.99
1973
Martin Cooper,employee at Motorola makes the 1st call with from a cell phone.The protoype was known as DynaTAC 800x Cooper made the call from 6th Ave in NYC.He called a rival engineer,Joel Engel at AT&T in New Jersey.It would take another 10yrs for the prototype to become available to customers
 

This day in History April 4th

1818 - U.S.A. - Stars And Stripes
Congress decided the U.S. flag would consist of 13 red and white stripes represent the original Thirteen Colonies that rebelled against the British crown and became the first states in the Union, and 20 stars, with a new star to be added for every new state. The act specified that new flag designs should become official on the first July 4th (Independence Day) following admission of one or more new states.

1850 - U.S.A. - Los Angeles and San Francisco become cities
Following California becoming the 31st State in 1850 Los Angeles and San Francisco become Cities ( Los Angeles with a population of 1,610- April 4th ) and ( San Francisco with a population of 21,000 - April 16th ) on the same year.

1902 - UK - Scholarships for Americans at Oxford University
British industrialist Cecil Rhodes left $10 million in his will to provide scholarships for Americans at Oxford University in England.

1916 - France - World War I Battle Of The Somme
One of the most costly battles in modern wartime is fought near the Somme Region and over 2 years when this small area of countryside saw the deaths of over 1 million men from both sides of the war.

920 - Palestine - Riots
Violence erupts between Arab and Jewish residents in British-controlled Jerusalem from This Day to the April 7th with 9 killed and 216 injured
 
4th April

1581 Queen Elizabeth I knighted Francis Drake aboard his ship The Golden Hind after his circumnavigation of the world.

1934 Yorkshireman Percy Shaw laid the first "cats' eyes" along the centre of the road at an accident black spot near Bradford.

1949 The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was established.

1985 Royal Assent was given for the Bill to hand Hong Kong to China in 1997.
 

1945
U.S. Forces liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany,the 1st camp by the U.S. Army
1958
Cheryl Crane,14 yr old daughter of actress, Lana Turner stabs to death her mom's boyfriend,Johnny Stompanato,an organized crime figure in self defence.The crime was later ruled as 'justified homicide'
1973
In NYC,the World Trade Center then the tallest at 110 stories high opens.Its later destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks
1974
Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth's home run record by hitting his 714th HR against Cincinnatti Reds pitcher,Jack Bellingham
 
This day in History April 5th

1933 - U.S.A. Gold Compulsorily Purchased
President Franklin Roosevelt signs "United States Executive Order 6102" which prohibited the "hoarding" of privately held gold coins and bullion in the United States.The government required holders of significant quantities of gold to sell their gold at the prevailing price of $20.67 per ounce. Shortly after this forced sale, the price of gold from the treasury for international transactions was raised to $35 an ounce.

1936 - Tornadoes strike Tupelo, Mississippi and Gainesville, Georgia
Two small towns in Tupelo, Mississippi and Gainesville, Georgia are devastated by tornadoes, killing 200 people in one of the deadliest spates of tornadoes in United States history. A total of 466 people were killed over four days of nearly continuous twisters. Another 3,500 people were injured.

1955 - UK Sir Winston Churchill Retires
Sir Winston Churchill, the 80 year old British leader who guided Great Britain and the Allies through the crisis of World War II, retires as prime minister of Great Britain.

1969 - U.S.A. Anti Vietnam Demonstrations
One of the greatest coordinated demonstrations in modern times starts on this weekend against US involvement in Vietnam with demonstrations in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other major cities. Just in Washington alone were believed to be over 250,000 in protest at the Vietnam War.

1970 - Guatemala Count Karl von Spreti
West Germany's Count Karl von Spreti the ambassador to Guatemala is kidnapped and shot dead.
 
1815
Mount Tambora in Dutch East Indies had its 1st violent eruption after centuries of dormancy.
It caused a worldwide global weather effect the following year.In 1816, it was the 2nd coldest winter in the Northern Hemisphere.Some parts of North America had snow/frost in June&July
1951
Julius&Ethel Rosenberg became the 1st U.S. civilians found guilty of conspiring to transmit atomic secrets to the Soviet Union,received the death penalty for espionage. They were electrocuted June 19th,1953
2016
San Francisco became the 1st U.S. city to mandate paid parental leave
 
This day in History April 6th

1896 - Greece Modern Olympics Games Reborn
The Olympic Games, are reborn in Athens 1,500 years after being banned by Roman Emperor Theodosius I.

1909 - First men to Reach The North Pole
Explorers Robert E. Peary and Matthew A. Henson claim to became the first men to reach the North Pole.

1917 - America enters World War I
Following the sinking of American liner Housatonic by a German U-boat and four more U.S. merchant ships President Wilson appeared before Congress and called for a declaration of war against Germany and on This Day the United States formally declared war on Germany.

1950 - Brazil Rail Accident
A train traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Victoria, Espirito Santo drops off a bridge into a fast running river in Tangua, Brazil, killing 110.

1962 - Cuba Arrested For Spying
7 Men have been arrested by Cuban Authorities and investigated for possible spying activities , the men were all frogmen diving off the coast of Cuba, American Authorities have confirmed 7 men have been reported missing who were diving for treasure.
 
1652
Cape Colony became the 1st European settlement in South Africa established by Dutch India Company under Jan van Riebeeck
1889
George Eastman,founder of Eastman Kodak Company starts selling his Kodak flexible rolled film
1930
Hostess Twinkies was invented by bakery exec,James Dewar
1980
Post-It Notes made by 3M Company begin selling to U.S. customers.In 1968,Dr Spencer Silver created a new strong, low-grade reusable adhesive.At the time company didn't think it was worthy until a fellow employee,Art Fry tried Silver's idea on the back of scrap paper,it worked.The company took notice,developed it over the yrs.Post-It Notes are now used daily all over the world
 
This day in History April 7th

1906 - Italy Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius erupted causing gray ash and liquid lava erupted from the volcano burning homes built on the hillsides as it continued down the mountain.

1933 U.S.A. Beer Available Again
On This Day 1933 beer is sold once again in 19 of the 48 states and the District of Columbia.

1934 - U.S.A. Farmers Aid Bill
Congress pass the Jones-Connally Farm-Relief Act putting a larger number of products under the control of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration ( AAA ) who were charged with delivering farmers from the woes of the Depression by slashing production and increasing prices, but the agency only helped the large farmers leaving sharecroppers, and small and tenant farmers with little benefit from the agency's programs.

1948 - Switzerland World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) established as a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health.

1957 - U.S.A. End of Electric Trolley New York
New York City's last electric trolley completed its final run from Queens to Manhattan.
 
7th April

1827 Chemist John Walker of Stockton on Tees sold the world's first box of 'friction matches' that he had invented the previous year. He charged one shiling for a box of 50 matches. Each box supplied a piece of sandpaper, folded double, through which the match had to be drawn to ignite it.

1832 Joseph Thompson, a farmer, went to Carlisle to sell his wife, both having agreed to part. A large crowd gathered as he offered her for 50 shillings. After an hour, the price was knocked down to 20 shillings together with a Newfoundland dog as an incentive. 🐶

1986 Home computing pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair sold the rights to his machines to Amstrad.
 
This day in History April 8th

1904 - U.S.A. Times Square
Long Acre Square in Manhattan, New York, was renamed Times Square.

1935 - U.S.A. The Emergency Relief Appropriation Act
As part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" The Emergency Relief Appropriation Act creates The WPA or Works Progress Administration for creating government jobs for some of the nation's many unemployed.

1974 - France Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso dies in France.

1986 - Germany Terrorist Bomb Attack
A Terrorist Bomb Attack on American Servicemen in a Berlin Disco has left 2 dead and 100 injured. The attacks are believed to be from a Libyan Terrorist group and the army and Berlin Police are following up every lead.

1994 - U.S.A. Kurt Cobain
Rock musician Kurt Cobain commits suicide he was found with a single gunshot wound to the head. A gun and suicide note was found nearby.
 
April 8th
1862
John D.Lynde patents the aerosol dispenser
1935
Congress approves the Works Progress Adminstration which created 1.4 million jobs for the unemployed.8.5 million people worked on such projects as building bridges/highways/construction of dams.It was eliminated in 1943.These programs became very popular which contributed to Pres Franklin Roosevelt's landslide re election in 1936
1974
Atlanta Brave's ,Hank Aaron hits his 715th HR,breaking Babe Ruth's record.He hit the homer off of LA Dodgers pitcher,Al Downing in Atlanta
1986
actor,Clint Eastwood elected mayor of small sea side town of Carmel,Calif with population of 4,500 residents Its located 120 miles south of San Franscisco.He was mayor for 2yrs
 
Today in History April 9th

1865 - U.S.A. Robert E. Lee surrenders
Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia.

1924 - U.S.A. Hoof and Mouth
An increased number of Hoof and Mouth Cases are being reported in the current epidemic with and additional 200 plus cows reported with the disease each day in California alone.

1927 - U.S.A. Mae West Arrested
Mae West is Arrested during her starring role in the play "Sex" which she wrote, produced, directed and starred in on Broadway. She was prosecuted on morals charges and sentenced to 10 days in jail for public obscenity.

1940 - Germany invades Norway and Denmark
Nazi Germany invades neutral Norway and Denmark, surprising the Norwegian, Danish and British defenders of the countries and capturing several strategic points along the coast.

1969 - UK Race Relations
As race relations continue to worsen in Britain a group of conductors and drivers on Wolverhampton buses who are practicing Sikhs have won the right to wear turbans on duty after the leader of a Sikh group, Sohan Singh Jolly, had threatened to burn himself to death in protest.
 
1872
Samuel R.Percy patents dried milk
1959
NASA announced the names of U.S. astronauts to partake in 'Project Mercury',U.S. 1st manned space program.Out of a pool of 32 candidates,they selected these 7 military test pilots:
Scott Carpenter,John Glenn,Gus Grissom,Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton,Gordon Cooper
1992
A U.S. Federal Court judge finds Panamian dictator,Manuel Noreiga guilty on 8/10 drug and rackteering charges
 
This day in history April 10th

1912 - United Kingdom Titanic Sets Sail
Titanic sets sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The Titanic has been described as the worlds most luxurious floating hotel, and was only 5 days out when she hit an Iceberg and sank in the Atlantic with the loss of many lives.

1919 - Mexico Emiliano Zapata
Emiliano Zapata the leader of the peasants during the Mexican Revolution, is ambushed and shot to death in Morelos by government forces.

1925 - U.S.A. Arsenic Poisoning
Sixth Member of family succumbs to Arsenic poisoning after 5 other members of his family die not much hope is given for his survival.

1932 - Germany Hitler
Adolf Hitler is beaten by Paul von Hindenburg for the German presidency.

1936 - Britain War in Abyssinia
Britain Presses for Penalties on Italy after war in Abyssinia and threatened to take independent action heightening a war in Europe.
 
1790
The U.S. Patent System is established
1849
inventor,Walter Hunt patents his invention of the safety pin in NYC.He sold the rights for $400
1866
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is established {ASPCA}
1970
Paul McCartney offically announces the breakup of The Beatles
 
This day in History April 11th

1921 - U.S.A. Cigarette tax
Iowa becomes the first state to impose a cigarette tax.

11 Apr, 1929 - U.S.A. Rebels Captured
US Federal Troops take 100 Mexican prisoners captive on raid on General J Gonzalo Insurgent Encampment on the Border of Escabar near Naco Senora.

1938 - Philippines Japanese Fleet Spotted
Japanese Fleet Spotted off the Philippines near Davan , US mistakenly said they believed they were Fishing Trawlers.

1961 - Israel Adolf Eichmann
Adolf Eichmann went on trial in an Israeli courthouse today. accused of mass murder and the helping in the death of millions of Jews in German Concentration Camps during World War II.

1951 - U.S.A. General Douglas MacArthur
President Harry S Truman has fired General Douglas MacArthur as commander of United Nations and US forces.
 
11th April

1689 William II (Prince of Orange and champion of Protestants) and Mary II were crowned joint monarchs by the Bishop of London. The Archbishop of Canterbury refused to officiate.

1713 France handed over Gibraltar and Newfoundland to Britain in the Treaty of Utrecht.

1913 The Nevill Ground cricket pavilion (Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England) is burnt down in a suffragette arson attack. Apparently incensed by Kent County Cricket Club's no-women policy, the action may also have been provoked by a reported comment by an official: "It is not true that women are banned from the pavilion. Who do you think makes the teas?"

1952 Queen II announced that her children and descendants would bear the surname of Windsor.
 
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1890
Ellis Island in NYC is designated as a immigration station
1966
Frank Sinatra records album'Strangers in The Night" with his long time arranger/conductor,Nelson Riddle.Its the final album they do together.The single of same name becomes a #1 hit,sold a million copies,stays on the music charts for 15 weeks.
1976
Apple 1 computer created by Steve Wozniak,co -founder of Apple,Inc
 
This day in History April 12th

1861 - US Attack on Fort Sumter
The Confederate States attack Fort Sumter on This Day, 1861 which starts the Civil War.

1921 - UK Coal Miners
Coal Miners refuse to consider British Prime Ministers' wage program, Miners are part of the Transport and General Workers and Railwayman's Union, and many are predicting bloodshed if the talks fail completely.

1942 - World War II
Americans attack 4 Japanese invasion bases in retaliation for the bombing of Pearl Harbor and British bombers distribute death and destruction on Rhineland in Germany.

1945 - U.S.A. Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies
After serving as U.S. president for 12 years, Franklin D. Roosevelt the 32nd president of the United States died from a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia. Vice President Harry S. Truman became the President of the United States.

1955 - U.S.A. Salk Vaccine Against Polio
The Salk vaccine against Poliomyelitis commonly known as ( Polio or Infantile Paralysis ) was declared safe and effective. The vaccine works by inducing immunity by developing protective antibodies to polio.
 
12th April

1606 The Union Flag became the official flag of Britain. It combined the flags of St George (England) and St Andrew (Scotland). As Wales was not a Kingdom but a Principality it could not be included on the flag. In 1801 the cross of St Patrick (Ireland) was incorporated to creat the flag that has been flown ever since.

1927 The British Cabinet came out in favour of voting rights for women.

1937 British engineer, Frank Whittle, tested the first jet engine at the Thomson-Houston factory in Rugby. The first jet flight was achieved by the Geman Henkel, but it was Whittle's engine that was used as the prototype.
 
1934
The 2nd highest wind speed,231 mph was recorded on Mt Washington,NH
1954
Bill Haley&The Comets recorded'Rock Around the Clock' It would become the 1st rock n roll single to hit #1 on music charts in 1955,stayed there for 8 weeks
1961
Soviet Union space program sent cosmonaut,Yuri Gagarin in orbit around the Earth for 1st time in history.He was in 4 ton,Vostok orbited the Earth at max altitude of 187 miles
1992
Euro Disneyland Theme Park opened in Marne-la-Valle France
 
Today in History April 13th

1923 - Japan Storm
One of the worst storms in many years hit the Japanese and Korean coastline and is believed to have claimed over 100 lives, rescue ships from the US have been delayed getting to help due to the severe winds and waves.

1931 - U.S.A. Chicago Tunnel Fire
10 men killed in the Chicago tunnel fire, the cause of the explosion was spontaneous combustion and is the worst underground disaster in Chicago history.

1943 - U.S.A. Alcatraz Attempted Escape
Four convicts attempted to escape from the prison at Alcatraz today. Two were drowned in San Francisco Bay after being shot and the other two were recaptured.

1949 - Germany Nuremberg Trials
The Nuremberg Trials ended with 19 top aids to Adolf Hitler receiving up to 25 years for their part in war crimes against humanity.

1964 - U.S.A. Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier becomes the first black actor to win the coveted Best Actor Oscar for his role in Lilies of the Field.
 


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