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Campaign Memorabilia: Buttons, Bumper Stickers and More
Campaign memorabilia in the United States dates back to the beginning of American democracy. The first campaign buttons were actual buttons sewed on to clothing. Buttons were given out for George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. In 1828, Andrew Jackson became the first presidential candidate to aggressively use memorabilia as part of his campaign. Jackson,…
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Klondike Gold Rush: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
On this date in 1896, gold was discovered in a tributary of the Klondike River in the Yukon Territory of Canada. Here are some things you may not have known about the Klondike Gold Rush. George Carmack, an American prospector, was looking for gold with his wife, brother-in-law and a nephew near the Klondike…
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Woodstock: Three Days of Peace and Music
On this date in 1969, the Woodstock festival opened in upstate New York. Here are some things you may not have known about it. It wasn’t held in Woodstock. It was originally planned for Woodstock, but local residents balked at the idea, forcing the organizers to find another location. The city of Wallkill, New York,…
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“Wizard of Oz”: What You Don’t Know About a Classic
On this date in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Here are some things you may not have known about the landmark film. Many people incorrectly think it was the first film in color. The first color film was 1903’s hand colored “The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ.” The first feature…
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Fire Sprinklers: The Best Defense is an Early Defense
On this date in 1874, the first automatic fire sprinkler head was patented. Here are a few things you may not have known about sprinklers. The first fire sprinkler in recorded history was designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It was part of an automated kitchen he designed for a patron. The rest of the automation…
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Electoral College: The Complicated Way to Pick a President
In 2000, Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore won the popular vote, but was not elected president. How does something like that happen, you ask? The answer is the Electoral College. Here are some things you may not know about how the United States picks its president. The entire American federal style of government was created…
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Singapore: From Unwanted Island to Economic Power
On this date in 1965, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia, becoming the only country to earn its independence unwillingly. Here are some things you may not have known about the world’s only island city-state. Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world. It’s located just off the southern tip of the Malay peninsula…
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Airships: From Blimps to Zeppelins
On this date in 1929, the Graf Zeppelin began its round-the-world flight. Here are some things you may not have known about Zeppelins, blimps and other types of airships. Airships, also known as dirigibles, are aircraft that are lighter than air, or almost lighter than air, and can navigate under their own power. The navigation…
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American Bandstand: The Televised Dance Party
On this date in 1957, “American Bandstand” premiered on national television. Here are some things you may not have known about the long-running music show. The show started on a local Philadelphia TV station in 1950. It was called “Bandstand” and was hosted by Bob Horn, a local radio personality. It showed short musical films…
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Champagne: Bubbles Weren’t The Plan
August 4, 1693, is the traditional date given for the invention of Champagne by monk Dom Perignon. Here are some things you may not have known about Champagne. First off, Perignon didn’t invent sparkling wine. Sparkling wine was actually considered a flaw at the time. The shortness of the growing season in the Champagne region…