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Berlin Airlift: A Lifeline for a City
On this date in 1949, the Berlin Airlift ended. Here are some things you may not have known about the effort to keep West Berlin supplied during a blockade by the Soviets. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, one each for the Americans, British, French and Soviets. The city of […]
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Washington National Cathedral: The Nation’s House of Prayer
On this date in 1907, construction began on the Washington National Cathedral. In 1990, construction was completed. Here are some things you may not of known about what is known as America’s “National House of Prayer.” The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Peter and St. Paul in the City and […]
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Model T: The Everyman’s Automobile
On this date in 1908, the first Ford Model T left the factory. Here are some things you may not have known about the iconic car. Contrary to popular belief, the Model T wasn’t the first car built on a modern assembly line. That honor goes to the Oldsmobile Curved Dash in 1901. Henry Ford […]
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Presidential Debates: A Short History Long on Influence
On this date in 1960, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy participated in the first presidential general election debate. Here are some things you may not have known about that debate and those that followed. The famous 1858 debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were held while the men were running for Senate. The […]
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Bob Marley: One Love For Music
On this date in 1980, Bob Marley played what would be his final concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Here are some things you may not have known about him. Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica. His parents originally gave him the first name Nesta, meaning “wise messenger.” Later, […]
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National Geographic Magazine: 9 Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1888, the first issue of National Geographic magazine was published. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The magazine is now known for its use of vivid photography. That wasn’t always the case. As a matter of fact, the magazine didn’t publish a single photo in its […]
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“The Hobbit”: 5 Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1937, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien was published for the first time. Here are some things you may not have known about the book. Tolkien was professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College, Oxford. In his spare time he wrote poetry and short stories. In the early 1930’s Tolkien said he found […]
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RMS Olympic: An Inauspicious Start for Titanic’s Sister
On this date in 1911, the RMS Olympic collided with the HMS Hawke off the Isle of Wight. Here are some things you may not have known about the collision involving one of the Titanic’s sister ships. The Olympic was completed on May 31, 1911 and was the largest ship in the world. It’s maiden […]
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Simon & Garfunkel in Central Park, 35 Years Later
On this date in 1981, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel played their landmark “Concert in Central Park.” Here are some things you may not have known about the show. Simon & Garfunkel met as children in Queens, New York in 1952. They began performing together in 1957 under the name “Tom and Jerry.” Their initial sound […]