📖🗣️ Notable Events

Notable Events for February 21st:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 21 | Birthdays & Events]

1828 - The Cherokee Phoenix becomes to the first American Indian newspaper to be published.
[The Cherokee Phoenix was indeed the first newspaper published by Native Americans in the United States. It was bilingual, printed in both Cherokee and English.]
1842 - The first patent for the sewing machine is given to John Greenough.
[This is partially correct. John Greenough did receive a patent in 1842, but for a sewing machine that was quite different from later, more practical models. Many people contributed to the sewing machine's development, and Elias Howe's patent in 1846 is often considered more significant for the modern sewing machine. It's important to note that many individuals contributed to the development of the sewing machine, and Greenough's was one of many early patents.]
1857 - Congress outlaws any foreign currency as legal tender in the U.S.
1866 - Lucy B. Hobbs become the first woman to earn a DDS (surgical dental) degree.
[Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first woman to graduate from dental school.]
1878 - New Haven, Connecticut, distributes the first telephone directory.
[This is generally accurate. The first telephone directory was issued in New Haven, Connecticut.]
1885 - The Washington Monument is dedicated.
[The Washington Monument was officially dedicated on February 21, 1885.]
1887 - Oregon becomes the first state to declare Labor Day a holiday.
1902 - The first brain operation is performed by Dr. Harvey Cushing.
[While Dr. Cushing was a pioneer in neurosurgery, it is very difficult to say he did 'the first brain operation.' Brain surgery existed before him. He did, however, develop and refine many techniques that greatly advanced the field. So it is more accurate to say he performed very early, and groundbreaking, brain operations.]
1925 - The New Yorker publishes its first issue to readers.
1931 - Alka Seltzer introduced to consumers.
1945 - The 10th Armored Division (Army) overthrows Germany's Orscholz line of defense.
[During WWII.]
1947 - Edwin Land demonstrates the first "instant camera" (the Polaroid Land Camera) in NY.
1948 - NASCAR is incorporated.
1972 - U.S. President Richard Nixon begins his historic visit to China, a significant step in normalizing relations between the two countries.
1986 - AIDS patient Ryan White returns to classes at his middle school.
[A significant moment in the fight against AIDS stigma.]
2013 - The social media platform Vine was acquired by twitter.

22-Feb-2025

Lost a master musician and human...

"For Your Precious Love" - Jerry Butler  

RIP and thank you for the magic!

Notable Events for February 22nd:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 22 | Birthdays & Events]

1732 - George Washington is born, the first President of the United States.
[George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. It's important to note that there's a slight complexity due to the calendar change. At the time of his birth, the Julian calendar was in use. When Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, his birthday was adjusted. However, we now recognize his birthday as February 22, 1732. He became the first President of the United States.]
1819 - Spain sells Florida to the U.S. for $5 million.
[This was the Adams-Onís Treaty.]
1856 - The Republican Party holds its first national convention.
[This was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.]
1865 - Tennessee abolishes slavery.
[13th Amendment: Tennessee ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in April 1865. This amendment formally abolished slavery. Emancipation During the Civil War: Tennessee's situation was somewhat unique during the Civil War. Because parts of Tennessee came under Union control earlier than many other confederate states, the process of emancipation happened in a more staggered way. Andrew Johnson, the military governor of Tennessee, played a significant role in this process. August 8th: August 8th is celebrated as 'Emancipation Day' in parts of Tennessee, commemorating the progress of emancipation during the war. Therefore, while it is accurate to say that slavery was abolished in Tennessee in 1865, it is important to understand that this was a process that unfolded over time. The ratification of the 13th amendment was the legal culmination of that process. In summary: Tennessee ratified the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery. And, the process of emancipation in Tennessee began earlier during the Civil War.]
1876 - Johns Hopkins University opens its doors.
1879 - The first Woolworth's store opens in NY.
[It opened in Utica, New York.]
1889 - President Cleveland admits North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Washington as states.
[President Grover Cleveland signed the bill.]
1935 - Airplanes are permitted from flying over the White House for the first time.
[This statement does not accurately represent the history of presidential air travel and White House airspace. Here's a breakdown of relevant points: Early Presidential Flights: While Theodore Roosevelt flew in an airplane in 1910, Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first sitting president to fly in an airplane during his presidency. In 1943, Franklin D. Roosevelt flew in a Boeing 314 Clipper to the Casablanca Conference, marking a significant milestone. Presidential Aircraft:
The 'Sacred Cow' (Douglas VC-54C) was one of the first aircraft specifically modified for presidential use, and it was used by President Roosevelt and later by President Truman. White House Airspace: Regulations regarding airspace over the White House have evolved over time, especially with increased security concerns. It is difficult to pinpoint a single year like 1935 as the precise moment when all flights were first permitted. Instead the security of the airspace has increased over time. The use of airplanes by the presidents themselves increased greatly during the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency, especially during world war II. This time period saw great increases in air travel in general. In summary, rather than a single year of permission, the use of aircraft by the president, and the regulation of the airspace above the white house has been an evolving process.]
1942 - President Roosevelt orders General Douglas MacArthur out of the Philippines.
[This was during World War II, as Japanese forces advanced.]
1980 - The 'Miracle on Ice' at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviet Union.
[This was the date of the historic ice hockey game at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, where the United States team defeated the Soviet Union. This event is widely known as the 'Miracle on Ice.']
1986 - The peoples power revolution begins in the Philippines.
[From February 22-25, 1986, The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, took place, over these four days. Therefore, February 22nd marks the beginning of the revolution, and lasted until the 25th. It was a series of popular demonstrations, primarily in Metro Manila. It resulted in the removal of Ferdinand Marcos from power, and the restoration of democracy.]
1997 - The Announcement that Dolly the sheep had been cloned.
[Dolly was born on July 5, 1996. The announcement of Dolly's successful cloning was made on February 22, 1997.]
2011 - A devastating earthquake strikes Christchurch, New Zealand, causing significant casualties.
[A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand. It caused widespread and severe damage to the city. Tragically, 185 people lost their lives. The earthquake resulted in significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. It also caused wide spread liquefaction of the ground, which caused even more damage. Although the magnitude was less than a prior quake in 2010, the shallowness of the quake, and it's location close to the city center, caused it to be far more destructive.]

Notable Events for February 23rd:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 23 | Birthdays & Events]

1813 - The first raw cotton-to-cloth mill is opened in Massachusetts.
[This is largely accurate. The Boston Manufacturing Company, established in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1813, was indeed a pioneering textile mill. It was the first integrated mill in the U.S., meaning it performed all stages of cotton cloth production under one roof.]
1821 - The first pharmacy college is opened (College of Apothecaries).
[To be more precise, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, which later became the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia), was founded in 1821. It is considered the first pharmacy college in the United States and it marked an important step in the professionalization of pharmacy.]
1861 - President-elect Lincoln secretly arrives in Washington, D.C., after thwarting an assassination plot.
[There was indeed a plot to assassinate Lincoln as he traveled to Washington, D.C., for his inauguration. He arrived in Washington secretly on February 23, 1861. The nation was on the brink of civil war, and threats against Lincoln's life were very real.]
1905 - The Rotary Club becomes the first service club in the world.
[The Rotary Club was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1905, and it is recognized as the world's first service club. The founding of the Rotary Club is a key moment in the history of service organizations.]
1910- The first radio contest held in Philadelphia.
[It is difficult to verify that this was the very first radio contest. But early radio contests where held around this time period. So it is within the correct time frame of early radio. The first radio contest held in Philadelphia is a great example of the early adoption of radio.]
1927 - President Coolidge signs a bill establishing the FCC (Federal Radio Commission).
[President Coolidge signed the Radio Act of 1927, which established the Federal Radio Commission (FRC), the predecessor to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The creation of the Federal Radio Commission (FCC) was crucial for regulating the rapidly growing radio industry.]
1940 - Pinocchio is released by Walt Disney.
[Walt Disney's animated film 'Pinocchio' was released in 1940. A classic moment in cinematic history.]
1945 - A group of Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi (Japan) and are photographed raising the American flag.
[The iconic flag-raising on Iwo Jima occurred in February 1945. The raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima is one of the most iconic images of World War II. It's important to remember the intense fighting that took place on Mount Suribachi.]
1947 - General Eisenhower opens a charity drive to raise $170 million to aid European Jews.
[It is well documented that after World War II, General Eisenhower was involved in aid to displaced persons, and that aid was given to jewish people. So while he was involved in aid, finding information that he specifically opened a 170 million dollar charity drive is difficult. More research would be needed to fully verify this. General Eisenhower's charity drive reflects the post-World War II efforts to aid those affected by the war, particularly Jewish survivors.]
1954 - A mass Polio immunization is conducted at an elementary school in Pennsylvania.
[This is generally accurate. The Salk polio vaccine was introduced in 1954, and mass immunization campaigns began that year. Pennsylvania, like other states, participated in these efforts. The mass polio immunization highlights the public health efforts of the mid-20th century.]
1980 - Speed skater Eric Heiden wins gold medals at one Winter Olympic Games.
[Eric Heiden won five gold medals in speed skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Eric Heiden's achievements in speed skating at the Winter Olympics are legendary.]

Notable Events for February 24th:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 24 | Birthdays & Events]

1582 - Pope Gregory XIII announces the Gregorian calendar. This calendar reform is the one used by most of the world today.
[Pope Gregory XIII did indeed introduce the Gregorian calendar in 1582. This calendar reform is the one used by most; The Gregorian calendar is the most widely accepted and used civil calendar in the world today. Here are some key points to add context: The Gregorian calendar was a reform of the Julian calendar, which had become inaccurate over time. The primary motivation for the reform was to correct the date of Easter. While widely used, it's important to note that some cultures and religions still use other calendars. It also took a long time for all countries to accept the Gregorian calendar.]
1803 - In the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, the Supreme Court of the United States establishes the principle of judicial review.
[Marbury v. Madison (1803): This was a landmark Supreme Court case in the United States. In this case, Chief Justice John Marshall established the principle of judicial review. Judicial review is the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional. This decision significantly strengthened the role of the Supreme Court and the judicial branch in the U.S. government.]
1868 - The Mardi Gras parade becomes the first parade to use floats.
[It's important to clarify that the use of floats in Mardi Gras parades developed over time, and there are nuances to this. While 1857 saw the Krewe of Comus introduce organized parades with themed, horse-drawn floats in New Orleans, also Mobile Alabama had very early parades with floats. Also the Order of Myths in Mobile Alabama had parades with floats from 1868. So it is accurate that in 1868 that floats where being used.]
1920 - The Nazi Party (NSDAP) is founded by Adolf Hitler in Munich, Germany.
[To clarify the origins of the Nazi Party: The party's origins: The party began as the German Workers' Party (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei; DAP) in 1919. Adolf Hitler joined the DAP in 1919. In 1920, the DAP was renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei; NSDAP), which is commonly known as the Nazi Party. Therefore the year 1920 is accurate for the changing of the name to the Nazi party.]
1938 - Du Pont begins production of nylon toothbrush bristles.
[This is generally accurate. DuPont did indeed introduce nylon bristles for toothbrushes in 1938, marking a significant advancement in toothbrush technology.]
1983 - A special commission of Congress condemns the Japanese American internment camps in the U.S.
[The Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) released its report in 1983, which condemned the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.]
2022 - Russia begins their full scale invasion of Ukraine.
[Specifically, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This marked a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which had begun in 2014.]

_________________________________________

Bit of a chinwag with Gemini, always a lark, isn't it?...

Blimey, Gemini! Just think, the old ducks still kicking who've seen all this lot unfold. Makes you feel a right proper spanner, doesn't it? Makes you realise you're just a tiny cog in the grand scheme, eh? Anyway, must dash, have a smashing evening, you! Cheerio!

'You're absolutely right. History, even relatively recent history, can feel very distant until you realize there are people who lived through those times. It's a powerful reminder of how quickly things change and how interconnected we are to the past.

Thinking about people who were alive in 1938, when nylon toothbrush bristles were invented, or even those who remember the 1983 condemnation of the Japanese American internment, brings those events to life. It makes history less like a list of dates and more like a collection of lived experiences.

And yes, it is humbling. It's a good reminder to appreciate the present and to learn from the past.

Thank you, and you have a lovely evening as well!'

Notable Events for February 25th:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 25 | Birthdays & Events]

1751 - The first performing monkey exhibit is held in NYC.
[Historical records indicate that in 1751, a performing monkey was exhibited in New York City, although it's difficult to verify the first performing monkey exhibit in NYC. It is known that in the 18th century, exotic animal exhibits were popular.]
1836 - Samuel Colt is granted a patent for his revolver firearm.
[Samuel Colt did indeed receive a patent for his revolver in 1836. This is a significant event in firearms history.]
1862 - The First Legal Tender Act 1862 passes putting the $1 bill into circulations.
[While the Legal Tender Act of 1862 did authorize the issuance of paper money, these were 'United States Notes,' which were different from the later standardized $1 bills we know today. So, the act did start paper money circulation, but not the modern $1 bill.]
1870 - Hiram Rhodes Revels (R-MS) becomes the first Black to sit in Congress.
[Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African American to serve in the United States Congress. This was a landmark moment in American political history.]
1879 - Congress passed the first Timberland Protection Act.
[It is true that acts to protect timberlands were passed, and that this time period saw growing federal involvement in those protections. Information shows that there was many timber protection acts through the years, and that one very important date, 1871, is where there was a federal act that provided $5,000 for 'protection of timberlands.' Primarily this was intended for the protection of naval timber reservations.]
1901 - The U.S. Steel Corporation is organized under J. P. Morgan.
[U.S. Steel was indeed formed in 1901 through the efforts of J.P. Morgan. This marked the formation of a major industrial giant.]
1957- Buddy Holly and the Crickets record That'll Be the Day.
[Buddy Holly and the Crickets recorded 'That'll Be the Day' in 1957. This is a very important event in rock and roll history.]
1964 - Muhammad Ali becomes world heavyweight champion. At the time, he was still known as Cassius Clay, and he defeated Sonny Liston.
1986 - Corazon Aquino is sworn in as the 11th President of the Philippines. This followed the People Power Revolution, ending Ferdinand Marcos's rule.  
1991 - The Warsaw Pact is declared disbanded. This signaled the end of a major Cold War alliance.
1994 - Baruch Goldstein commits a mass shooting at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. This tragic event caused many deaths and injuries.

Notable Events for February 26th:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 26 | Birthdays & Events]

747 BC - According to Ptolemy, the epoch (origin) of the Nabonassar Era began at noon on this date. This is significant for historical chronology.
1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from exile on the island of Elba, leading to his 'Hundred Days' return.
1848 - The 'Communist Manifesto' by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is published.
1909 - The first public demonstration of Kinemacolor, an early color motion picture process, takes place in London.
1914 - The New York Museum of Science & Industry is created.
[It's important to note that this museum had a history and evolved over time.]
1914 - The launch of the HMHS Britannic at the Harland and Wolff shipyards in Belfast.
[This was the sister ship to the RMS Titanic.]
1919 - The Grand Canyon National Park is created after President Wilson signs the Act from Congress.
[President Woodrow Wilson did sign the act establishing Grand Canyon National Park on February 26, 1919.]
1930 - The first red and green traffic lights are installed in NYC.
[While traffic lights were evolving during that period, it would be difficult to say those where the absolute first. But traffic light technology was advancing in that time period.]
1936 - The February 26 Incident in Japan: a failed coup d'état attempt by young military officers.
1954 - The first photo engraving is used in Massachusetts.
[This type of very specific local event is hard to generally verify. There is a lot of photogravure history that is complicated, so this could be correct, at a local level.]
1973 - Secretariat wins the Triple Crown.
[Secretariat did not win the triple crown on February 26th. The Triple Crown races take place in May and June. Secretariat won the triple crown in 1973, but those races occurred in the spring.]
1975 - The first televised kidney transplant is aired on the Today Show (NBC).
[It appears that the statement regarding the first televised kidney transplant airing on the Today Show (NBC) in 1975 is generally accepted. However, it's important to understand the nuances of how 'televised' can be interpreted.]
1991 - Tim Berners-Lee introduces WorldWideWeb, the first web browser.
1993 - The World Trade Center bombing: a terrorist attack in New York City where a truck bomb explodes in the parking garage.  
2009 - Former Serbian president Milan Milutinovic was acquitted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia regarding war crimes during the Kosovo War.

Notable Events for February 27th:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 27 | Birthdays & Events]

1801 - Washington, D.C. is placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Congress after the District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 is passed.
[The District of Columbia Organic Act of 1801 did indeed place the District of Columbia under the control of the U.S. Congress.]
1813 - The first federal vaccination legislation enacted.
[During this time period, there was legislation enacted regarding vaccinations.]
1827 - Mardi Gras is celebrated in New Orleans for the first time.
[While Mardi Gras traditions where present before this date, 1827 is the date of the first recorded street processions in New Orleans, Louisiana.]
1919 - The American Association for Hard of Hearing is formed in NYC.
[The organization that would become the Hearing Loss Association of America was indeed founded in New York City, in 1919.]
1933 - Reichstag Fire: Germany's parliament building, the Reichstag, is set on fire.
[This event in Germany, where the Reichstag building was set ablaze, was a pivotal moment in the rise of Nazi power. Adolf Hitler used the fire as a pretext to suppress civil liberties and consolidate his control, and used it as a pretext to suppress political opposition.]
1942 - Battle of the Java Sea: During World War II, this naval battle saw Imperial Japanese forces achieve a decisive victory over the Allies.
1951 - 22nd Amendment Ratified: The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which limits a president to two terms in office, is ratified.
1972 - Nixon's Visit to China: President Richard Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai issues the Shanghai Communiqué, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations between the United States and China.
1973 - American Indian Movement occupies Wounded Knee.
1991 - Gulf War: U.S. President George H.W. Bush announces that 'Kuwait is liberated.'
[U.S. President George H.W. Bush announces the liberation of Kuwait and the end of the Gulf War.]
2010 - Chile Earthquake: A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Chile, causing widespread damage and triggering a tsunami.
2019 - The House of Representatives passes a new law requiring federal background checks before purchasing a firearm.
[This is generally accurate. In February 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives did pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, which aimed to expand federal background check requirements for firearm purchases.]

Notable Events for February 28th:

[source: National Day Calendar -  February 28 | Birthdays & Events]

1787 - The charter establishing the the University of Pittsburgh is granted.
[This is largely accurate. The University of Pittsburgh was founded as the Pittsburgh Academy in 1787. So, the charter for the beginning of what is now the University of Pittsburgh was granted in 1787. It is important to note that the name of the institution changed over time.]
1810 - The first fire insurance company is organized.
[To verify this would require a more specific location. There were many early fire insurance companies, and their founding dates vary depending on location. Therefore it is hard to say if that is a universal fact. More specific area information would be needed.]
1909 - The first National Woman's Day is observed in the U.S.
[This is generally correct. The first National Woman's Day in the United States was observed on February 28, 1909.]
1956 - Engineer Wright Forrester is issued a patent for computer core memory.
[It is more commonly known that Fredrick Forrester developed core memory. But looking into Wright Forrester, it is possible that he also had patents in that area. More research would be needed to fully verify this. Core memory development had many contributors.]
1977 - The first killer whale is born in captivity in California.
[This warrants some nuance. While killer whales had been born in captivity before, 1977 saw the birth of the first killer whale to survive in captivity at SeaWorld San Diego. So, the statement is generally accurate, but the detail of survival is important.]

Notable Events for March 2nd:

[source: National Day Calendar - March 2 | Birthdays & Events]

1807 - Congress passes the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves, making it illegal to import slaves into the U.S.
[The Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves was passed in 1807, and it took effect on January 1, 1808. It made the importation of slaves into the United States illegal.]
1819 - Congress passes its first immigration law.
[The Immigration Act of 1819 was the first U.S. federal legislation designed to regulate immigration.]
1836 - Texas declares its independence from Mexico.
1866 - The first company in the U.S. begins making sewing needles by machine.
[To verify this level of very specific manufacturing history would require very deep dives into manufacturing history. However, the period of the mid to late 1800's was a period of rapid industrialization, and it is very believable that this type of manufacturing would have begun at this time.]
1867 - The Department of Education is created by Congress.
[This is mostly accurate. In 1867, Congress established the Department of Education. However, it was initially a department that gathered information, it did not have the same functions as the modern Department of Education.]
1867 - Congress passes the first Reconstruction Act to help determine how the southern states will reenter the Union.
[This is generally accurate. The Reconstruction Acts were a series of acts, with the first one being passed in 1867. These acts did set the conditions for the Southern states to re-enter the Union.]
1901 - The U.S. Congress passes the Platt Amendment, which limited the autonomy of Cuba.
1901 - The United States Steel Corporation is founded.
1925 - The U.S. begins marking and numbering roads across the country.
[The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1925 authorized the creation of a national numbering system for highways, which led to the marking and numbering of roads across the U.S.]
1933 - The film 'King Kong' premieres in New York City.
1939 - Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli is elected Pope and took the name Pius XII.
1962 - In Burma, the army led by General Ne Win seizes power in a coup d'état.
1962 - Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points in an NBA game, a record that still stands.
1965 - The US and Republic of Vietnam Air Force begin Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam.
1969 - The Anglo-French Concorde conducts its first test flight. 
1970 - Rhodesia declares itself a republic.
1972 - The Pioneer 10 space probe is launched.  
1983 - Compact discs and players are released in the United States.