On December 27, 1947, Howdy Doody made his television debut on a program called Puppet Playhouse, marking an important moment in early TV history. The cheerful, freckle-faced marionette quickly became one of the first true stars of children’s television. At a time when television itself was still new, Howdy Doody helped shape what kids’ programming could be—and proved that television could be a powerful force in American family life.
On December 26, 1972, America’s 33rd president, Harry S. Truman, died, closing the chapter on a leader who had guided the nation through the final days of World War II and the uncertain dawn of the Cold War. Plainspoken and decisive, Truman rose from humble beginnings to make some of the most consequential choices in US history—decisions that reshaped America’s role on the world stage and still spark debate today.
On December 25, 1830, the Best Friend of Charleston completed its first run. It was the first American-built steam locomotive to haul a train of passenger cars on a public railroad.
On the cold night of December 24, 1826, a group of cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point launched an eggnog-fueled riot that shocked the school and embarrassed the young nation. What began as a forbidden holiday celebration quickly spiraled into violence, gunfire, and destruction. By the following morning, order was restored—but the incident, later known as the Eggnog Riot, left a lasting mark on West Point’s history.
On December 23, 1966, Festivus was quietly celebrated for the first time in upstate New York. The O’Keefe family created a tradition that was entirely their own, marking it as a day to honor family, humor, and unconventional celebration. What began as a private family gathering would eventually grow into a cultural phenomenon, blending satire, reflection, and playful rebellion against the commercialization of traditional holidays.
On December 23, 1966, Festivus was quietly celebrated for the first time in upstate New York. The O’Keefe family created a tradition that was entirely their own, marking it as a day to honor family, humor, and unconventional celebration. What began as a private family gathering would eventually grow into a cultural phenomenon, blending satire, reflection, and playful rebellion against the commercialization of traditional holidays.
On December 21, 1937, Walt Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the world’s first full-length animated feature film, forever changing the landscape of cinema. What began as a daring experiment became a cultural phenomenon that launched Disney into global fame.
Ingrid Bergman was born on August 29, 1915 in Stockholm, Sweden, and was named after the princess of Sweden at the time. Appearing in over 50 films in five different languages, earning numerous awards, Ingrid Bergman will always be remembered as one of the most accomplished actresses of the 20th century.
On August 9, 1930, Betty Boop made her first cartoon appearance in Fleischer Studios’ Dizzy Dishes. From her humble beginnings as a secondary character, she soon grew into the studio’s biggest star.
Johannes Kepler was born December 27, 1571 in Weil der Stadt, Germany. Kepler was one of the leading figures in an era that has been called the “Scientific Revolution.”
On December 27, 1980, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Great Americans Series, which would go on to become the longest-running US definitive series.
On December 27, 1927, the musical Show Boat debuted at Broadway’s Ziegfeld Theater. The play was hailed as an artistic masterpiece and the film was a box office hit.
On December 27, 1657, a group of 30 people in Vlishing, New Netherland, signed the Flushing Remonstrance, a plea for religious freedom.
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