This Day In History

On December 20, 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales, a collection that would later become famous around the world as Grimm’s Fairy Tales. What began as a scholarly project to preserve German folklore soon grew into one of the most influential books in literary history.

On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a small book that would become one of the most famous holiday stories ever written. Released just days before Christmas, the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visitors captured the spirit of the season—and the conscience of Victorian England. Though Dickens was already a well-known author, few could have predicted that this short Christmas book would become his most enduring work, shaping how Christmas itself is celebrated and remembered.

On December 18, 1918, war-torn and recently independent Latvia issued its first stamps, printed on the back of German military maps.

Famed American conductor Arthur Fiedler was born on December 17, 1894, in Boston, Massachusetts. Best known for his long leadership of the Boston Pops Orchestra, Fiedler transformed classical music from a formal concert hall tradition into an experience enjoyed by millions. Through radio broadcasts, recordings, and outdoor performances, he helped make orchestral music accessible, entertaining, and deeply popular in American culture.

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.

On July 27, 1940, the world first met Bugs Bunny and heard him utter his now famous phrase, “Eh, what’s up, Doc?”

On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney realized one of his long-time dreams when he opened his Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, California. For decades, it was the most-visited park in the world.

On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton died from injuries he received in a car crash 12 days earlier. His death came mere months after the end of World War II, in which he’d commanded troops in some of the war’s major battles.

On December 21, 1920, the US Post Office Department issued a set of three stamps honoring the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

On December 21, 1968, Apollo 8 launched from Kennedy Space Center. It was the second manned spaceflight mission in the Apollo program, and the first to leave low Earth orbit, travel around the moon and safely return to Earth.  It was also the first human spaceflight launched from Kennedy Space Center.

On December 21, 1913, the first modern crossword puzzle was published in the New York World. It began a popular hobby that is still enjoyed around the world over 100 years later.