Birth of Bill Pickett
Cowboy and showman Bill Pickett was born on December 5, 1870. During his life, he was famous for his “bulldogging” act at rodeos. Decades after his death, he became famous once again, as the subject of rare modern stamp error…
This Day in History
First Savings Bank in the U.S.
On December 4, 1816, the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) officially began operations. It’s credited as the first savings bank to be organized and conduct business in the United States.
Elvis’s ’68 Comeback Special
Elvis’s famed ’68 Comeback Special aired on NBC on December 3, 1968. The show was a huge success, establishing that Elvis was again on top of the music world.
Dedication of Touro Synagogue
On December 2, 1763, the Touro Synagogue was officially dedicated after four years of construction. Today, it’s the oldest standing synagogue in the US.
Founding of the Civil Air Patrol
On December 1, 1941, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), was established in Washington, DC. Unpaid volunteers formed the Civil Air Patrol, using privately owned aircraft and their own funds to support the military.
Happy Birthday Mary Lasker
Health activist and philanthropist Mary Woodward Lasker was born on November 30, 1900, in Watertown, Wisconsin. Lasker campaigned for greater cooperation between scientists and the medical community as well as for government funds to finance research.
Birth of Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. A prolific author of more than 270 works, she’s most well-known for her novel, Little Women.
Hawaiian Independence Day
On November 28, 1843, France and the United Kingdom officially recognized Hawaii as an independent kingdom. The day has since been celebrated as Hawaiian Independence Day.
Birth of Robert R. Livingston
Robert Robert Livingston was born on November 27, 1746, in New York City, New York. One of America’s founding fathers, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence, swore George Washington into his first term in office, and helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase.