Birth of King Kamehameha V
Hawaii’s King Kamehameha V was born on December 11, 1830, in Honolulu, Oahu. He was the last ruler of the House of Kamehameha and focused his time on the prosperity of his people and returning to traditional values.
This Day in History
Scarce Circus Souvenir Sheet
On December 10, 2014, the USPS issued the scarce $2 circus souvenir sheet. Issued in two formats, it sold out before it was even issued, and even scarcer errors were later discovered…
Birth of Joel Chandler Harris
Author Joel Chandler Harris was born on December 9, 1848, in Eatonton, Georgia. He’s best known for his folklore tales of Uncle Remus and the Brer Rabbit.
Birth of Eli Whitney
Eli Whitney was born on December 8, 1765, in Westborough, Province of Massachusetts Bay. Most well-known for his invention of the cotton gin, he was also pioneer in mass production.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
On December 6, 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first premiered on television. Based on a popular book and song, it became an instant classic, appearing on television every year since.
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…
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.