Birth of William Piper
William Thomas Piper was born on January 8, 1881, in Knapp Creek, New York. He developed the popular and inexpensive Piper Cub and became known as the “Henry Ford of Aviation.”
This Day in History
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Birth of Zora Neale Hurston
Novelist and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama. She was a prolific writer, credited with accurately documenting the lives of everyday working black families in the Deep South during the Depression.
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Birth of Danny Thomas
Performer and philanthropist Danny Thomas was born Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz on January 6, 1912, in Deerfield, Michigan. In addition to his successful performing career, Thomas was the founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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Construction Begins on Golden Gate Bridge
On January 5, 1933, the four-year construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in San Francisco Bay. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time and has been called a “Wonder of the World” structure.
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Utah Becomes 45th State
On January 4, 1896, Utah became a US state. Statehood was finally achieved after several attempts over more than 45 years.
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First Postal Savings Stamps Issued
On January 3, 1911, America issued its first Postal Savings stamps. The Postal Savings System was established to serve small investors living in rural communities. Under the program, lower- and middle-income individuals were able to deposit funds at their local post office.
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Puerto Rico’s First Democratically Elected Governor
On January 2, 1949, Luis Muñoz Marín became Puerto Rico’s first independently-elected governor. The stamp issued to celebrate the even includes this, his inauguration date.
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Parcel Post Service Begins
On January 1, 1913, the US Post Office Department initiated its Parcel Post Service for fourth-class mail. The stamps were short-lived but have long been praised for their detail and fine engraving.
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First U.S. Chinese New Year Stamp
On December 30, 1992, the USPS issued its first Chinese New Year stamp, honoring the start of the Year of the Rooster. The stamp proved popular and led to three different series honoring the holiday.
