Birth of James Thurber
Cartoonist, author, and humorist James Grover Thurber was born on December 8, 1894, in Columbus, Ohio. He was one of the most popular humorists of his day and several of his works were turned into films.
This Day in History
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First Christmas Seals
On December 7, 1907, the first Christmas Seals went on sale. The first stamps were created to help save a Delaware tuberculosis sanitarium, but later issues went on to support the Red Cross, National Tuberculosis Association, and American Lung Association.
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Finnish Independence
On December 6, 1917, Finland declared its independence. This was a major victory following centuries of foreign rule.
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The Knox Expedition
On December 5, 1775, Continental Army Colonel Henry Knox reached Fort Ticonderoga in preparation for his “noble train of artillery.” Arriving in Boston 10 weeks later, he delivered much-needed weapons to George Washington.
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Founding of the National Grange
On December 4, 1867, Oliver Hudson Kelley established the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. The Grange organized America’s farmers into a powerful political and economic group that lobbied for “Granger Laws.”
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The Grand Union Flag
On December 3, 1775, the Grand Union flag was reportedly flown for the first time. It was also the first time an American flag was raised over an American naval vessel.
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Statue of Freedom Completed
On December 2, 1863, the Statue of Freedom was placed atop the US Capitol to a 35-gun salute. The ceremony was held in the midst of the Civil War – President Lincoln had insisted the Capitol be completed as a symbol of American unity.
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War Savings Stamps Issued to Fund WWI
On December 1, 1917, first War Savings Stamp available for immediate use, WS1, was issued. In less than two years, more than $1.1 billion in stamps was sold.
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First U.S. Savings Stamp
On November 30, 1954, the Post Office Department issued its first Savings Stamp, #S1. The savings stamps program was created to encourage savings and thrift among American schoolchildren.
