Father Theodore Hesburgh
Reverend Theodore Martin Hesburgh was born on May 25, 1917, in Syracuse, New York. He served as president Notre Dame University for 35 years, transforming it into one of the best colleges in America.
This Day in History
-
-
U.S. Issues Shanghai Stamps
On May 24, 1919, the US issued stamps for use in Shanghai, China. The stamps were produced in limited quantities and only remained in use for a few years.
-
Founding of the New York Public Library
On May 23, 1895, the New York Public Library was established. Exactly 16 years later, on May 23, 1911, the main branch of the library opened its doors to the public. Today, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the country and the fourth largest in the world.
-
First Alphabet Rate Change Stamp
On May 22, 1978, the USPS issued its first in a long series of Alphabet rate change stamps. These stamps were used with existing postage until new stamps were released to meet changing rates.
-
Happy Birthday to Glenn Curtiss
Glenn Hammond Curtiss was born on May 21, 1878, in Hammondsport, New York. He designed the planes flown by most American WWI pilots, which were also used to carry the first airmail deliveries.
-
Trans-Atlantic Airmail Service
On May 20, 1939, the US Post Office inaugurated its official trans-Atlantic airmail service to Europe. The new Yankee Clipper service flew from New York to France in 26 hours.
-
Birth of Johns Hopkins
Johns Hopkins was born on May 19, 1795, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. A successful businessman, he donated $7 million for the creation of schools and hospitals, the largest philanthropic gift in America up to that time.
-
Start of the Transportation Series
On May 18, 1981, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Transportation Series picturing the Surrey, a doorless four-wheeled carriage. The series would span 15 years and become the largest definitive series at the time.
-
Opening of CIPEX
On May 17, 1947, doors opened on the Centenary International Philatelic Exhibition in New York City. It celebrated the 100th anniversary of America’s first postage stamps with reproductions of America’s first two stamps.
