This Day In History

On May 11, 1910, an act of Congress officially created Glacier National Park in Montana. America’s 10th national park, its been called the “Crown of Continent.”

On May 10, 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration was held in Grafton, West Virginia.

On May 9, 1936, the Third International Philatelic Exhibition (TIPEX) opened at Grand Central Palace in New York City. The exhibition included the issue of a four-stamp souvenir sheet, a visit from he Hindenburg, and more. 

President Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri on May 8, 1884. America’s 33rd president, he led America through the final months of WWII and the early years of the Cold War.

One of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, Bing Crosby, was born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. in Tacoma, Washington, on May 3, 1903. The first major star of multiple media, he was a leader in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture sales.

Louis Francis Cristillo (known as Lou Costello) was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. As part of the popular comedy duo Abbott and Costello, they were some of the highest-paid entertainers of the era.

Ayn Rand was born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russian Empire. A best-selling author, she also developed the philosophical system of Objectivism.

Actor William Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. Appearing in over 60 films during his 37-year career, he was known as “The King of Hollywood.”

On May 12, 1999, the USPS introduced a new series of Airmail stamps – the Scenic American Landscapes. These were the final Airmail stamps. issued through 2012.

On May 12, 1984, the Louisiana World Exposition opened its gates. It was the first world’s fair with an official mascot – a pelican named Seymore D. Fair.

Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra was born on May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri.  He is widely considered to be one of baseball’s greatest catchers and best clutch hitters of all time.  

Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth was born on May 12, 1880, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the first person to fly over both polar regions, which earned him two Congressional Gold Medals. He’s one of just four people to have received two of the prestigious medals.