This Day In History

Acclaimed poet Walter Whitman was born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, Long Island, New York. Considered one of the most influential American poets, he’s also been called the father of free verse.

On May 30, 1911, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first 200-lap, 500-mile race, dubbed the Indianapolis (or Indy) 500. Today, the speedway is the world’s largest sports facility, hosting “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

On May 29, 1936, the California Pacific Exposition opened in San Diego. Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Coronado’s discovery of the Pacific Southwest, it was also intended to help boost the economy during the Depression.

On May 28, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to traffic. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening and was dubbed a “Wonder of the World” structure.

On May 22, 1997, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Looney Tunes Series, honoring Bugs Bunny. It was the first US stamp to picture a cartoon character. There’s also a 10th stamp imperforate pane that’s the most rare stamp issued in 70 years!

Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. One of Hollywood’s leading ladies with a career that spanned six decades, she holds the record for the most Best Actress Academy Awards.

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.

On June 1, 1990, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Flora and Fauna Series, which was born from plans for a Priority Mail stamp in 1987.

On June 1, 1861, the Confederate States of America took control of their own postal operations. With several months before official postage stamps would be ready, some cities produced their own postmaster’s provisional stamps to keep mail moving during this time.

On June 1, 1909, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle, Washington.  The Expo honored the purchase of Alaska, the Klondike Gold Rush, and trade in the Pacific. 

Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Dougherty on June 1, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. Dubbed the “Blonde Bombshell,” she was one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s and early 1960s.