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This Day in History Class

From the desk of “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” “This Day in History Class” quickly recounts a tidbit from today’s events in history.

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On this day in 1950, the laugh track made its TV debut on “The Hank McCune Show.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A laugh track is used in a TV show for the first time - September 9th, 1950

On this day in 1899, Carnation evaporated milk was produced for the first time in Kent, Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carnation processes its first cans of evaporated milk - September 6th, 1899

On this day in 1991, a group of AIDS activists draped a giant, inflatable condom over the home of North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AIDS activists wrap a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ house - September 5th, 1991

On this day in 1833, a 10-year-old boy named Barney Flaherty took a job as America’s first newsboy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barney Flaherty becomes America's first paperboy - September 4th, 1833

Please enjoy these September 3rd flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - September 3rd

Please enjoy these September 2nd flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - September 2nd

On this day in 1963, the first message was sent on the Moscow-to-Washington hotline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Moscow-Washington hotline is established - August 30th, 1963

On this day in 1914, the Women’s Defense Relief Corps was established in Britain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British women join the war effort - August 29th, 1914

On this day in 1830, American engineer Peter Cooper raced his "Tom Thumb” locomotive against a horse-drawn railroad car. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The "Tom Thumb" locomotive races a horse-drawn railroad car - August 28th, 1830

On this day in 1955, the first copies of “The Guinness Book of Records” were printed and distributed for free in pubs across England and Ireland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Guinness Book of Records” is published - August 27th, 1955

On this day in 1939, the first televised professional baseball game was broadcast from an experimental TV station in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Major League baseball game is televised for the first time - August 26th, 1939

On this day in 1784, four counties in western North Carolina declared their independence as the State of Franklin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state of Franklin declares independence - August 23rd, 1784

On this day in 1929, the animated short “The Skeleton Dance” held its official premiere at the Roxy Theatre in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walt Disney's "The Skeleton Dance" premieres in theaters - August 22nd, 1929

On this day in 1883, three powerful tornadoes wreaked havoc in southeast Minnesota.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An F5 tornado strikes Rochester, Minnesota - August 21st, 1883

On this day in 1977, a NASA rocket launched the Voyager 2 space probe from Cape Canaveral, Florida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA launches the Voyager 2 spacecraft - August 20th, 1977

On this day in 1791, American author and astronomer Benjamin Banneker wrote a 1,400-word letter to Thomas Jefferson, challenging his views on slavery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Banneker writes to Thomas Jefferson in support of abolition - August 19th, 1791

Please enjoy these August 16th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - August 16th

On this day in 1843, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park opened its gates for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tivoli Gardens opens in Copenhagen, Denmark - August 15th, 1843

On this day in 1911, pioneering Black journalist Ethel Lois Payne was born in Chicago, Illinois.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethel Lois Payne is born - August 14th, 1911

On this day in 1913, according to German legend, a circus performer named Otto Witte conned his way onto the Albanian throne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German acrobat Otto Witte is allegedly crowned King of Albania - August 13th, 1913

On this day in 1865, British surgeon Joseph Lister introduced a new technique to help prevent surgical infections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Lister performs the first antiseptic surgery - August 12th, 1865

On this day in 1854, Henry David Thoreau’s classic book “Walden, or, A Life in the Woods” was published for the first time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" is published - August 9th, 1854

On this day in 1960, the novelty song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” hit No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Hyland’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” tops the Billboard Hot 100 - August 8th, 1960

On this day in 1909, New Jersey homemaker Alice Ramsey completed her historic cross-country road trip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alice Ramsey becomes the first woman to drive across the United States - August 7th, 1909

On this day in 1890, convicted killer William Kemmler became the first person to be executed by electrocution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William Kemmler is executed by electric chair - August 6th, 1890

On this day in 1981, President Ronald Reagan fired more than 11,000 air traffic controllers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ronald Reagan fires more than 11,000 air traffic controllers - August 5th, 1981

On this day in 1992, American athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee became the first woman to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee wins her second gold medal in the heptathlon - August 2nd, 1992

On this day in 1980, Icelandic politician Vigdís Finnbogadóttir became the first woman in the world to be elected president.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir becomes president of Iceland - August 1st, 1980

On this day in 1928, MGM Studios’ mascot Leo the Lion roared for the first time on the big screen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MGM’s Leo the Lion roars for the first time - July 31st, 1928

On this day in 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The USS Indianapolis is torpedoed by a Japanese submarine - July 30th, 1945

Please enjoy these July 28th and July 29th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - July 29th

On this day in 1931, massive swarms of grasshoppers created chaos for Midwestern farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grasshoppers devastate Midwestern crops - July 26th, 1931

On this day in 1965, singer-songwriter Bob Dylan created controversy by using an electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Dylan goes electric at the Newport Folk Festival - July 25th, 1965

On this day in 1911, an all-star baseball team played a benefit game for the family of fallen pitcher Addie Joss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first all-star baseball team plays the Addie Joss Benefit Game - July 24th, 1911

On this day in 1995, amateur astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp independently and simultaneously discovered a comet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comet Hale-Bopp is discovered - July 23rd, 1995

On this day in 1812, the Duke of Wellington’s British forces defeated the French at the Battle of Salamanca in Spain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Duke of Wellington defeats “40,000 Frenchmen in 40 minutes” - July 22nd, 1812

On this day in 1799, French soldiers discovered a stone slab inscribed with ancient writing near the town of Rosetta, Egypt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rosetta Stone is found in Egypt - July 19th, 1799

On this day in 1976, Romanian athlete Nadia Comăneci became the first female gymnast in Olympic history to score a 10 for her performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nadia Comăneci scores a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games - July 18th, 1976

On this day in 1938, American aviator Douglas Corrigan began his “wrong way” flight from New York to Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan flies across the Atlantic - July 17th, 1938

On this day in 1935, the first mechanical parking meters were installed in downtown Oklahoma City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City - July 16th, 1935

On this day in 1922, the duck-billed platypus was exhibited for the first time in the U.S. at the Bronx Zoo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The platypus makes its U.S. debut - July 15th, 1922

On this day in 1976, the long-running TV game show “Family Feud” aired for the first time on ABC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Family Feud" premieres on ABC - July 12th, 1976

On this day in 1979, the burning wreckage of America’s first space station crashed into the Indian Ocean and across Western Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Skylab space station crashes over Australia - July 11th, 1979

On this day in 1962, Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin patented the V-shaped three-point safety belt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nils Bohlin patents the three-point seatbelt - July 10th, 1962

On this day in 1776, the New York Sons of Liberty tore down a statue of British monarch George III.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A statue of King George III is pulled down in New York City - July 9th, 1776

On this day in 1881, according to culinary legend, the first ice cream sundae was made at Ed Berners’ soda fountain in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed Berners allegedly invents the ice cream sundae - July 8th, 1881

Please enjoy these July 5th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - July 5th

Please enjoy these July 4th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - July 4th

On this day in 1844, Icelandic fishermen killed the last remaining pair of great auk seabirds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Great Auk goes extinct - July 3rd, 1844

On this day in 1982, amateur pilot Larry Walters launched himself skyward using a lawn chair and several dozen weather balloons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Lawnchair Larry" takes flight in a homemade airship - July 2nd, 1982

On this day in 1979, the original Sony Walkman portable cassette player was released in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Sony Walkman goes on sale - July 1st, 1979

Please enjoy these June 28th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - June 28th

On this day in 1942, the FBI announced the capture of eight Nazi saboteurs who had infiltrated the United States by submarine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FBI foils Operation Pastorius - June 27th, 1942

On this day in 1948, Shirley Jackson's seminal short story "The Lottery" was first published in “The New Yorker.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is published - June 26th, 1948

On this day in 1874, self-taught illustrator and Kewpie Doll creator Rose O’Neill was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rose O’Neill is born - June 25th, 1874

On this day in 1873, American author and inventor Mark Twain received a patent for a new kind of scrapbook.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Twain patents a self-pasting scrapbook - June 24th, 1873

On this day in 1948, Columbia Records released the first long-playing vinyl record, or LP.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Columbia Records introduces long-playing discs - June 21st, 1948

On this day in 1960, "The Huckleberry Hound Show" became the first animated TV series to win an Emmy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Huckleberry Hound Show" wins an Emmy - June 20th, 1960

On this day in 240 BC, ancient Greek scholar Eratosthenes estimated the circumference of the Earth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eratosthenes calculates the Earth's circumference using a stick - June 19th, 240 BC

On this day in 1873, American suffragist Susan B. Anthony was found guilty of voting illegally in the 1872 presidential election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan B. Anthony is put on trial for voting - June 18th, 1873

On this day in 1242, at the direction of King Louis IX, all known copies of the Talmud in France were burned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louis IX burns every copy of the Talmud in France - June 17th, 1242

On this day in 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution adopting an official flag for the United States of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Continental Congress approves the first national flag of the United States - June 14th, 1777

On this day in 1922, American farmer Charles Osborne started hiccupping and didn’t stop until 68 years later.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Osborne contracts the longest case of hiccups on record - June 13th, 1922

On this day in 1897, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener was granted a patent for what would later be known as the Swiss Army Knife.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl Elsener patents the Swiss Army knife - June 12th, 1897

On this day in 1959, the world’s first hovercraft set off on its maiden voyage from the Isle of Wight.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first full-size hovercraft is launched - June 11th, 1959

Please enjoy these June 10th (and June 9th) flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - June 10th

On this day in 1866, Native American tribal leader Chief Seattle died at the Suquamish Reservation in Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Seattle dies - June 7th, 1866

On this day in 1892, the first "L" train in Chicago made its inaugural journey through the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago's first elevated train line begins operation - June 6th, 1892

On this day in 1887, American anthropologist Ruth Fulton Benedict was born in New York City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruth Benedict is born - June 5th, 1887

On this day in 1937, Sylvan Goldman introduced the world’s first shopping cart at his Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first shopping carts are introduced - June 4th, 1937

On this day in 1888, Ernest Thayer’s “Casey at the Bat” was first published in the San Francisco Examiner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Casey at the Bat" is published - June 3rd, 1888

On this day in 1859, the world famous Big Ben clock bell rang out over London for the first time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London's Big Ben rings out for the first time - May 31st, 1859

On this day in 1593, English playwright Christoper Marlowe was stabbed to death in a London tavern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Marlowe is killed in a tavern brawl - May 30th, 1593

On this day in 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” made its inauspicious debut at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The premiere of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" sparks a near riot in Paris - May 29th, 1913

On this day in 1912, 16 women were dismissed from the Curtis Publishing Company for dancing the Turkey Trot on their lunch break. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 women are fired for dancing the Turkey Trot - May 28th, 1912

On this day in 1986, American inventor Lonnie Johnson received a patent for the iconic Super Soaker water gun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lonnie Johnson patents the Super Soaker - May 27th, 1986

Please enjoy these May 24th flashbacks from the TDIHC vault, and we will see you soon for a brand new episode!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flashback episode - May 24th

On this day in 1900, William H. Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for bravely defending the American flag during the Civil War. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sergeant William Carney is awarded the Medal of Honor - May 23rd, 1900

On this day in 1570, Flemish cartographer Abraham Ortelius published the world’s first modern atlas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abraham Ortelius publishes the first world atlas - May 22nd, 1570

On this day in 1924, two wealthy college students abducted and killed a 14-year-old boy in an effort to commit a “perfect crime.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leopold and Loeb murder Bobby Franks - May 21st, 1924

On this day in 1862, the Homestead Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Lincoln signs the Homestead Act - May 20th, 1862

On this day in 1964, the first Tim Horton Donuts shop opened in Hamilton, Ontario.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Tim Hortons coffee and donut shop opens - May 17th, 1964

On this day in 1975, Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the peak of Mount Everest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Junko Tabei becomes the first woman to summit Mount Everest - May 16th, 1975

On this day in 1942, seventeen U.S. states instituted mandatory gasoline rationing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gasoline rationing begins in the United States - May 15th, 1942

On this day in 1961, a small group of Freedom Riders was attacked by a white mob at the Greyhound depot in Anniston, Alabama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A white mob attacks a group of Freedom Riders - May 14th, 1961

On this day in 1920, the Socialist Party of America nominated Eugene V. Debs as its presidential candidate.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Socialist Party of America nominates a convict for president - May 13th, 1920

On this day in 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Nix v. Hedden that tomatoes are vegetables, not fruits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that tomatoes are vegetables - May 10th, 1893

On this day in 1754, Benjamin Franklin published the famous “Join, or Die” political cartoon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The “Join, or Die” political cartoon is published - May 9th, 1754

On this day in 1950, two brothers stumbled upon a well-preserved corpse in a peat bog near Silkeborg, Denmark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tollund Man is discovered in Denmark - May 8th, 1950

On this day in 1965, in a fit of nocturnal inspiration, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards wrote “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keith Richards writes "Satisfaction" in his sleep - May 7th, 1965

On this day in 1954, British medical student Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute mile - May 6th, 1954

On this day in 1913, the California Senate passed a law restricting the property ownership rights of Asian immigrants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California enacts the Alien Land Law - May 3rd, 1913

On this day in 1946, six inmates at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary carried out the most violent escape attempt in the prison’s history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The "Battle of Alcatraz" begins - May 2nd, 1946

On this day in 1840, the introduction of the Penny Black postage stamp revolutionized the British postal system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's first postage stamp is issued - May 1st, 1840

On this day in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to be advertised on television.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first toy commercial airs on TV - April 30th, 1952

On this day in 1945, the world famous Peace rose was introduced to gardeners at a special ceremony in Pasadena, California. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Peace rose is introduced in the United States - April 29th, 1945

On this day in 1941, the Chicago Cubs became the first Major League team to have live organ music performed at a ballgame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organ music is played at a baseball stadium for the first time - April 26th, 1941

On this day in 1901, New York became the first state in the U.S. to require license plates on motor vehicles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York becomes the first state to require license plates on cars - April 25th, 1901

On this day in 1982, American actress Jane Fonda released her first exercise video, “Jane Fonda’s Workout.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.