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Eva Peron: A Long Journey in Death
On this date in 1945 Juan Peron, the future president of Argentina, married Eva Peron. Here are eight things you may not have known about the woman known as “Evita.” She was the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy rancher. Her father abandoned her when she was a year old. She would later alter her birth…
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Theodore Roosevelt Shot, Finishes Speech
On this date in 1912, former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was shot before giving a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here are some things you may not have known about the unsuccessful assassination attempt. Roosevelt became president in 1901 upon the assassination of William McKinley. He won re-election in 1904. Before his inauguration for his…
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Columbus Day Storm: Six Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1962, the western coast of the United States and Canada was hit by what is said to be the strongest storm in the region’s recorded history. Here are some things you may not have known about the Columbus Day Storm. • The storm began as a tropical storm named Freda near…
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6 Things You Didn’t Know About 5-Star Generals
On this date in 1976, George Washington was posthumously promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States by President Gerald Ford. Here are six things you might not known about the highest ranks in the American military. The highest rank held by George Washington during his lifetime was Lieutenant General…
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Great Chicago Fire: Five Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire ended after burning for two days. Here are some things you may not have known about it. • The fire started at about 9 p.m. on October 8, 1871, in or near a barn owned by the O’Leary family at 137 DeKoven Street. • The fire…
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KLM: World’s Oldest Airline
On this date in 1919, KLM, the national airline of the Netherlands was founded. It is the oldest airline operating under its original name. Here are some thing you might not know about long-lived airlines. KLM is an acronym that stands for words that translate to Royal Dutch Airlines. The airline was awarded it royal…
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“The Jazz Singer”: Hollywood’s First Words
On this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer,” the first feature-length film with synchronized sound debuted. Here are some things you may not have known about it. The film stars Al Jolson as Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a cantor, a singer who leads prayers during Jewish worship services. He runs away from home at…
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PBS: Five Things You Didn’t Know
On this date in 1970, The Public Broadcasting Service launched in the United States. Here are some things you may not have known about PBS. It’s not a network, per se. It’s a program distributor, which receives payment from its member stations in exchange for programs. The individual stations are responsible for producing local content.…
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Mount Rushmore: History Carved in Stone
On this date in 1927, construction began on Mount Rushmore. Here are some things you may not have known about the monument. The original idea was to depict western heroes like Buffalo Bill Cody and explorers Lewis and Clark in the Needles area of the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Needles are an area…
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Shot Heard ‘Round the World: Giants Win the Pennant
On this date in 1951, Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. Here are some things you may not have known about “The Shot Heard ’Round the World.” On August 10, 1951, the Brooklyn Dodgers led the New York Giants in the National League…