Every once in a while I get a random idea for a column and spend the better part of an hour diving into various internet searches to gather pertinent information.
Like this week, I was curious about what sort of historical events were available for August.
It’s even better when I find completely random and trivia-worthy people, places, or things to leave their mark on August.
I’m pretty sure most of our readers know about Woodstock opening in 1969 or that Elvis Presley died this month in 1977, too.
You know, basic and generally accepted pop culture knowledge.
However, did you know that Hawaii became the 50th state on Aug. 21, 1959?
Or, that toilet paper was first sold in the U.S. on Aug. 26 in 1871?
What about Aug. 24, 2006, being the date when Pluto was demoted from a planet to a dwarf planet?
Then there’s Aug. 15, 1914, when the Panama Canal is opened or Aug. 16, 1954, seeing the first ever Sports Illustrated magazine was published.
And not to forget Aug. 27, 1955, when the first Guinness World Book of Records is first published.
In case you were wondering on Aug. 28, 1837 Pharmacists John Lea and William Perrins manufacture Worcestershire Sauce.
That fact left me wondering how they pronounced such a complicated word!
On the darker side of history, Aug. 31, 1888, is when Jack the Ripper kills his first victim and Aug. 31, 1997, sees the death of Princess Diana via car accident.
There are so many other unique date-related factoids for August – and other months, too.
It’s also fun to see if Mike or mom remember any of these historical dates.
Though, to be fair, it’s even better when I can surprise him with the random knowledge I’ve found.
I also make a point of searching for events that happen on friends’ and family members’ birthdays.
Luckily Mike’s was this month – Aug. 5 to be exact!
Historically, his birthday saw the premiere of Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” the debut of the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip, and American Express issuing the world’s first travelers’ checks.
Though, I think my favorite historical entry for that day is the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty is laid on Bedloe’s Island.
I’m not even going to bore you with the ancient August dates in ancient times!
I’ll just give you one little taste – Mount Vesuvius’ eruption buries the city of Pompeii on Aug. 24, 79.
That’s a staggering factoid and something I don’t recall being taught in school.
Or, at the very least, it was glossed over quickly in favor of something else.
But, it’s these interesting little dates that I find worth sharing with you dear readers.
After all, maybe my own quest for oddball historical facts for August can prompt you to explore other months.
If I remember, I’ll probably revisit this topic for my birth month – October.
Until then, I encourage you to take a trip down the rabbit hole and Google whatever your heart desires or makes you curious.
Just try to avoid pop-up ads and information phishing scams.
