Holidays
Saint Basil's Day
St. Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. Basil of Caesarea (330 to January 379) was an early Roman Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Caesarea.
New Years Day
Celebrating the start of a new year.
According to the Gregorian calendar, New Year's day falls on January 1st, the first day of the calendar year.
In pre-Christian Rome under the Julian calendar, the day was dedicated to Janus, the god of gateways and beginnings and for whom January is named.
Up till the middle of the 18th century, the new year was celebrated on various dates in Europe, including December 25, March 1, March 25, and on Easter.
Circumcision of Christ, by Luca Signorelli c. 1491
Circumcision of Christ, by Luca Signorelli c. 1491
Circumcision of Christ
Celebrating Jesus' submission to Jewish law, which holds that males should be circumcised eight days after birth.
According to the Gospel of Luke: "And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, his name was called Jesus, the name called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb".
What Happened On
Rocky vs. Apollo Creed
January 1, 1976
Date of the fictional fight between Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) in the first Rocky movie (1976).
(**Spoiler Alert**) Rocky loses by decision, but manages to go all 15 rounds, a first for any of Creed's opponents.
Smoking Ads Banned - Providing a Boon to the Cigarette Companies
January 1, 1971
The last day for cigarette commercials on U.S. public TV and radio. The ban applied to all broadcast mediums regulated by the FCC.
The last cigarette commercial on the national networks was a Virginia Slims ad that aired at 11:59 p.m. on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Johnny Carson, a lifelong smoker, died of emphysema. It was reported that he repeatedly said, "These things are killing me."
Smokeless tobacco ads were allowed until 1986.
Ironically, this did not have the intended effect and actually provided a boon to the cigarette industry. Prior to this ban, stations were required to give the same time to anti-smoking messages as they did to cigarette commercials, as per the Fairness Doctrine which required equal time to controversial topics. Cigarette smoking among Americans had been on the decline of 2.6% annually from 1968 to 1970 after the application of the Fairness Doctrine to cigarette commercials. On the other hand, cigarette commercials didn't generally increase the market, but only tended to only get consumers to switch brands. Without cigarette commercials the Fairness Doctrine no longer applied thus eliminating the required anti-smoking spots. Smoking increased by 2.5% annually over the next several years. Plus, the cigarette industry's total advertising budget decreased by $80 million in 1971.
Hank Williams Really Was Dead
January 1, 1953
American country singer Hank Williams' chauffeur realizes Hank had died in the car. Earlier that night, the chauffeur was stopped by a highway patrolman who commented that Hank looked dead. Later, when the driver stopped for fuel, he realized Hank really was dead and rigor mortis had begun to set in. Williams was only 29 years old.
Williams had been taking pain killers to ease the symptoms of his spina bifida occulta. When Williams saw a doctor earlier that day because he was feeling the effects of the sedative chloral hydrate and alcohol he drank, the doctor gave him two shots of B12 that also contained a quarter-grain of morphine. It is believed Williams died of heart failure caused by the combination of alcohol, morphine, and chloral hydrate.
His song Your Cheatin' Heart, which was recorded the previous September, was released a few weeks after his death and stayed #1 on the country charts for six weeks. His song Take These Chains From My Heart was released the following April and also went to #1 on the country charts.
Last batch of automobile fenders before the conversion to production of airplane parts
Last batch of automobile fenders before the conversion to production of airplane parts
New Car Sales Halted Due to WWII
January 1, 1942
The U.S. halts the sale of new civilian automobiles. Auto manufacturers ceased production of civilian cars the following February as they converted to the production of military vehicles, airplanes, torpedoes, and other supplies for World War II. The existing stockpile of over 500,000 automobiles were rationed to purchasers deemed "essential drivers."
Sales and production resumed in 1945 shortly after Japan surrendered.
Worst Blunder in College Football
January 1, 1929
During the Rose Bowl game, California Golden Bear's center Roy Riegels runs 65 yards the wrong way during the game. He was stopped six inches from the goal by his own teammate. A safety scored on a blocked punt the next play caused them to lose (8-7).
He then became known as Roy "Wrong Way" Riegels.
First Rose Bowl Game
January 1, 1902
Michigan beats Stanford (49-0). This is the oldest currently operating college bowl game. It was originally called the Tournament East–West football game and played in Pasadena's Tournament Park. The Rose Bowl stadium hosted its first "Rose Bowl" game on January 1, 1923.
First Ellis Island building
First Ellis Island building
Ellis Island
January 1, 1892
Ellis Island opens. It was the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the U.S. from 1892 until it closed in 1954. In 1897, the wooden building caught fire and burned to ground, losing most of the immigration records dating back to 1855. A new fireproof building was then built to take its place.
Photo Credit: André Karwath aka Aka
Photo Credit: André Karwath aka Aka
Emancipation Proclamation
January 1, 1863
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln Issues the Emancipation Proclamation. It called for the freeing of slaves in the rebelling states. However, the Confederate states ignored it, and it didn't apply to the slaves of Union States. It did free slaves that escaped from the Confederacy.
Victor Frankenstein becoming disgusted at his creation
Victor Frankenstein becoming disgusted at his creation
Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus
January 1, 1818
Mary Shelley's famous novel is first published. During the rainy, cold volcanic summer of 1816, known as the "Year Without Summer," caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora, 18-year-old Mary was challenged to write a horror story. Shortly afterwards, she had a waking dream of a corpse brought back to life. "I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half vital motion. Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world." She expanded her dream into the classic novel.
Photo Credit: André Karwath aka Aka
Photo Credit: André Karwath aka Aka
Importation of Slaves Banned
January 1, 1808
U.S. Congressional act prohibiting slaves from being imported into the U.S. becomes effective. It was passed on March 2, 1807.
Ceres and Moon size comparison
Ceres and Moon size comparison
First Discovery of an Asteroid
January 1, 1801
Ceres is discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi in Italy. It has a diameter of 582 miles (937 km) and is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, comprising about 25% of the asteroid belt's total mass. Although called an asteroid for many years, Ceres is so much bigger and so different from its rocky neighbors that in 2006 it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
NFL Dropkick
January 1, 2006
Doug Flutie makes a successful dropkick. This was the first successful dropkick in an NFL game since 1941.
Yorkshire Ripper
January 1, 1981
Peter Sutcliffe is arrested on suspicion of murdering 13 women. He had previously worked as a calendar model.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
January 1, 1979
U.S. Office of Personnel Management is established. It administers a merit system for federal employees.
Polo Ban on Left-Handed Play
January 1, 1977
U.S. Polo Association's ban on left-handed play goes into effect. All players must now use their right hands to swing their sticks, except players who played left-handed before the ban.
First Coast-to-Coast Football Game Broadcast from the West Coast
January 1, 1927
Rose Bowl game is broadcast nationwide by NBC. University of Alabama ties Stanford University (7-7). It was also the last Rose Bowl game to end in a tie.
Stanford held that lead at 7-0 from the first quarter on, but in the final minutes of the game, Stanford was forced to punt. The kick was blocked, and Alabama took over 14 yards from goal. Alabama running back Jimmy Johnson carried the ball in for the touchdown and with the extra point tied the game. Stanford's George Bogue had missed an 18-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter.
First Airline with Scheduled Passenger Service
January 1, 1914
The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line of Florida begins operation.
The Homestead Act
January 1, 1863
The Homestead Act goes into effect, giving land to settlers.
U.S. Postage
January 1, 1856
Government-issued stamps become mandatory for postage. Until then, other forms of payment were legal.
Haiti
January 1, 1804
The West Indies island declares its independence from France.
Birthdays
Photo Credit: Chris Rand
Photo Credit: Chris Rand
Inventor of Pong
Allan Alcorn
Born January 1, 1948
American computer scientist. He created the video game Pong (1971). After hiring Alcorn, Atari founder Nolan Bushnell gave him a learning exercise of creating a version of the Magnavox Odyssey (the first home video game console) tennis game. Bushnell liked the result so much, he decided to market it, naming it Pong, and it became the world's first commercially successful video game. Magnavox later sued Atari for patent infringement.
Stymie Beard (Matthew Beard, Jr.)
Born January 1, 1925 d. 1981
African-American actor. The derby-wearing Little Rascal. He appeared in 36 Our Gang films. His trademark hat was a gift from Stan Laurel. He also played Monte in the TV series Good Times (1974-77).
John Edgar Hoover
Born January 1, 1895 d. 1972
American law enforcement administrator and the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States. He was head of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), when it became the FBI in 1935, making him the FBI's first president. When he took over as head of the BOI in 1924, he fired all female agents and banned the hiring of female agents.
Whitehead's craft in flight
Whitehead's craft in flight
First in Flight - Before the Wright Brothers
Gustave Whitehead
Born January 1, 1874 d. 1927
Bavarian-born American inventor. According to some documents, he made the first manned heavier-than-air flight in 1901 - two years before the Wright brothers. Reports were published in the New York Herald and the Bridgeport Herald, and the event was witnessed by several people, including a reporter for the Bridgeport Herald. Children and youngsters who were present signed affidavits about 30 years later about what they saw. Reports said he started on the wheels from a flat surface, flew 800 meters at a height of 15 meters, and landed softly on the wheels.
Betsy Ross (Elizabeth Griscom Ross)
Born January 1, 1752 d. 1836
American flag maker. She is credited with creating the first stars-and-stripes flag for the U.S., which replaced the Grand Union Flag of 1775-76. Ross was one of several flag makers in Philadelphia who made the earlier Grand Union Flag and she also make flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the American Revolution.
The story about her making the first stars-and-stripes flag was started by her grandson shortly before the 1876 centennial celebrations of the American Revolution. However, most historians dismiss this claim.
Paul Revere
Born January 1, 1735 d. 1818
American soldier, hero of the American Revolution. He is best known for alerting the approach of British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord, as dramatized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride" (1861).
He was also the first American to successfully roll copper into sheets for use as sheathing on naval vessels (1800).
Troyer as Mini-Me
Troyer as Mini-Me
Verne Troyer
Born January 1, 1969 d. 2018
American actor, stunt performer, and comedian. At a height of 2 ft 8 in (81 cm), he was one of the shortest men in the world. Film: Austin Powers films (1999-2002, Mini-Me), Jingle All the Way (1996, Little Santa), and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001, goblin Griphook).
Troyer was born into an Amish community, but his family left the faith when he was a child.
Troyer died at age 49 of alcohol poisoning, which was later ruled a suicide.
Father Guido Sarducci
Don Novello
Born January 1, 1943
American comedian. Known for his character Father Guido Sarducci. In 1981, he was arrested for "impersonating a priest" and stripped of his priest outfit while doing a photo shoot at the Vatican. TV: Saturday Night Live.
Frank Langella
Born January 1, 1938
American Tony-winning actor. Broadway: Seascape (1977, Tony).
J.D. Salinger (Jerome David Salinger)
Born January 1, 1919 d. 2010
American author. Writings: The Catcher in the Rye (1951). Mark David Chapman was carrying a copy of this book when he killed John Lennon.
Dead Man Wins
Alvin "Tuffy" Coerber
Born January 1, 1919 d. 1992
American public official. He defeated his opponent in the August 1992 nomination for re-election for Kearny County Commissioner in Kansas - even though he had been dead for two weeks.
Dana Andrews (Carver Dana Andrews)
Born January 1, 1909 d. 1992
American actor. Film: Laura (1944), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and Night of the Demon (1957, which is referenced in the opening song of The Rocky Horror Picture Show). TV: Bright Promise (1969-72, Tom Boswell).
Charles Bickford
Born January 1, 1891 d. 1967
American actor. TV: The Virginian (Shiloh Ranch owner John Grainger).
E.M. Forster (Edward Morgan Forster)
Born January 1, 1879 d. 1970
English author. Writings: Where Angels Fear to Tread (1905), The Longest Journey (1907), A Room with a View (1908), Howard's End (1910), and A Passage to India (1924).
Baron Pierre de Coubertin
Born January 1, 1863 d. 1937
French educator, historian. He revived the Olympic games in 1896.
John Luther Long
Born January 1, 1861 d. 1927
American playwright. Writings: Madame Butterfly (1898).
Mad Anthony
Anthony Wayne
Born January 1, 1745 d. 1796
American Revolutionary War General. His daring and reckless tactics earned him the name "Mad Anthony". He is a founding father of the United States.
Alexander VI (Rodrigo de Borja)
Born January 1, 1431 d. 1503
Spanish-born religious leader, 214th Pope (1492-1503).
Deaths
Donna Douglas (Doris Ione Smith)
Died January 1, 2015 b. 1932
American actress, Miss New Orleans (1957). TV: The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-71, Elly May), The Twilight Zone (1960, The Eye of the Beholder). Film: Frankie and Johnny (1966, starring opposite Elvis Presley). The TV show The Beverly Hillbillies debuted on her 30th birthday.
First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress
Shirley Chisholm (Shirley Anita St. Hill)
Died January 1, 2005 b. 1924
American politician, educator. She was the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress (1968). In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
Grace Hopper (3rd from left) at Univac I with three other programmers (1957) and log page with moth
Grace Hopper (3rd from left) at Univac I with three other programmers (1957) and log page with moth
Discovered First Computer Bug
Grace Hopper
Died January 1, 1992 b. 1906
American computer pioneer, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral. While she was working on a Mark II Computer in 1947, her team discovered a moth stuck in a relay causing the computer to malfunction, causing the first "computer bug." Though the term "bug" had been used in engineering since the 1800s, this is the first recorded instance of a literal "computer bug." The moth can be seen in their log book at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. She was a pioneer in early computer languages and instrumental in the development of the computer language COBOL.
She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
Hank Williams
Died January 1, 1953 b. 1923
American country singer, composed Your Cheatin' Heart. His chauffeur was stopped by a highway patrolman who commented that Hank looked dead. Later on, the driver realized Hank really was dead. It is believed he died of heart failure caused by the combination of alcohol, morphine, and the sedative chloral hydrate. He began taking pain killers to ease the symptoms of his spina bifida occulta. Williams was only 29 years old.
Fred White
Died January 1, 2023 b. 1955
American drummer, with Earth, Wind & Fire. Music: Best of My Love (1977, #1), and After the Love has Gone (1979, #2, Grammy).
Don Larsen
Died January 1, 2020 b. 1929
American baseball pitcher. He pitched the first perfect no-hitter World Series baseball game (1956). It was the sixth perfect game in MLB history.
Mario Cuomo
Died January 1, 2015 b. 1932
American politician. Governor of New York (1983-94). He became nationally known after his keynote speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention. His son Andrew was also elected governor of New York (2011‑).
How Much Is that Doggie in the Window
Patti Page (Clara Ann Fowler)
Died January 1, 2013 b. 1927
American pop singer. Music: 
(How Much Is that) Doggie in the Window (1953, #1). She was the top-charting female vocalist and best-selling female artist of the 1950s, selling over 100 million records.
Cesar Romero
Died January 1, 1994 b. 1907
American actor. TV: Batman (the Joker) and Falcon Crest (Peter Stavros).
Yvonne and Yvette McCarther
Died January 1, 1993 b. 1949
American Siamese twins. At the time of their death they were thought to be the world's oldest Siamese twins. They were conjoined at the head, sharing a blood supply.
Victor Buono
Died January 1, 1982 b. 1938
American actor. TV: The Wild Wild West (1965, Count Manzeppi) and Batman (1966-68, King Tut). Film: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962).
Lewis as Harvard football center in 1892 (left) and in 1903
Lewis as Harvard football center in 1892 (left) and in 1903
William Henry Lewis
Died January 1, 1949 b. 1868
American lawyer. In 1903 Lewis became the first African American appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney and in 1911, became the first African American assistant U.S. attorney general (1911-13). He was also the first African-American selected as an All-American in college football, and was Harvard's first African American team captain.
Alfred Ely Beach
Died January 1, 1896 b. 1826
American inventor, publisher of Scientific American (1846 et seq.). He built New York City's first underground transit system (1870, A 10-passenger car that was pushed and pulled through a tunnel by a giant fan).
Francis Place
Died January 1, 1854 b. 1771
English reformer, considered the first political campaign manager (1807) in English electoral history.
Arthur Middleton
Died January 1, 1787 b. 1742
American patriot, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Christian III
Died January 1, 1559 b. 1503
King of Denmark and Norway (1534-59). He established the state Lutheran Church in Denmark (1536).
Louis XII
Died January 1, 1515 b. 1462
King of France (1498-1515).