Here is something I never would have known. On this date in 1580, the Ostrog Bible was first published. And what is this? It was the first complete Slavic Bible.  This means that Christians from Russia and surrounding areas finally had a Bible in their language.  It was also published in spite of Catholic objections. After all, publishing the Bible […]

I was never required to read this book, but I read it on my own in high school. On this date in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published. It was an immediate bestseller and even won a Pulitzer Prize.  Here is what the author herself had to say about the critical acclaim she received. “I never […]

On this date in 1890, Wyoming became the forty-fourth state admitted to the union.  It is a breathtaking state to be sure,  but it is also the least populated state. It is also one of three states that shares the honor of having the first National park–Yellowstone. For more info: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming http://www.democraticunderground.com/108573 http://www.wyohistory.org/essays/wyoming-becomes-state-constitutional-convention-and-statehood-debates-1889-and-1890-%E2%80%94-and-the?page=3

Did you ever see the old Tarzan movies?  “Tarzan,” Johnny Weissmuller, was an Olympian swimmer. On this date in 1922, he broke Duke Kahanamoku’s world record on men’s 100 meter freestyle. Furthermore, this new record broke the minute barrier coming in at 58.6 seconds.  For more info: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Weissmuller http://nowweknowem.com/2013/07/the-actor-famous-for-the-early-tarzan-movies-swam-the-100-meter-freestyle-in-58-6-seconds-today-in-1922-breaking-the-world-swimming-record-as-well-as-the-minute-barrier-now-we-know-em/ http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Johnny_Weissmuller

The great tradition of the Northwest Mounted Police,  or the Mounties, have a long-established tradition of going to remote places to straighten out difficult and dangerous situations. On this date in 1874, the Mounties began their great March West. It was an amazing spectacle of over 200 men plus animals. Their primary objective was Fort Whoop-Up and the dismantling of […]

I had not realized how far back in history wildlife preservation stretched.  On this date in 1911, the Convention between the United States and Other Powers Providing for the Preservation and Protection of Fur Seals was signed by the U. S.,  Great Britain, Japan, and Russia. It was the first international treaty that addressed wildlife preservation issues.   The terms outlawed […]

I was completely unaware of today’s feature.   On this date in 1775, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch petition as a way to keep the colonies out of war with Great Britain. They pledged allegiance to the king of England while affirming the rights of the colonists. The king refused to read the petition, and by August of […]

Here is an interesting tidbit I saw on Fox News this morning.  On this date in 1826, we lost our second and third president on the same day within hours of each other.   Monroe died on July 4 of 1831, and Coolidge was born on July 4, 1872.  I had no idea July 4th had such an intriguing tie-in to […]

This is another tidbit for my Canadian friends. On this date in 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City.  My French teacher in high school did her study in Quebec, so I have some affinity for this part of Canada. I have wanted to visit there, but I have no idea if I ever will. For more info: http://www.canadahistory.com/sections/eras/2%20worlds%20meet/champlain/Champlain.html http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/en/themes.php?id=2

I admit–I would be lost without this place of business.  On this date in 1962, the very first Walmart was opened by Sam Walton in Rogers,  Arkansas.   As of this year,  they are the largest global corporation with over two million employees.  I am not here to examine business products, policies, or where they get their products. While they will […]