Today in History - October 2nd

• 1789 - George Washington communicated the proposed Constitutional amendments (The United States Bill of Rights) to the States for ratification, which eventually came into effect as Constitutional Amendments on December 15, 1791. Today in history, we preserved the rights of a fledgling nation, which was to become the leader of many.
• 1833 - On this day in history, The NY Anti-Slavery Society was organized. This was a first step towards the abolition of slavery in the USA. On December 18, 1865, The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
• 1836 - Today in history, Darwin returned to England aboard HMS Beagle (after 5 years). Charles Darwin’s five-year voyage on H.M.S. Beagle had become legendary, as insights gained on his trip to exotic locales profoundly influenced his masterwork, On the Origin of Species.
• 1864 - The First Battle of Saltville (1 October – 3 October 1864), was fought near the town of Saltville, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The battle was fought by Confederate units against regular Union troops, including one of the few black cavalry units, over an important “saltworks” in the town.
• 1870 - On this day in history, Italy annexed Rome & Papal States; and Rome was made the Italian capital. Power was consolidated in the eyes of Europe, from economic, political and religious standpoints.
• 1871 - Today in history, Brigham Young, Mormon leader, was arrested for bigamy. In this day and age, the Mormon Church has abolished polygamy.
• 1941 - The Germans launched attack on Moscow, as part of expansion efforts to conquer and appropriate territories in Europe, in the midst of World War II.
• 1944 - On this day in history, the Nazis stopped the Warsaw Uprising, killing 250,000 people in a series of mass murders that still constitute one of the most massive genocide efforts in our chronicles.
• 1949 - Today in history, the USSR recognized The People's Republic of China. Two peas in a pod, two nations whose philosophies came close or matched exactly.
• 1967 - This day in history, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as 1st black Supreme Court Justice: A key step on the road to electing Barack H. Obama as the first black President of the United States in 2008.
• 1984 - Three cosmonauts returned to Earth after a record 237 days in orbit. Little did we know then that we would someday have permanent space stations with resident astronauts leading productive, daily lives in outer space.
• 2001 - NATO upheld US military strikes, following the attacks of 9/11 in NY, Washington DC and PA. America had embarked in a series of foreign invasions to find and capture the master planners behind 9-11. Today in history, America found the support necessary to fight for its freedoms abroad.

SCIENCE, INVENTIONS - Today in History, October 2nd

• 1866 - This day in history, J. Osterhoudt patented the tin can with key opener. For anyone who has ever opened a can of sardines, octopus, clams, this rates as a clever, practical feature in any kitchen.

CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE - Today in History, October 2nd

• 1895 - Today in history, the 1st cartoon comic strip was printed in a newspaper, starting a great tradition followed by thousands to this day.
• 1950 - The 1st strip of Charlie Brown was published, "Li'l Folks," followed by "Peanuts," in 9 national newspapers. Charlie remains daily fare for millions of readers worldwide.
• 1955 - On this day in history, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" premiered on American Television to a legion of fans.
• 1956 - The first atomic power clock was unveiled in New York City.
• 1959 - Today in history, Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" premiered on CBS-TV. Some of the episodes of the Twilight Zone featured famed sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury.
• 1994 - "Show Boat," opened at Gershwin Theater NYC, upholding a great American Music-Theater tradition.
• 1995 - On this day in history, "Moon Over Buffalo" opened at Martin Beck Theater NYC for 308 performances. Few have followed in its footsteps over time!

SPORTS - Today in History, October 2nd

• 1909 - Today in history, the 1st rugby match took place (Twickenham).
• 1921 - NY Yankee Babe Ruth hit his record 59th Homerun.
• 1932 - On this day in history, The NY Yankees fought and won over the Chicago Cubs in the 29th World Series.
• 1947 - Yankee Yogi Berra became the 1st player to pitch a World-Series homer.
• 1991 - Today in history, Steffi Graf became the youngest woman to win 500 professional tennis matches.
• 2005 - NFL played first regular season game outside United States in Mexico City, Mexico

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS - October 2nd

• 1936 - Today in history, Johnnie Cochran, attorney (OJ Simpson defense attorney) was born.
• 1938 - Rex Reed, Fort Worth, TX, movie critic/actor (Myra Breckinridge) came into the world.
• 1939 - On this day in history, Yuri Nikolayevich Glazkov, USSR, cosmonaut (Soyuz 24) entered the atmosphere for the first time.
• 1945 - Don McLean, New Rochelle, NY, singer/songwriter (American Pie, Vincent) was born.
• 1948 - Today in history, Donna Karan, Forest Hills, NY, fashion designer (Coty Award-1977) took her first breath.
• 1949 - Annie Leibovitz, Waterbury, Connecticut, renowned photographer (Rolling Stones) was also born on this day.
• 1949 - Today in history, Lorraine Bracco, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, American actress, improvised her first appearance on the planet.