Poor Gabriel's Almanac

Interesting things that happened July 9th:

Birthdays on this date:

In 1764 Ann Ward Radcliffe, English Gothic novelist (The Italian)
In 1802 Thomas Davenport, invented the first commercially successful electric motor
In 1819 Elias Howe (in Spencer, Mass), sewing machine inventor
In 1858 Franz Boas, anthropologist, linguist
In 1879 Ottorino Respighi, Italian composer (Pines of Rome)
In 1916 Edward Heath (C), British prime minister (1970-74)
In 1927 Ed Ames, singer (Johnny Carson's hatchet man)
+ Red Kelly, hockey star, Canadian MP (Liberal)
In 1929 Hassan II, king of Morocco (1961-99)
In 1936 James Hampton, actor (Doris Day Show, F Troop, Sling Blade)
In 1940 Brian Dennehy, actor (Silverado, Cocoon, Gorky Park)
In 1941 Karin von Aroldingen, German ballet dancer
In 1947 Orenthal James "O.J." Simpson, NFL running back (Buffalo Bills), famous defendant
In 1956 Jimmy Smits, actor (L.A. Law, West Wing, NYPD Blue, Star Wars saga)
+ Tom Hanks, actor (Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Green Mile)
In 1957 Kelly McGillis, actor (Witness, Top Gun, The Accused)
In 1976 Fred Savage, actor (The Wonder Years, Little Monsters, Crumbs)

Events worth noting:

+ Dog Days
+ Feast of St. Maria Goretti, virgin, martyr
+ Independence Day, celebrated in Argentina
+ National POW/MIA Recognition Day
In 1540 England's King Henry VIII 6-month marriage to Anne of Cleves annulled.
In 1595 Johannes Kepler discovers inscribed perfect geometric solid "construction of universe."
In 1776 Declaration of Independence is read aloud to Gen. George Washington's troops in New York.
In 1800 Mt. Vernon Gardens becomes site of first summer theatre in U.S.
In 1816 Argentina declared its independence from Spain.
In 1846 Capt. Montgomery claims Yerba Buena (San Francisco) for the U.S.
In 1850 Bab (Bahá'í prophet) executed in Tabriz, Iran.
+ Zachary Taylor, 12th pres of US died in White House served 16 months.
In 1862 Gen. John Hunt Morgan captures Tompkinsville, Kentuckty.
In 1896 William Jennings Bryan gives his 'cross of gold' speech at the Democratic Convention in Chicago.
In 1910 Walter Brookins becomes 1st to pilot an airplane to 1 mile altitude.
In 1918 101 killed in worst US train wreck in Nashville, Tenn.
In 1932 Washington Redskins (then Boston Braves) formed.
+ Yanks Ben Chapman hits 2 inside the park homers tying record.
In 1933 Defunct Frankford Yellowjackets franchise is sold, to rejoin the NFL as the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 1951 President Truman asked Congress to formally end the state of war with Germany.
In 1953 First helicopter passenger service, NY city.
In 1957 Announcement of discovery of element 102 - nobelium.
In 1966 J. Nicklaus wins Brit. Open; 4th to win all four major championships.
In 1976 Uganda asks UN to condemn Israeli hostage rescue raid on Entebbe.
In 1979 Voyager II flies past Jupiter.
In 1980 Walt Disney's "The Fox and The Hound" is released.
In 1993 While demonstrating how safe the windows in a Toronto skyscraper are, Garry Hoy pushed out a window pane and fell to his death.

And remember ...

Baked Beans Month
Hot Dog Month
Ice Cream Month
National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

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Although efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, several errors have been found in the past. Don't place any bets on the basis of what you find here. If you spot an error, write to Poor Gabriel at poorgabriel@mystery.com .