Interesting things that happened May 16th:
Birthdays on this date:
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In 1801 William H. Seward, who bought Alaska at $0.02/acre
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In 1905 Henry Fonda (in Grand Island, Nebraska), actor (The Grapes of Wrath,
On Golden Pond, My Name Is Nobody, Once Upon a Time in the West)
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In 1912 Studs Turkel, author, social activist
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In 1913 Woody Herman, bandleader
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In 1931 Lowell Weicker, US Senator (R-CT, 1971-89)
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In 1953 Pierce Brosnan (in Ireland), actor (Remington Steele, Bond series)
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In 1955 Debra Winger (in Columbus, Ohio), actor (Terms of Endearment)
+ Olga Korbut (in Russia), gymnast (Gold, 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games)
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In 1966 Janet Jackson, singer, Michael's sister
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In 1969 Tracey Gold, actor (Growing Pains, Safe Harbor)
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In 1970 Gabriela Sabatini, tennis professional, raqueteer
Events worth noting:
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In 1763 James Boswell first meets Samuel Johnson.
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In 1770 Marie Antoinette married the future King Louis XVI of France
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In 1863 Battle of Champion's Hill. Bloodiest action of Vicksburg Campaign.
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In 1866 Congress authorizes nickel 5-cent piece (the silver half-dime was
used up to this point).
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In 1872 Metropolitan Gas Company lamps lit for first time.
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In 1914 Ewing Field, near Masonic Street, opens.
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In 1920 Joan of Arc was canonized in Rome.
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In 1927 Bob Meusel steals second, third, and Home.
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In 1929 First Academy Awards were given out. 'Wings' won best picture. Best
Actor went to Emil Jennings; Best Actress, Janet Gaynor.
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In 1948 Israel issues its first stamps.
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In 1955 American author and critic James Agee died in New York.
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In 1956 Kraft Theatre presented an act from 'Profiles in Courage.'
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In 1957 Yanks involved in Copacabana Incident, leads to Billy Martin trade.
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In 1963 22nd Mersenne prime (2^9,941 - 1) is discovered.
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In 1969 Venera 5, Venus landing. First successful landing on another
planet.
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In 1971 First Class Mail now costs 8 cents (was 6 cents).
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In 1975 Japanese Junko Tabei became first woman to reach Mt Everest's
summit.
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In 1984 Actor Andy Kaufman dies.
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In 1990 Sammy Davis, Jr., "The Complete Entertainer", dies of throat cancer.
Later that day, Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, dies from
pneumonia and complications.
And remember ...
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Better Hearing and Speech Month
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Older Americans Month
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