Month: May 2024

May 21st: Amelia Earhart Became The First Woman To Fly Solo Nonstop Across The Atlantic

What Happened On May 21st? On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart made history by becoming the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean. Taking off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, on May 20, she navigated through challenging weather and mechanical issues. After 14 hours and 56 minutes in the air, she successfully landed in a pasture at Culmore, near Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Her achievement not only showcased her exceptional piloting skills but also broke barriers in aviation and gender norms of the time. The Departure Earhart took off from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in her bright red Lockheed Vega…

May

2024

May 20th: Charles Lindbergh Departed On The First Solo Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight

U.S. History

What Happened On May 20th? On May 20, 1927, in the early morning hours at Roosevelt Field, New York, Charles Lindbergh began an audacious journey. At precisely 7:52 AM, the Spirit of St. Louis, a single-engine monoplane, took off from a rain-soaked runway. Its pilot aimed to become the first person to complete a solo non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. As the aircraft ascended, its heavy load of 450 gallons of fuel made the takeoff perilous, barely clearing the telephone wires at the end of the runway. Lindbergh's flight was a daring venture into the unknown, fraught…

May

2024

May 19th: Marilyn Monroe Performed “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” For JFK

Hollywood History

What Happened On May 19th? On the evening of May 19, 1962, Marilyn Monroe took the stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City, for one of her final performances. To support a Democratic fundraiser and celebrate President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday, 15,000 guests attended. The guest list included the political and social elite of the era. The Dress Monroe dressed in a stunning dress that has since become famous in its own right. As she took to the stage to serenade the President, her performance was as provocative as it was memorable. The dress, an elaborate creation…

May

2024

May 18th: Worst Ever School Massacre Claimed 45 Lives

U.S. History

What Happened On May 18th? On May 18, 1927, the deadliest school massacre in U.S. history rattled the quiet farming community of Bath Township, Michigan. At approximately 8:45 a.m., an explosion ripped through the north wing of the school, collapsing the roof and trapping students and teachers under the rubble. Through the panic, rescuers worked frantically to free the survivors. As the community reeled from the initial explosion, the culprit in full business attire, drove his truck to the scene. Around 9:45 a.m., he detonated the truck, killing himself and several others, including the school superintendent, Emory Huyck. Who Did…

May

2024

May 17th: Racially Segregated Schools Declared As Unconstitutional

U.S. History

What Happened On May 17th? On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This decision declared racial segregation in public schools as unconstitutional. Delivered by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the ruling stated that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," thus overturning the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision that had established the doctrine of "separate but equal." The decision was a leap forward in the fight for equal rights in America, galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement. The Legal Battle First off, the dedicated efforts of several…

May

2024

By Professor Mei X. Chen, M.A., Literature Scholar

May 16th: The First Ever Academy Awards Held In L.A.

Arts & Culture

What Happened On May 16th? On May 16, 1929, Hollywood gathered for a legendary evening in the annals of cinema. The first Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, where about 270 attendees, including industry luminaries, gathered for a private dinner. To celebrate the highest achievements in filmmaking, this event would grow into one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the world, the Oscars. The Inception Of The Academy Awards The idea for the Academy Awards was conceived by Louis B. Mayer, head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), who sought to create an organization that…

May

2024

May 15th: The First Ever McDonald’s Opened In California

Arts & Culture

What Happened On May 15th? On May 15, 1940, Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the doors of their first restaurant, McDonald's Bar-B-Q, in San Bernardino, California. The brothers introduced a simple menu featuring 25 items. This small drive-in restaurant would lay the foundation for what would become a global fast food empire. Who Were The McDonalds? Later in 1948, Richard and Maurice McDonald revolutionized their drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, by introducing the "Speedee Service System." This system emphasized quick service and high efficiency. From the get-go, their innovative kitchen design allowed for a rapid assembly of food, drastically…

May

2024

May 14th: NASA’s Skylab Launched Into Space

Science & Industry

What Happened On May 14th? On May 14, 1973, at 1:30 PM EDT, the United States launched Skylab, its first space station, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As the Saturn V rocket ascended, it carried the hopes and dreams of many who had dedicated years to the project. Unfortunately, the initial moments were fraught with challenges. Shortly after liftoff, Skylab's micrometeoroid shield was torn away, damaging one of its solar panels. This left the station critically underpowered and exposed to high temperatures. During the next few days, NASA engineers and astronauts underwent intense efforts to devise a plan to…

May

2024

May 13th: The First Ever Formula One Championship Held In England

Sports History

What Happened On May 13th? On May 13, 1950, the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, England, hosted the inaugural race of the Formula One World Championship season. Being the first event in history, this tradition mesmerized millions. As time went on, it would evolve into one of the most prestigious and widely followed motorsport series in the world. A Bomb Station? In the aftermath of World War II, Britain found itself rebuilding and rejuvenating. The war had left deep scars, but it also allowed for an era of innovation. Among the industries experiencing a resurgence was motor racing, a beloved sport…

May

2024