On August 19 in history, Indianapolis Motor Speedway held its first auto race, Kalamazoo opened the nation’s first downtown pedestrian mall, the Beatles began a North American tour, and Google went public. (READ MORE)
Scott Winters
I’ve always been the kind of person who notices the things other people overlook — strange roadside attractions, forgotten pieces of history, interesting places, odd trends, and the little things in everyday life that make you laugh and say, “Wait... when did that become normal?”
This blog is where I share those discoveries.
Some days you might learn something fascinating from history. Other days I’ll take you along on a road trip, share a weird story from Michigan’s past, or simply rant about something in modern life that makes absolutely no sense.
No matter what, my goal is simple: keep things interesting!
August 18 in History: Women Win the Vote, Earth Is Photographed from the Moon & Woodstock Ends
On August 18 in history, the 19th Amendment achieved ratification, Earth was photographed from lunar orbit, Jimi Hendrix closed Woodstock, and Larry Bird announced his retirement. (READ MORE)
August 17 in History: Steamboat Service Begins, Animal Farm Is Published & Michael Phelps Makes History
On August 17 in history, Robert Fulton launched commercial steamboat service, “Animal Farm” was published, the first commercial CDs began production, and Michael Phelps won his eighth Olympic gold medal. (READ MORE)
August 16 in History: Detroit Surrenders, Sports Illustrated Debuts & Elvis Presley Dies
On August 16 in history, Detroit surrendered to British forces, “Sports Illustrated” published its first issue, Joseph Kittinger made his record-setting parachute jump, and Elvis Presley died at age 42. (READ MORE)
August 15 in History: Panama Canal Opens, “The Wizard of Oz” Premieres & Woodstock Begins
On August 15 in history, the Panama Canal opened to commercial traffic, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered in Hollywood, Woodstock began in New York, and Thomas Edison helped make “hello” the standard telephone greeting. (READ MORE)
August 14, 2003: Northeast Blackout
It was a normal Thursday afternoon in the summer, or so many people thought. Then almost 55 million people found themselves without power. (READ MORE)
August 14 in History: Social Security Begins, World War II Ends & “Rocky Horror” Premieres
On August 14 in history, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, Japan surrendered to end World War II, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” premiered, and Michigan began requiring drivers to carry licenses. (READ MORE)