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 12 in History: Edison Invents the Phonograph, “The Wizard of Oz” Premieres & IBM Releases the PC
On August 12 in history, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered, IBM released the Personal Computer, and Charles Lindbergh visited Grand Rapids during his nationwide tour. (READ MORE)
June 21 in History: The Constitution Takes Effect, the Ferris Wheel Debuts, and the WNBA Launches
On June 21 in history, the U.S. Constitution took effect, the Ferris Wheel debuted, the WNBA launched, and SpaceShipOne became the first private aircraft to reach space. (READ MORE)
June 12 in History: Anne Frank’s Diary, Reagan’s Berlin Wall Challenge, and Digital TV Takes Over
On June 12 in history, Anne Frank received her diary, interracial marriage bans were struck down, Reagan challenged the Berlin Wall, and digital television officially replaced analog broadcasting. (READ MORE)
June 1, 1879: The Day Grand Rapids Fired the Boys and Hired the Girls
Grand Rapids telephone companies replaced boy switchboard operators with women in 1879 after complaints that the boys were leaving their posts to play marbles.
May 22, 2011: The Video That Tried To Prove Grand Rapids Wasn’t Dying
After Grand Rapids was called a “dying city” in 2011, thousands of people joined together to create the massive Grand Rapids LipDub video in response.
February 26, 2009: Rick Beckett Died
On February 26, 2009, Grand Rapids radio personality Rick Beckett passed away at the age of 54. A look back at his career on WOOD Radio and The Rick and Scott Show. (READ MORE)