This Day…

1928 – 51 frogs enter 1st annual “Frog Jumping Jubilee” (Angel’s Camp, California)

1900 – L. Frank Baum‘s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published, and it became a classic of children’s literature; the 1939 film adaption is among the most beloved movies in American cinema.

1841 – First emigrant wagon train to make it to California leaves Independence, Missouri on a 1,730 mile journey over the Sierra Nevada.

1846 – The ill-fated Donner party left Independence, Missouri, for California; months later the group became trapped in the Sierra Nevada and some members reportedly resorted to cannibalism when the food ran out.

1869 – Golden Spike driven, completing the 1st US Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah and connecting the Central Pacific Railroad with the Union Pacific

1899 – The Irish Literary Theatre in Dublin opens

1926 – Sinclair Lewis refused a 1925 Pulitzer for “Arrowsmith.”

1885 – “Good Housekeeping” magazine is 1st published

1930 – The first organized night baseball game was played in Independence, Kansas.

1949 – 3rd Tony Awards: “Death of a Salesman” & “Kiss Me Kate” win