This Day in History — April 13
National Days:
- Silly Earring Day
- Thomas Jefferson Day
- Make Lunch Count Day
- Scrabble Day
- Peach Cobbler Day
- Borinqueneers Day
- Egyptian National Food Day
- National Anthem Day in Brazil
- International Special Librarian Day
- International FND Awareness Day
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What Happened:
— 1869 - George Westinghouse patents a steam power brake
— 1796 - The first elephant arrives in NYC from India
~No one knew how to care for an elephant, which meant she dined on greens and liquor & never named her
— 1870 - The New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art is founded
— 1904 - Congress authorizes a Lewis and Clark Exposition $1 gold coin for circulation
— 1920 - Helen Hamilton becomes the first female Civil Service Commissioner
— 1934 - Nearly 4.7 million families in the U.S. report they are receiving welfare payments
— 1943 - The Jefferson Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
~in East Potomac Park on the south bank of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
— 1946 - White pitcher Eddie Klepp is signed by the {black} League champions Cleveland Buckeyes
— 1949 - May Clinic physician Dr. Philip S. Hench announces that cortisone can treat rheumatoid arthritis
— 1953 - CIA launches the mind-control program Project MKUltra
— 1960 - First navigational satellite Transit-1B launched
— 1970 - The phrase "Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here", is transmitted by Apollo 13 after a Beech-built oxygen tank explodes on its way to Moon
— 1976 - The Treasury Department reintroduces the two-dollar bill as a Federal Reserve Note
— 2024 - Iran struck Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles during the Israel-Hamas War
~marking the first time the two regional powers came into a direct military confrontation
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Birth/Death:
— Isaac Low (April 1735-1791): Founder of the New York Chamber of Commerce
~the first organization of it's kind in the U.S.
— Thomas Jefferson (April 1743-July 4, 1826): third President of the U.S. (1801-1809) and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence
~He once wrote, “All my wishes end where I hope my days will end—at Monticello.”
~his political philosophy = Jeffersonianism; reads include = “The Fundamentals of Government.”
~Abraham Lincoln said, “The principles of Jefferson are the axioms of a free society.”
— Eli Terry (April 1772-1852): Clockmaker
~received a patent shelf clock mechanism that would eventually lead to making clocks affordable for everyone
— Frank Winfield Woolworth (April 1852-1919): Founder the F. W. Woolworth Company
~one of the first five and dime stores in the country
— Alfred Mosher Butts (April 1899-1993): Creator of the game Scrabble
~explains national scrabble day
— Edna Lewis (April 1916-2006): Considered the "Mother of Soul Food”
— Michael Stuart Brown (April 1941-Still Living): Geneticist
~a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for describing the regulation of cholesterol metabolism
— Archie "Grey Owl" Belaney (1888–April 1938): conservationist
— Eudora Welty (April 1909-2001): Short-story writer and novelist
~work depicts the regional manners of people inhabiting a small Mississippi town that resembles her birthplace = Jackson, Mississippi
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Sources: nationaldaycalendar, farmersalmanac, Britannica
April 13 is a fascinating date with rich historical significance that spans various domains such as politics, culture, and science. Personally, I find it intriguing how this day honors not just major historical milestones but also celebrates unique cultural events that highlight diverse aspects of human achievement and tradition. One of my favorite stories related to April 13 is the 1796 arrival of the first elephant in New York City from India. Imagine the curiosity and mystery surrounding this majestic creature that no one knew how to properly care for back then. It’s a reminder of how exploration and globalization brought new experiences and challenges in past centuries. Another captivating event is the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1870. Having visited this iconic museum multiple times, I can attest to its vast cultural treasures that continue to educate and inspire millions worldwide. This museum’s establishment reflects the importance of preserving art and history for future generations. April 13 also marks Thomas Jefferson Day, commemorating the third U.S. president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His political philosophy, Jeffersonianism, remains influential, emphasizing liberty and democratic principles. Visiting the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., especially around this day, affords a profound way to connect with American heritage. The day also celebrates National Scrabble Day, honoring the beloved word game’s creator Alfred Mosher Butts. I enjoy playing Scrabble with family and friends, as it’s a fun way to sharpen language skills and foster social bonds. In addition to cultural observances, April 13 has scientific milestones worth acknowledging. For example, in 1949, cortisone’s effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis was announced, marking a breakthrough in medical history. Furthermore, reflecting on recent events, April 13, 2024, witnessed significant geopolitical developments with direct military confrontations between Iran and Israel, showing how history continues to unfold with profound global implications. Lastly, I discovered that April 4-18 marks the National Parks Fortnight, including locations like Dunbar Cave and Raven's Eyrie, where nature lovers can explore unique ecosystems and historical sites. Such events enrich our appreciation for natural heritage and conservation efforts. Overall, April 13 intertwines various facets of human experience—history, culture, science, and nature—offering an enriching perspective every year. I encourage others to delve into these stories and perhaps celebrate some of the national days personally, bringing history to life in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
