Today in 1775, Sir James Jay invented invisible ink. And it wasn’t a party trick – it was seen as a vital method for Patriots to communicate with each other…outside of British eyes.
Today in 1890, the first Army-Navy football game was played at West Point, New York. The midshipmen from Annapolis dominated, shutting out the cadets, 24-0.
Today in 1942, the US Office of Price Administration rationed coffee for everyone…to 10-pounds per year. A real shame, as Americans were consuming roughly 20-pounds per year, per person. Thankfully, the horror of that decision ended July 28th, 1943 – and unlike bread, meat or other items…it was the FIRST to be removed from the list of rationed items.
Today in 1953, the first issue of "Playboy" magazine rolled off the presses, featuring the now-legendary Marilyn Monroe nude calendar photo. The first issue sold 70,000 copies. It was released in December of that year.
Today in 1959, the second annual GRAMMY Awards were shown on network television for the first time. "Mack the Knife" won Record of the Year and Bobby Darin, who sang it, was Best New Artist of the Year.
Today in 1963, President Johnson named a commission headed by Earl Warren to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy.
Today in 1981, actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident. Just 43-years-old at the time, her passing has been the subject of persistent rumors that she was actually murdered by her husband, Robert Wagner.
Today in 1995, President Clinton signed a $6-billion road bill that ended the federal 55 mile-an-hour speed limit.
Today in 2016, former NFL player-turned-NFL analyst Darren Sharper was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of rapes – at least a dozen.
Today in 2017, Matt Lauer was fired from NBC's "Today" show after allegations of sexual misconduct were found to be substantive.
Today in 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris confirmed the first all-female Communications team for the White House.