Paracultural Calendar for July 3

[Mark Thibodeau]

On this day in 987 AD, some Frenchie by the name of Hugh Capet is
crowned King of France. He is the first of the Capetian dynasty that
would rule over France until the French Revolution deposed them in
1792.

***

On this day in 1608, the city of Quebec is founded by Samuel de
Champlain, making it one of the oldest cities in North America. Also,
the ramparts surrounding the Old Quebec region are the only still
standing city walls that exist north of Mexico. It’s a great place to
visit. Y’all should go sometime.

***

On this day in 1754, American Revolutionary General George Washington
surrenders Fort Necessity to French forces during the French and
Indian Wars.

***

On this day in 1819, the Bank of Savings in New York City, the first
savings bank in the United States, opens.

***

On this day in 1844, the last pair of Great Auks - a kind of clumsy,
North Atlantic penguin - is killed.

***

On this day in 1884, Dow Jones and Company publishes its first stock average.

***

On this day in 1886, Karl Benz officially unveils the Benz Patent
Motorwagen – the first purpose-built automobile.

***

On this day in 1886, the New York Tribune becomes the first newspaper
to use a linotype machine, eliminating typesetting by hand.

***

On this day in 1939, baseballer Lou Gehrig makes his "luckiest man
alive" speech at Yankee Stadium. This, despite the fact that he was
suffering from Lou Gehrig's Disease, which would soon take his life.
Imagine, dying of a disease whose name you share! What are the
frickin' odds?!

***

On this day in the year 1969, Rolling Stone guitarist Brian Jones
drowns in his pool. When told about the tragedy, Keith Richards says:
"Brian who?"

***

On this day in 1971, Jim Morrison - frontman and founder of The Doors
- dies of heart failure in a bathtub in Paris. Fussy Parisians take
his death as a confirmation of the long-held superstition that bathing
can kill you.

***

On this day in 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs the first
directive for secret aid to the opponents of the pro-Soviet regime in
Kabul.

***

On this day in 1988, the United States Navy shoots down an Iran Air
jetliner over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 civilians on board.
Oops!

***

On this day in 1996, the Stone of Scone is returned to Scotland.
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