Today in 1861, American banks stopped payments in gold.
Today in 1894, suffragette Amelia Jenks Bloomer died at the age of 76. She became famous for wearing short skirts over baggy trousers – a style that became known as “bloomers.”
Today in 1919, Lincoln's Inn in London admitted Marjorie Powell – its first female bar student. So you understand, one had to be admitted to an Inn of Court to practice law.
Today in 1924, astronomer Edwin Hubble formally announced the existence of other galactic systems at meeting of the American Astronomical Society.
Today in 1940, the first freeway in Los Angeles – the Arroyo Seco Parkway – was officially completed and opened to the public.
Today in 1953, the first color TV sets went on sale. The cost? About $1,175.
Today in 1980, "The Wonderful World of Disney" aired for the last time on NBC-TV after more than 25 years on TV. At the time, it was the longest-running series in prime-time television history. It was later picked up by CBS before moving to ABC then BACK to NBC before arriving on the Disney Channel. From 1991 to 1997 and since 2008, the series only airs sporadically as a special presentation a few times a year – generally on ABC.
Today in 1983, “Dr. J.,” Julius Erving, of the Philadelphia 76ers, sank a free throw in the third quarter to become the ninth professional basketball player to score 25,000 points.
Today in 1984, wrestler Randy “Macho Man" Savage married his manager, “Miss Elizabeth” Hulette. The couple divorced in 1992, and sadly, Hulette died in 2003 of a drug overdose.
Today in 1999, Sarah "Sadie" Clark Knauss, listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest person with a verifiable date of birth, died in Allentown, Pennsylvania, at age 119.
Today in 2003, US Attorney General, John Ashcroft, recused himself and his office from the Valerie Plame affair.
Today in 2007, Tom Brady set a then-NFL record, throwing his 50th TD pass, and the New England Patriots become the first team in NFL history to finish the regular season 16-0.
Today in 2018, Patrick Mahomes became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns during KC Chiefs' 35-3 win over Oakland Raiders; achieves both marks with 3rd quarter 89-yard TD pass to Demarcus Robinson.