Today in 1763, the Touro Shul of Newport, Rhode Island was dedicated – it’s the oldest existing synagogue in the US.
Today in 1901, Gillette patented the first disposable razor.
Today in 1927, the first Ford Model A was unveiled on this day in New York City’s Waldorf Hotel and in 35 other cities around the U.S., Canada and Europe. The Phaeton model sold for $395 while the Tudor Sedan went for $495. Ford made almost two million Model A cars in 1929 alone.
Today in 1969, the Boeing 747 jumbo jet got its first public preview as 191 people (most of them reporters and photographers) flew from Seattle to New York City.
Today in 1982, Barney B. Clark became the first recipient of an artificial heart. The 61-year-old retired dentist from Seattle underwent a 7½-hour operation at the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. The operation was performed by a surgical team headed by Dr. William C. DeVries. Clark survived with the artificial heart for over 3 months. He died 112-days later...on March 23rd, 1983.
Today in 2001, Enron Corporation filed for Chapter 11 reorganization – in the largest bankruptcy in American history.
Today in 2014, comedian Bill Cosby resigned from the board of trustees of Temple University over renewed sexual assault allegations, which have since snowballed…and landed him a prison term.
Today in 2014, after featuring in a magazine article with long-time life partner, veteran MLB umpire and crew chief Dale Scott openly acknowledged his homosexuality – the reaction from baseball circles was overwhelmingly positive.
Today in 2015, a domestic terrorist attack on a social services center in San Bernardino, California left 14 dead and 22 wounded. The perpetrators – who were later revealed to hold allegiance with ISIS – were later killed in a shootout with local police. Three other people were arrested on a variety of charges in connection with the attack.
Today in 2016, a fire during a dance party at a warehouse in Oakland, California killed 36. The building, which was known as “The Ghost Ship,” had illegally been converted into an artist collective with dwelling units. Two men – the leaseholder and the property manager – were later charged over the incident.
Today in 2016, President Donald Trump took a call with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, in a break from America's long-standing "One China" policy.