Today in 1871, the first roll of toilet paper was sold. And in case you’re curious which way the roll is supposed to go (over or under) the patent application for perforated TP proves that it’s OVER.
Today in 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing American women the right to vote, was declared in effect when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the amendment into law. The amendment prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex – in the voting booth.
Today in 1978, the Turin shroud, which has been venerated as the burial cloth of Christ, went on public display for the first time in 45 years.
Today in 1989, Trumbull, Connecticut's Little League baseball team won the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by defeating a team from Taiwan. Considered a major upset, these amazing kids also became the first American team since 1983 to win the title.
Today in 1996, Barbara Jewell, mother of security guard Richard Jewell, tearfully called on President Clinton to clear her son's name in connection with the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. Jewell was later cleared by the Justice Department – and in 1997, then Attorney General Janet Reno noted, “I think we own him an apology.” He never did get that exactly, but in 2006 – the year before he died, Jewell was commended by Gov. Sonny Perdue at a bombing anniversary event. Perdue offered, “This is what I think is the right thing to do.”
Today in 2013, ALL 25,000 applicants to the University of Liberia failed their university entrance exams. As for why…university officials, said hopefuls lacked enthusiasm and did not have a basic grasp of English.
Today in 2016, San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick took a knee in protest during the national anthem at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium while playing against the San Diego Chargers, objecting to racial injustice and police brutality in the US. He had done it once before, but this time…people started to notice.
Today in 2019, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay state of Oklahoma $572-million in first trial against opioid manufacturer.
Today in 2020, Milwaukee Bucks forfeited their NBA playoff game after the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to the NBA postponing more games.
Today in 2021, two bomb blasts at Kabul Airport, Afghanistan killed at least 60 people, including 12 US soldiers, amid international efforts to evacuate citizens out of the country.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)