Entertainment
Birth of Theodore Roethke
Acclaimed poet Theodore Huebner Roethke was born on May 25, 1908, in Saginaw, Michigan. Considered one of the most influential poets of his time, he won the 1954 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and two National Book Awards for Poetry.
Hot Wheels
On May 18, 1968, Hot Wheels released its first toy cars, dubbed “The Sweet 16.” Since then, they’ve become one of the world’s most popular toy car makers, with the company estimating that they sell eight Hot Wheels every second.
Birth of Dimitri Tiomkin
Dimitri Zinovievich Tiomkin on born on May 10, 1894, in Kremenchuk, Poltava Governorate, Russian Empire (present0day Ukraine). Tiomkin was a celebrated composer, producing more than 100 film scores including those for It’s a Wonderful Life, High Noon, and many more.
Opening of Carnegie Hall
On May 5, 1891, Carnegie Hall officially opened to the public with a concert conducted by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Carnegie Hall has become one of the world’s most highly acclaimed venues, hosting both classical and popular music acts as well as important speeches and gatherings.
HemisFair ’68
On April 6, 1968, HemisFair ’68 opened in San Antonio, Texas. It was the first official international exposition held in the Southwestern US. The fair also honored the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio.
Birth of Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini was born Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary. He became one of the world’s most famous illusionists, most well-known for his daring escape acts.
Happy Birthday, Bob Wills
Western swing musician James Robert Wills was born on March 6, 1905, in Kosse, Texas. Wills developed his own brand of country music and was known as the “King of Western Swing.”
Happy Birthday, Mel Ott
Melvin Thomas “Master Melvin” Ott was born on March 2, 1909, in Gretna, Louisiana. Playing baseball with the New York Giants for his entire career, Ott was a twelve-time All-Star and six-time National League home run leader.
American Arts Series
On February 28, 1973, the USPS issued the first of seven stamps in its new American Arts Series. The stamps in the series honored artists from several different genres, including painting, music writing, and filmmaking.