Birthdays

Dr. Benjamin Spock - May 2, 1903.
Pediatrician and author, Spock's book on child rearing - "Baby and Child Care", has sold more than 30 million copies.

Bing Crosby - May 3, 1903
Harry Lillis Crosby  was the best-selling artist, most popular radio star and biggest box office draw in his day - even beyond the emergence of rock music in the 1950s.  His recording of "White Christmas" was one of the best-selling single records of the 20th century. 

Audrey Hepburn, May 4, 1929
Hepburn was an Academy Award-winning actress who made 26 movies during her career and received a total of five Academy Award nominations.  During the last years of her life, she served as a spokesperson for the United Nations Children's Fund.


Events

April 30, 1938 - Bugs Bunny First Appears on the Screen!
"What's up, Doc?" is about to become a famous phrase, as on this date in 1938 the famous cartoon character "Bugs Bunny" made his debut.  He would be joined by many other cartoon favorites like Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam.

April 30, 1789 - George Washington Inaugurated
George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States under the new Constitution that was approved only months earlier.  The oath was administered on the balcony of Federal Hall on the corner of Wall and Broad Streets in New York City. 

May 1, 1971 - Amtrak Service begins
The national rail service that combined the operations of 18 passenger railroads went into service on this date.  Amtrak employs nearly 19,000 people. It operates passenger service on 21,000 miles of track primarily owned by freight railroads connecting 500 destinations in 46 states.

May 1, 1884 - First "Skyscraper"
Construction of a building to house the Home Insurance Company in Chicago began on this date, and was completed just one year later in 1885.  The building stood for 46 years before its demolition in 1931.  So how high was this first skyscraper?  A whopping 10 stories!

May 4, 1886 - Haymarket Square Riot
Labor union unrest in Chicago led to violence when a crowd of unemployed men tried to cross a picket line.  Although no one was killed, anarchist groups called a mass meeting in Haymarket Square to avenge the "massacre" - and in this demonstration bombs were thrown, and several policemen were killed. 

May 6, 1915 - Babe Ruth's First Major League Home Run
Playing for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth's first home run was hit during a game against the New York Yankees in New York.

May 6, 1937 - Hindenburg Disaster
The dirigible Hindenburg exploded as it approached the mooring mast at Lakehurst, New Jersey, after a transatlantic voyage.  Of its 97 passengers and crew, 36 died in the accident, which ended the dream of mass transportation via dirigible.