1907: Hersheypark Opens
In 1906, Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate company, purchased land near Union Deposit, Pennsylvania to develop a park to be used exclusively for his employees.
On this day in 1907, the public was invited to visit Hershey’s Park which included a baseball game (Hershey’s team defeated the Crescent Club of Harrisburg by 13-1 by the way), live music performed by the Hershey band and other activities.
The first amusement ride constructed on the park grounds was the Allen Herschel carousel built in 1908. A miniature railroad was built next in 1910 (which continued to run through 1971) and bumper cars were added in 1926. The oldest attraction still in operation at the park is the 1945 carousel.
Today, what is now known as HersheyPark stretches 121 acres and features 70 attractions (including 14 roller coasters), Boardwalk water park and ZooAmerica. (Image: HersheyPark/Wikimedia)
1989: Paul
Paul McCartney tries to explain that despite the rumors, he isn’t dead.
1979: Ray
Ray Charles version of “Georgia On My Mind” becomes the Georgia’s official state song.
1989: New Kids
Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis declares today as, “New Kids on the Block Day”.
1982: Jane Fonda’s “Workout” Home Video is Released
Controversial actress and activist Jane Fonda has warmed the hearts of some while angering others throughout her lifetime, but in on this day in 1982, she started a whole new trend when she released her first exercise home video simply titled, “Workout.” This was on the heels of her book, “Jane Fonda’s Workout book” which was released the year before. That book stayed as the #1 bestseller for more than six months. The book and video not only brought exercise back into women’s consciousness, but also tights, legwarmers and Spandex.
Movies Released
- 2009: Obsessed
- 2009: The Soloist
- 2015: Brotherly Love
- 2015: Ex Machina
- 2015: The Age of Adaline
- 2020: Extraction
TV Series Debuts
- 2011: Beyond the Blackboard
- 2014: Bad Teacher
- 2014: Black Box
- 2016: Acting Dead
- 2020: Defending Jacob
Billboard Hot 100 #1 Songs
- 1961: “Tossin’ & Turnin’” by Bobby Lewis
#1 position for 7 weeks
Famous Birthdays
- 1940: Sue Grafton (author)
- 1942: Barbra Streisand (actress)
- 1964: Cedric the Entertainer (comedian)
- 1989: David Boudia (Olympic diver)
- 1992: Joe Keery (actor)
- 1998: Ryan Newman (actress)
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