This Day in History Class
iHeartPodcasts and HowStuffWorks
From the desk of “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” “This Day in History Class” quickly recounts a tidbit from today’s events in history.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 23, 2022 • 6min
Toy company Wham-O produces the first Frisbees - January 23rd, 1957
On this day in 1957, the Wham-O toy company produced its first batch of plastic, flying discs — now known to fans of all ages as Frisbees. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2022 • 9min
A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian obelisk is erected in Central Park, New York - January 22nd, 1881
On this day in 1881, an ancient Egyptian obelisk, also known as Cleopatra’s Needle, was installed in Central Park, just behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 21, 2022 • 8min
An oil well is drilled by torpedoes for the first time - January 21st, 1865
On this day in 1865, a Union Army Colonel turned oil tycoon used a makeshift torpedo to increase the flow of fossil fuels from a well. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 20, 2022 • 8min
Marvin Gaye's hit song "What's Going On" is released - January 20th, 1971
Motown legend Marvin Gaye released the influential hit single 'What's Going On' in 1971, challenging societal norms and paving the way for socially conscious music. The song's anti-war sentiment led Gaye to gain creative control over his music, inspiring change over 50 years later.
Jan 19, 2022 • 9min
A famous horned lizard dies after living 31 years entombed in the cornerstone of a Texas courthouse - January 19th, 1929
On this day in 1929, a horned lizard named Old Rip died of pneumonia after allegedly surviving 31 years sealed in the cornerstone of the Eastland, Texas courthouse. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 18, 2022 • 7min
The U.S. government bans the sale of sliced bread - January 18th, 1943
On this day in 1943, Claude R. Wickard, the Secretary of Agriculture and head of the War Food Administration, banned the sale of pre-sliced bread in America during World War II Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 17, 2022 • 7min
The Great Brink's Robbery - January 17th, 1950
On this day in 1950, a group of armed robbers stole more than $2 million from the Brink’s Armored Car depot in Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 16, 2022 • 7min
Part One of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote novel is published in Spain - January 16th, 1605
On this day in 1605, the first half of Miguel de Cervantes' landmark novel Don Quixote was published in Spain. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2022 • 7min
A cartoon in Harper's Weekly uses the donkey to symbolize the Democratic Party for the first time - January 15th, 1870
On this day in 1870, political cartoonist Thomas Nast first used the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party in a cartoon titled “A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 14, 2022 • 7min
The clarinet is invented in Nuremberg, Germany - January 14th, 1690
On this day in 1690, German instrument maker Johann Christoph Denner created the world’s first clarinet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
