Discover the Magic of May 13th: Top 8 Amazing Fun Facts and Historic Moments
1. Stevie Wonder's Motown Independence
When Stevie Wonder gave Motown a "signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours" moment on his 21st birthday, he wasn't just talking about cake: On May 13th, 1971, Stevie allowed his Motown contract to expire, gaining more creative control over his music. He independently recorded two albums before signing a new, groundbreaking contract with Motown, pushing the limits of R&B through the use of synthesizers and electronic musical instruments.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
2. Popes, Painters, and Pugilists' Birthdays
In the realm of celestial birthday bashes, there lies a day that brings us popes, painters, and pugilists: May 13 is when Pope Innocent XIII, French cubist painter Georges Braque, and heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis all blew out their candles, gifting the world with their respective accomplishments and legacies.
Source => upi.com
Did you know that on May 26th, 1940, New Hampshire experienced one of its strongest earthquakes ever, measuring a mighty 5.6 magnitude? This ground-shaking event caused quite a stir, with aftershocks felt 129 times in the following month! 🌎🌪️💥
=> Fun Facts about May-26th
3. The Birth of Bodybuilding Competitions
Before Hulk Hogan flexed his mustache, or Arnold Schwarzenegger pumped iron in movies, there was a competition that flexed on a whole new level: On May 13th, 1901, Eugen Sandow organized the first "Great Competition" at London's Royal Albert Hall, ushering in a new era of bodybuilding by searching for the best-developed man in Great Britain and Ireland, ultimately crowning William Murray of Nottingham as the winner and gifting him with the coveted Sandow Statuette.
Source => barbend.com
4. Fred Ott's Sneeze: The First Copyrighted Film
Before the Kardashians sneezed their way to stardom, there was Fred Ott – a true pioneer in the art of onscreen nose-blowing escapades: On May 13th, 1894, Thomas Edison and William K. Dickson created the first copyrighted film in the U.S., "Fred Ott's Sneeze," which showcased Edison Manufacturing Company employee Fred Ott sneezing after taking a puff of snuff. Little did they know, their short and sniffy creation would eventually pave the way for our binge-worthy marathons, as they assumed a ten-minute film would have us all reaching for the tissues!
Source => good.is
5. A Leap for Frog Lovers: National Frog Jumping Day
Here's a ribbeting tale for you, frog lovers: May 13th marks the day when amphibian enthusiasts leap into action and pay tribute to high-flying frogs with National Frog Jumping Day! The quirky holiday has its roots in the frog jumping phenomenon that gained prominence back in 1849, thanks to Mark Twain's literary leap, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Nowadays, these hoppy events have spread far and wide, even inspiring record-breaking feats like Rosie the Ribeter's 21 feet, 5-3/4 inches jump in 1986. So whether you find yourself in Michigan, Florida, or Idaho, reminisce about the ribbiting adventures of Jim Smiley's frog on this special day and share your enthusiasm with #FrogJumpingDay on social media.
Source => nationaldaycalendar.com
6. Road to Abolishing Slavery: 13th Amendment Passes the Senate
You'd think that on May 13th, we'd be discussing some lucky break or a baker's dozen miracle: Instead, let's rewind to May 13, 1864, when the United States Senate passed the 13th Amendment, paving the way for the eventual abolishment of slavery. Although it took the House of Representatives some time and President Lincoln's dedication to finally adopt the amendment on January 31, 1865, it was a game-changing moment in history and laid the groundwork for slavery's eradication in the US.
Source => archives.gov
7. The Birthplace of the Banana Split
Banana splits have been driving us bananas for over a century, and if you ever wondered where the sundae Funday went down, this scoop might just split your sides: On May 13th, 2013, Tassell Pharmacy in Latrobe, Pennsylvania was honored with a state historical marker to commemorate it as the birthplace of the banana split, complete with a weekend-long celebration sponsored by Dole Food Company Inc. and a visit from the mascot, Bobby Banana.
Source => paheritage.wpengine.com
8. From BBQ Joint to Fast Food: The First McDonald's
Before burgers ruled the world and Ronald McDonald became the ultimate fast-food mascot: On May 13, 1940, the first McDonald's – initially called McDonald's Barbecue Restaurant – opened its doors in San Bernardino, California, serving lip-smacking barbecue ribs, beef, and pork sandwiches. It later transformed in October 1948 into the speedy, simple, and affordable eatery we know today, carving its name into the annals of the restaurant industry, with a museum now standing on the original site to commemorate the birthplace of McGenius.
Source => californiathroughmylens.com
