We take a look at some of the events that occurred on March 17th.

Today In …

45 BC - Julius Caesar defeated Pompey’s forces at the Battle of Munda.

1756 - St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in New York City for the very first time.

1845 - The rubber band was patented by Stephen Perry.

1931 - Gambling became legal in Nevada.

1941 - The National Art Gallery opened.

1969 - Golda Meir became the Prime Minister of Israel.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Pattie Boyd the actress/model/photographer was born in 1944. She is probably best known for being married to George Harrison of the Beatles and later to Eric Clapton. Boyd was the inspiration behind Clapton’s classic song “Layla”.

Nat King Cole the timeless singer of “Unforgettable” was born in 1919.

Billy Corgan the front man for the rock band The Smashing Pumpkins was born in 1967.

Brittany Daniel who appeared in “The Basketball Diaries” and “Joe Dirt” was born in 1976.

Lesley-Anne Down the actress who appeared on TV’s “The Bold & the Beautiful” and “Sunset Beach” was born in 1954.

Patrick Duffy who starred on TV’s “Dallas” and “Step by Step” was born in 1949.

John Wayne Gacy the notorious serial killer was born in 1942.

Janet Gardner singer and founding member of the rock band Vixen was born in 1962.

Kate Greenaway the author and children’s book illustrator was born in 1846.

Shemp Howard who replaced brother Curly Howard in the Three Stooges was born in 1895.

Rob Lowe who appeared in “Wayne’s World” and TV’s “The West Wing” was born in 1964.

Dana Reeve the actress/singer/entertainer/activist and wife of Christopher Reeve was born in 1961.

Kurt Russell the actor who starred in “Escape From New York”, “Tombstone” and “Backdraft” was born in 1951.

John Sebastian the singer/songwriter who was part of the rock band The Lovin’ Spoonful. Sebastian wrote the songs “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Welcome Back”.

Gary Sinise who starred as Lieutenant Dan in “Forrest Gump” and on TV’s “CSI: New York” was born in 1955.

Matthew St. Patrick from TV’s “Six Feet Under” was born in 1968.

We Said Goodbye To…

Marcus Aurelius the Roman Emperor passed away in 180 at the age of 58.

Christian Doppler the mathematician behind the scientific term Doppler Effect passed away in 1853 at the age of 49.

Helen Hayes the Oscar winning actress of “Airport” and “Anastasia” passed away in 1993 at the age of 92.

J. J. Jackson one of the original MTV VJs passed away in 2004 at the age of 62.

Saint Patrick the patron saint of Ireland passed away in 461. Some reports have his age between 71 and 74.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1956 - On The Country Charts – “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley
1984 - On The Country Charts – “Elizabeth” by the Statler Brothers
2001 - On The Country Charts – “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” by Toby Keith

Famous Marriages

1905 - Franklin D. Roosevelt married Eleanor Roosevelt.

Special Observances

Today is St. Patrick's Day!

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