We take a look at some of the events that occurred on May 20th.

Today In …

1862 - The Homestead Act was signed into law by President Lincoln.

1873 - Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for blue jeans with an added addition of copper rivets.

1927 - Charles Lindbergh began his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. His airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis departed New York’s Roosevelt Field and arrived at Paris’ Le Bourget Field the following day.

1932 - Amelia Earhart began her solo flight across the Atlantic.

1940 - The Auschwitz concentration camp was established.

1969 - In the Vietnam War, the Battle of Hamburger Hill ended.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Dean Butler the actor best known for his portrayal of Almanzo Wilder on TV’s “Little House on the Prairie” was born in 1956.

Cher the legendary singer of such songs as “Believe” as well as being one half of the popular duo Sonny & Cher was born in 1946.

Joe Cocker the singer of such songs as “Feelin’ Alright”, “With a Little Help From My Friends” and “You Are So Beautiful” was born in 1944.

Mindy Cohn who starred as Natalie on TV’s “The Facts of Life” was born in 1966.

William Fargo co-founder of Wells Fargo was born in 1818.

David Hedison who starred in “Licence to Kill” and on TV’s “The Young and the Restless” was born in 1927.

William Hewlett co-founder of Hewlett-Packard was born in 1913.

Dolley Madison the former First Lady and wife of the 4th U.S. President James Madison was born in 1768.

Bronson Pinchot who starred on TV’s “Perfect Strangers” was born in 1959.

Ron Reagan the host of “The Ron Reagan Show” and son of the late former President Ronald Reagan was born in 1958.

Busta Rhymes the actor and rap artist was born in 1972.

James Stewart the legendary actor who starred in “Philadelphia Story”, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Vertigo” was born in 1908.

Tony Stewart the NASCAR driver was born in 1971.

Dave Thomas who starred in the films “Rat Race” and “Strange Brew” as well as TV’s “Grace Under Fire” was born in 1949.

Constance Towers who starred on daytime TV’s “Capitol” and “General Hospital” was born in 1933.

Jane Wiedlin singer/songwriter and guitarist with the rock band The Go-Gos was born in 1958.

We Said Goodbye To…

Christopher Columbus the famed explorer passed away in 1506 at the age of 54.

Marquis de LaFayette the French statesman and Revolutionary War hero passed away in 1834 at the age of 75.

Gilda Radner the actress/comedienne and “Saturday Night Live” cast member passed away in 1989 at the age of 42.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1957 - On The Country Charts – “A White Sports Coat & A Pink Carnation” by Marty Robbins
1967 - “Groovin’” by the Young Rascals
1978 - “With A Little Luck” by Wings
1978 - On The Country Charts – “She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime” by Johnny Duncan
1989 - “Forever Your Girl” by Paula Abdul
2000 - On The Country Charts – “The Way You Love Me” by Faith Hill

Musical Moments In…

1980 - Peter Criss officially announced his departure from KISS.

TV Moments In…

1982 - The final episode of ABC’s “Barney Miller” aired.

1993 - The final episode of the NBC comedy “Cheers” aired.

In Print In…

1916 - The first “Saturday Evening Post” that featured the artistry of Norman Rockwell on the cover was published today.

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