Today in History January 31st

1734 Robert Morris, merchant (signed Declaration of Independence)

1865 Congress passes the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in America (passes 121-24)

1872 Zane Grey, American West novelist (Riders of the Purple Sage)

1925 Charles Aidman, American TV narrator (New Twilight Zone), born in Frankfort, Indiana

1949 ‘These Are My Children‘ is broadcast live on Chicago’s NBC station. It’s the first in what will become an institution of daytime drama serials, many of which will be sponsored by–yes–soap manufacturers. Television soap operas will begin dying out in the 21st century as tastes change.

BIRTHDAYS

Norman Mailer
(1923 – 2007)

Lisa Marie Presley
Turns 50

1927 Lorraine Warren, American paranormal investigator (Amityville haunting), born in Monroe, Connecticut

1933 Bernardo Provenzano, Mafia Boss (Cosa Nostra), born in Corleone, Sicily (d.2016)

1978 Brad Rutter, Jeopardy! champion, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania