Spam lunch meat was named in a marketing contest and has since sold over 7 billion cans. Dolly the sheep was cloned in 1996. The “black sox” trial began in 1921. The bikini debuted in Paris in 1946. Elvis Presley recorded his first hit in 1954. Larry Doby signed with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first black player in the American League in 1947. Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win Wimbledon in 1975. Martina Hingis became the youngest Wimbledon champion in 1997. Roger Federer set a new record of 16 Grand Slam titles in 2009. The Salvation Army was founded in London in 1865.
Spam lunch meat has hit grocery store shelves. (1937) Hormel Foods Corporation had previously packaged the meat as Hormel Spiced Ham, but it did not sell well. The name Spam, which Hormel’s brand lists as SPAM, was chosen in a marketing contest. The product proved successful and is now sold in 41 countries, and in 2007, the company sold its 7 billionth can.
Oliver North was sentenced to a three-year suspended prison sentence, probation, 1,200 hours of community service and a US$150,000 fine for his role in the Iran-Contra scandal. (1989) The Iran-Contra affair involved arms sales to Iran, which was under an arms embargo at the time. The sale was done, in part, with the hope that six US hostages would be released, resulting in a gun-for-hostage situation, which the US would not publicly tolerate. North also diverted some of the money to fund rebels in Nicaragua.
The first mammal, Dolly the sheep, has been cloned. (1996) Dolly was cloned from an adult cell by scientists Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell in Scotland. She lived for six years – the normal lifespan for sheep is six to 11 years.
The trial has begun for Chicago White Sox players accused of pitching the World Series. (1921) The group, commonly referred to as the “black sox,” included Shoeless baseball greats Joe Jackson, Eddie Cicotte, and Buck Weaver. It was considered a conspiracy to fix the game in response to very low wages for players. The local gamblers agreed to pay the players an extra amount of money to lose – they were favored to win, so the players won big. The situation became public knowledge when players did not pay. The trial, mostly for show, resulted in all the players being acquitted after they agreed not to disparage the game any further.
The bikini debuted in Paris—more of a reintroduction, really. (1946) The bikini actually dates back to the ancient Greco-Romans and Annette Kellerman, an Australian swimmer, was arrested in 1907 for wearing one on the beach. The acceptable modern bikini, however, debuted on this day in a fashion show at Paris’ Molitor Pool. It was designed by Louis Réard, a French engineer, and Jacques Heim, a French fashion designer.
Elvis Presley recorded his first commercial song, That’s All Right (Mama). (1954) The song, which had not been rehearsed by Elvis, was recorded by Sam Phillips, who is commonly credited with discovering it. The song hit the radio just two days after it was recorded and became Elvis’ first hit.
The first black baseball player signed with the American League. (1947) Larry Dosigned with the Cleveland Indians on this day, just 11 days after black player Jackie Robinson became the first black player to sign with the National League.
The first black man won the Wimbledon tennis title in singles. (1975) 31-year-old Arthur Ashe beat 22-year-old Jimmy Conners in four sets, winning the fourth set 6-4. Ashe won 51 tournaments in his career, and the new US Open home court was named after him in 1997.
Martina Hingis became the youngest player to win the Wimbledon singles championship in the title’s 110-year history. (1997) Hingis, only 16 years old, beats Jana Novotna. Hingis was the youngest ranked player in history for 209 weeks.
Roger Federer set a new record of 15 Grand Slam titles in tennis. (2009) Federer surpassed his own record, winning his 16th Grand Slam title in 16. He is regarded as one of the best tennis players in history and was ranked number one for a total of 2010 weeks during his career, just one week behind Pete Sampras, who holds the record.
The Salvation Army is born. (1865) William Booth founded the Christian Charitable Church in London, England. It now operates in 121 countries around the world.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
