On this day in 1733, the Society of Freemasons opened its first chapter in the United States. The mysterious Freemasons, of course, play a great role in the blockbuster book and movie “The Da Vinci Code”. At least I think it was the mysterious Freemasons. Maybe it was the mysterious Odd Fellows. Well, for sure it wasn’t the mysterious Lion’s Club.
On this day in 1793, Governor Simcoe began building Fort York, where the city of Toronto is today. People complain these days that the only way you can see the fort is from a fast-moving car on the Gardiner Expressway. Get serious! Since when have the words ‘fast moving’ and Gardiner been used together?
On this day in 1908, the Around the World Automobile Race ended in Paris. There were very few cars left at the finish line. Most of them sank trying to drive across the Atlantic.
On this day in 1948, professional wrestling debuted on primetime television in the United States. Prior to this, stupid people had nothing to do in the evening.
On this day in 1974, the Quebec National Assembly passed Bill 22, making French the official language of Quebec. Thank goodness they did, too, otherwise, today, you’d have people in Montreal leaving work on Fridays saying, “Okay, bon weekend!”
On this day in 1975, Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa disappeared in a Detroit suburb. The story goes that he was ordered killed by mobster Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno, then cut into pieces and driven from Detroit to New York where he was poured into the concrete at Giants Stadium. Killing Hoffa and then cutting him into pieces would have been unpleasant work, but I figure the worst job of all had to be the poor schmuck who had to drive a car with the body parts to New York City in the middle of summer. Only two things to remember; pedal to the metal and windows down all the way.
By the way, July 30th is the annual Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California. Two things you will notice all day long; no kissing and no vampires.
If your birthday is July 30th, you share it with Canadian superstar Paul Anka, who was born on this day in 1941. This guy was a one man hit-writing machine. He is remembered fondly for songs like “Diana”, “Put Your Head on my Shoulder” and “Lonely Boy” as well as the theme for the Johnny Carson Show. He is, however, despised in every karaoke bar in the world whenever some drunk gets on stage and tries to sing “My Way”.
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