One of the deepest impulses in man is the impulse to record, to scratch a drawing on a tusk or keep a diary… The enduring value of the past is, one might say, the very basis of civilisation.”
John Jay Chapman, American author
1. Mary had a little lamb was published
On this day in history in 1830 Mary had a little lamb was published.
Sarah Josepha Hale’s poem is one of the best-known English language nursery rhymes.
2. Amy Johnson flew solo from England to Australia
On this day in history in 1930 Amy Johnson flew solo from England to Australia. The English aviatrix was the first woman to achieve this feat. Her 18,000 km (11,000 mi) flight aboard a de Havilland Gypsy Moth aircraft took her from Croydon, U.K. to Darwin, Australia in 19 days.
3. The first Eurovision Song Contest is held
On this day in history in 1956 The first Eurovision Song Contest was held. Lys Assia won the first edition for Switzerland. The ESC is a major song contest in Europe and one of the world’s longest-running TV programs. It is held in a different country each year.
4. Engineers began drilling the world’s deepest hole
On this day in history in 1970 Engineers begin drilling the world’s deepest hole. The Kola Superdeep Borehole had reached the unsurpassed depth of 12,262 meters (40,230 feet) before the project was abandoned due to a lack of funding.
5. 23 died in the Jerusalem wedding hall disaster
On this day in history in 2001 23 died in the Jerusalem wedding hall disaster. Hundreds of wedding guests fell two stories deep when a portion of the third floor collapsed. The tragedy was Israel’s worst civil disaster.
