On April 23, 1635, the oldest public school in America, the Boston Latin School was established in Boston, Massachusetts.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 23, 1912, the first Presidential preference primary election in New England took place in New Hampshire.

President William Howard Taft defeated former President Theodore Roosevelt in New Hampshire. Roosevelt switched parties before the General Election which took place later that November, however they both lost to Woodrow Wilson.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Photo of the Inauguration of James Buchanan in 1857

On April 23, 1791, 15th President of The United States James Buchanan was born in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Shirley Temple was born on April 23, 1928 in Santa Monica, California.

After a successful Hollywood film career Shirley hosted a children’s TV series between 1958-1961 called Shirley Temple’s Storybook.
The series had 41 episodes and featured popular storylines such as “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Rapunzel” and “Beauty and The Beast.”

Image: Shirley Temple in 1938 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 23, 1950, the Minnesota Lakers became the first NBA Champions after winning Game Six against the Syracuse Nationals.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Bud Wilkinson, born on April 23, 1916, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was a transformative figure in American football. He coached the University of Oklahoma from 1947 to 1963, steering the Sooners to three national championships, 14 conference titles, and an unmatched NCAA record of 47 consecutive wins between 1953 and 1957. Wilkinson became well-known for his pioneering coaching techniques and focus on discipline.

As a standout athlete at the University of Minnesota, Wilkinson played a vital role in securing three national championships during the mid-1930s. Following his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he embarked on his renowned coaching career. Later, Wilkinson pursued a political career, ran for the U.S. Senate, worked as a broadcaster, and had a brief stint in the NFL as a coach. He also served as an advisor to President John F. Kennedy on youth fitness initiatives.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969, Wilkinson left a legacy that endures beyond the football field. He passed away on February 9, 1994.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Chicago Federals at Weeghman Park in Chicago, April 1914

On April 23, 1914, the first baseball game at Weeghman Park (now known as Wrigley Field) was played.

Image by Chicago Daily News via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On April 23, 1789, George Washington along with his family and staff moved into the Samuel Osgood House on Cherry Street in Manhattan, New York.

This first presidential mansion was Washington’s home for 10 months.

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Photo of Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood, N.A. Tours, France, April 23, 1918

Hagood was Chief of Staff of the Services of Supply of the American Expeditionary Forces in France

He received a Distinguished Service Medial for “his ability for organization, his energy, and his sound judgement”
He would remain Chief of Staff of the Services of Supply through Armistice

Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Born April 23, 1936 Roy Orbison began playing guitar at six, was a radio performer at eight and leading a band by 13. He was called “The Caruso for Rock” for his vocal range and strong voice. Roy’s hits include “Only the Lonely,” “Crying,” “Running Scared,” and of course, “Oh, Pretty Woman” . . .Mercy!

Image via Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright, public domain in the US

On April 23, 1977, Thelma Houston’s version of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” became the #1 song in America.

Image via Alamy

On April 23, 1985 Coca-Cola introduced “New Coke.”

79 days later, after receiving thousands of letters and phone calls with complaints, the company announced the return of the previous recipe.

During this critical moment of “the cola wars”
Pepsi strategically ran an ad campaign showing consumers drinking their product stating
“Now I know why Coke did it.”

Image via Alamy

Lee Majors was born on April 23, 1939 In Wyandotte, Michigan.

Did you know that Majors has a degree in History from Eastern Kentucky University?

Image: Lee Majors in 1972 by ABC Television via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain