John L. Sullivan, known to 19th century boxing fans as the Boston Strong Boy was born October 15, 1858. Sullivan was the first heavyweight champion of gloved matches and the last heavyweight bare-knuckle boxing champion. He won over 450 fights in his career, losing to “Gentleman Jim” Corbett in 1892. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain in the US.

Dedication of the Francis Asbury statue in Washington, D.C. on 10/15/1924 Asbury was a Methodist bishop and pioneer who traveled over 6,000 miles a year to preach in colonial America. Calvin Coolidge delivered a speech during the ceremony and it was the same day that he designated the Statue of Liberty as a National Monument.

An aerial view of Miami, Florida’s midtown interchange in the 1960s On October 15, 1966 The United States Department of Transportation was established when Congress approved the Department of Transportation Act. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Television history was made on October 15, 1951 with the premiere of I Love Lucy. The show ran for six seasons, 180 episodes, some of which are likely playing somewhere as you read this. Shown are William Frawley, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance and Lucille Ball. Image via Wikimedia Commons, no known copyright, public domain in the US.

U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Block Island underway in the Atlantic Ocean, off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, shortly after leaving Norfolk, Virginia on October 15, 1943 Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

Born October 15, 1879 Jane Darwell was a character actress who appeared in classic films like My Darling Clementine, Gone with the Wind, and Mary Poppins. It was her role as Ma Joad in the 1940 film “The Grapes of Wrath” (shown) that earned her an Academy Award. Image via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On October 15, 1910 Airship America, a dirigible departed Atlantic City on its quest to cross the Atlantic Ocean. It’s considered the first time that a self-propelled, manned air vessel tried to accomplish this feat. Unluckily, a few days later, the crew needed to abandon ship due to engine issues. Image: Man standing next to a propeller of the Wellman Airship – America via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On October 15, 1971, Rick Nelson performed at the Rock ‘n Roll Spectacular concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. While playing some of his more contemporary music he began hearing boos from the crowd and decided to play one more song before leaving the stage. This event led Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band to record the hit song “Garden Party” the following year. Image of Rick Nelson from the early 1970s via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

On October 15, 1860, Grace Bedell wrote a letter to Abraham Lincoln suggesting he grow whiskers just before he became President. A month later, Lincoln had grown a full beard. Image of Grace in the 1870s via Wikimedia Commons, public domain