Fact 1: Birth of a Genius
On April 16, 1867, Wilbur Wright, one of the famous Wright brothers, was born. He, alongside his brother Orville, invented, built, and flew the world's first successful motor-operated airplane.
Fact 2: An Unforgettable Football Match
April 16th, 1940, holds the record for the most goals scored by a footballer in a single game. This remarkable feat was accomplished by Joe Payne, who scored an incredible 10 goals for Luton Town against Bristol Rovers in England.
Fact 3: April 16 is National Orchid Day
Every year on April 16, National Orchid Day is observed. This day celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of orchids, a flower family boasting over 25,000 species.
Fact 4: The Sinking of the Harriet Lane
On this day in history, April 16, 1863, during the Civil War, the US steamer Harriet Lane was sunk after being overtaken by Confederates at Galveston, Texas.
Fact 5: Birth of a Comedy Icon
Charlie Chaplin, a legendary figure in the world of entertainment and comedy and one of the most influential figures in the film industry, was born on April 16th, 1889 in London, England.
Fact 6: The Lensman Series
Edward Elmer Smith, also known by his pen name E. E. "Doc" Smith, began publishing his famous Lensman series on April 16, 1934. This science fiction series is still regarded as one of the founding works of the space opera sub-genre.
Fact 7: April 16 is World Voice Day
World Voice Day is celebrated annually on April 16. It aims to appreciate and emphasize the importance of the human voice and how it can influence our daily lives. Many concerts, symposiums, and educational events are held worldwide to mark this day.
Fact 8: A Day of Emancipation
Washington D.C. Emancipation Day is observed on April 16. It commemorates the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia in 1862. On this day, 3,100 slaves were freed.
Fact 9: Birth of a Eurovision Legend
The Queen of Eurovision, Lys Assia, was born on April 16, 1924. She was the first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956.
Fact 10: The First 3D Feature Film
The first 3D feature film, "World Premiere," made its debut on April 16, 1940. A novelty at that time, it marked a significant advancement in the movie industry.
Fact 11: Apollo 16 Launch Day
On April 16, 1972, Apollo 16, the fifth mission to land on the moon, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It marked NASA's penultimate manned visit to the lunar surface.
Fact 12: Billie Holiday's Final Studio Session
Renowned jazz musician Billie Holiday had her final recording session under the Verve label on April 16, 1959. She left behind a legacy of some of the most emotive and heartfelt music in jazz history.
Fact 13: Pope Benedict XVI's Birthday
April 16 marks the birth of Pope Benedict XVI, who served as Pope from 2005 until his retirement in 2013. Born in 1927, he is the oldest living Pope as of 2022.
Fact 14: Charlie Chaplin’s Honorary Oscar
On April 16, 1972, Charlie Chaplin, who was born on the same day in 1889, returned to the United States after a 20-year absence to receive an Honorary Oscar.
Fact 15: Rolling Stones' Legal Win
On April 16, 1964, the court ruled that the Rolling Stones, a British rock band, did not have to change their name. This decision allowed them to retain their brand.
Fact 16: Eastwood Becomes Mayor
On April 16, 1986, Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood was elected mayor of Carmel, California. He led the affluent town for two years, focusing on the rights of residents and local businesses.
Fact 17: Speedy Gonzales’ Debut
Warner Bros cartoon character Speedy Gonzales debuted on April 16, 1955. The “Fastest Mouse in all Mexico” is still a beloved character in American pop culture.
Fact 18: George Takei’s Birthday
George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, was born on April 16, 1937. Besides his acting career, Takei is famous for his work in social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
Fact 19: The Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon is traditionally held on Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April, and often falls on or near April 16. This athletic event is one of the world's oldest annual marathons.
Fact 20: World Semolina Day
April 16 is celebrated as World Semolina Day. The day marks the versatility of semolina, a coarse purified wheat middling, used in making pasta, puddings, couscous, and more.