Rhubarb Pie Day
National Rhubarb Pie Day is celebrated on January 23rd, honoring the delicious, tangy dessert made with rhubarb, a vegetable that’s often treated like a fruit in baking. Rhubarb pie has been a staple in many homes, especially in the spring and summer, but this day celebrates its unique tart flavor and versatile uses.
Measure Your Feet Day
Measure Your Feet Day is celebrated on January 23rd each year. This quirky day is dedicated to the importance of understanding the proper size and shape of your feet for comfort and health. It’s also a reminder to get the right footwear, whether you’re shopping for shoes or checking in on the condition of the ones you wear regularly.
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day
Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day is a fun, lighthearted holiday that’s celebrated on January 23rd. This quirky “holiday” is all about having some winter fun by playing a mock version of hockey using a snowplow and a mailbox as the goalposts. The idea comes from the playful thought of snowplows clearing roads while people jokingly imagine hitting mailboxes with snow or other objects. While not an official or widely recognized event, it has caught some attention for its humor and creativity, especially in snowy regions.
Here are some significant events in history that occurred on January 23rd.
Major Historical Events
1556 – Shaanxi Earthquake
A massive earthquake struck the province of Shaanxi in China, killing an estimated 830,000 people. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history.
1789 – The U.S. Treasury Department Founded
The U.S. Department of the Treasury was established by Congress under the leadership of Alexander Hamilton, tasked with managing government finances and overseeing currency production.
1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell Earns Her Medical Degree
Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree, breaking significant barriers for women in the field of medicine.
1964 – 24th Amendment Ratified
The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing the poll tax in federal elections, which had been used to disenfranchise poor African Americans and other minority groups.
1983 – The First Soviet Union Official Defects to the West
Viktor Belenko, a Soviet pilot, defected to the West after flying his MiG-25 fighter jet to Japan, where he sought asylum in the United States, creating a diplomatic stir.
1997 – Madeleine Albright Becomes First Female U.S. Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright was appointed as the first female U.S. Secretary of State by President Bill Clinton.
Notable Birthdays
1787 – John Hancock
American Revolutionary War leader and the first person to sign the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
1867 – Kate Chopin
American author, best known for her short stories and novels exploring the lives of women in the late 19th century, such as The Awakening.
1941 – Neil Simon
Famous American playwright, known for works like The Odd Couple and Brighton Beach Memoirs.
1956 – Rickey Henderson
American former professional baseball player, considered one of the greatest leadoff hitters and baserunners of all time.
Famous Deaths on January 23rd
1958 – Theodore Dreiser (b. 1871)
American novelist and journalist, best known for works such as Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy.
2009 – Robert C. Byrd (b. 1917)
Longest-serving U.S. senator in history, known for his leadership in the Senate and his role in various significant pieces of legislation.
