Macintosh Computer Day
Macintosh Computer Day is celebrated on January 24th to mark the anniversary of the introduction of the Apple Macintosh personal computer in 1984. On this day, Apple unveiled the first Macintosh during a now-legendary commercial aired during the Super Bowl XVIII. The introduction of the Mac marked a revolutionary shift in personal computing, bringing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to the masses and making computers more accessible and user-friendly.
Beer Can Appreciation Day
Beer Can Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 24th each year, marking the anniversary of the first beer being sold in a can. On this day in 1935, Krueger’s Cream Ale became the first beer sold in a can, marking a significant moment in the history of beer packaging and consumption. Before this, beer was only available in bottles or on tap, and the introduction of the beer can revolutionized the industry by making beer more portable, easier to store, and more accessible to the masses.
Belly Laugh Day
Belly Laugh Day is celebrated on January 24th and is all about enjoying hearty, genuine laughter that comes from deep within — the kind of laugh that makes your stomach ache in the best way. It’s a day to embrace the joy of laughter, share jokes, and have fun with others. Laughter has long been recognized for its health benefits, from reducing stress to improving mood and even boosting the immune system. Belly Laugh Day encourages people to lighten up and share in the joy of laughter, whether through watching funny videos, telling jokes, or just being around people who make you laugh.
Here are some significant events that happened on January 24th throughout history.
Major Historical Events
1848 – The California Gold Rush Begins
James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, sparking the California Gold Rush. This event led to the migration of thousands to California in search of fortune, drastically shaping the state’s growth and development.
1862 – The First U.S. Paper Currency Issued
The U.S. government issued paper currency as legal tender for the first time, during the Civil War, to help finance the war effort. These were known as “Demand Notes.”
1916 – The U.S. Public Health Service Declares that the Flu Epidemic Has Ended
After devastating worldwide flu outbreaks in 1918-1919, the U.S. Public Health Service declared the epidemic officially over on January 24th, though its impacts were felt for much longer.
1935 – Beer Sold in Cans for the First Time
The first beer sold in a can, Krueger’s Cream Ale, was launched in Richmond, Virginia, marking a major shift in beer packaging and consumption.
1972 – The Vietnam War: The Pentagon Papers Are Released
A secret U.S. Department of Defense study known as the Pentagon Papers, detailing the U.S. political and military involvement in Vietnam, was released to the public, exposing misleading information provided by the U.S. government about the war.
1984 – The First Apple Macintosh Computer Released
Apple Inc. introduced the first Macintosh computer, which revolutionized personal computing by making graphical user interfaces more accessible to the general public.
Notable Birthdays on January 24th
1908 – John Singer Sargent
An American painter, considered one of the leading portrait artists of his time, known for his exquisite works like Madame X.
1922 – Ernest Borgnine
American actor and winner of an Academy Award, known for his roles in Marty, McHale’s Navy, and The Wild Bunch.
1952 – Neil Diamond
American singer-songwriter, famous for hits such as Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, and America.
1956 – Mary Lou Retton
American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist, known for her performance in the 1984 Summer Olympics where she won the all-around gymnastics title.
Famous Deaths on January 24th
1951 – Thomas Edison (b. 1847)
American inventor and businessman, known for inventions like the phonograph, electric light bulb, and motion pictures. His death marked the end of an era in American innovation.
1963 – Ethel Barrymore (b. 1879)
Renowned American actress and member of the famous Barrymore acting family, she passed away at 84.
