Gobstopper Day
Gobstoppers are hard, multi-layered candies that take a long time to dissolve, revealing different colors and flavors with each layer. The name “Gobstopper” comes from British slang, with “gob” meaning mouth and “stopper” reflecting the candy’s size and longevity, as it “stops” the mouth from chewing. Gobstoppers gained fame through their mention in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where Willy Wonka created the “Everlasting Gobstopper.”
Drive Your Studebaker Day
Drive Your Studebaker Day is an annual event that celebrates the classic Studebaker automobile, a brand known for its innovative designs and rich history in American car culture. The event encourages Studebaker owners to take their cars out for a drive, showcasing these vintage vehicles and keeping the legacy alive.
September 14th has seen a variety of significant historical events across different fields.
Historical Events:
1812 – The Battle of Moscow (Napoleonic Wars):
French forces led by Napoleon Bonaparte captured Moscow during the French invasion of Russia. However, the city had been largely evacuated, and fires soon broke out, leaving the French army without supplies or shelter.
1901 – U.S. President William McKinley Dies:
After being shot on September 6, 1901, President William McKinley succumbed to his wounds and died on September 14. His assassination led to Theodore Roosevelt being sworn in as the 26th President of the United States.
1939 – First Helicopter Flight:
The VS-300, designed by aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky, made its first successful flight in Stratford, Connecticut. It marked a major milestone in aviation history, laying the groundwork for modern helicopters.
1940 – The Bombing of Buckingham Palace (WWII):
During World War II, Buckingham Palace was bombed by German forces during the Blitz. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were in residence at the time but were unharmed. The incident bolstered public morale.
1959 – Luna 2 Reaches the Moon:
The Soviet Union’s Luna 2 became the first spacecraft to reach the moon, crash-landing on its surface. This was a significant moment in the Space Race, marking the first time a man-made object impacted another celestial body.
1982 – Princess Grace of Monaco Dies:
Former Hollywood star Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, died in a car accident after suffering a stroke while driving. Her tragic death at the age of 52 was widely mourned around the world.
2001 – Aftermath of 9/11 Terror Attacks:
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, rescue and recovery operations continued in New York City. The events of 9/11 had a profound impact on U.S. and global politics, with September 14, 2001, being declared a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance in the U.S.
Significant Births:
Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859):
A renowned Prussian geographer, naturalist, and explorer, Humboldt made significant contributions to the fields of botany, zoology, and geology. His scientific explorations, especially in Latin America, laid the foundation for modern geography and ecology.
Ivan Pavlov (1849–1936):
A Russian physiologist best known for his work on classical conditioning. Pavlov’s experiments with dogs led to the discovery of the conditioned reflex, which had a profound influence on the study of psychology and behaviorism.
Margaret Sanger (1879–1966):
An American birth control activist, sex educator, and nurse, Sanger founded what would later become Planned Parenthood. Her efforts to promote contraception and reproductive rights were instrumental in the development of modern family planning.
Clayton Moore (1914–1999):
An American actor best known for his role as the masked cowboy hero The Lone Ranger in the television series of the same name during the 1950s. Moore’s portrayal became iconic in American pop culture.
Sam Neill (1947–Present):
A New Zealand actor best known for his roles in films such as Jurassic Park, The Piano, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. His career has spanned over several decades in both television and film.
Nas (Nasir Jones) (1973–Present):
An American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Nas is considered one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time. His debut album, Illmatic, is regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums in history.
Amy Winehouse (1983–2011):
A British singer and songwriter known for her deep, soulful voice and genre-blending style that combined jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues. Her second album, Back to Black, won five Grammy Awards, but her career was tragically cut short due to her untimely death in 2011.
Jimmy Butler (1989–Present):
An American professional basketball player, currently a star in the NBA. Known for his intense playing style and leadership, Butler has been a key player for teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.
Significant Deaths:
William McKinley (1843–1901):
The 25th President of the United States, McKinley was assassinated after being shot on September 6, 1901, by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. He died on September 14th from gangrene caused by his wounds. His death led to Theodore Roosevelt becoming president.
Dante Alighieri (1265–1321):
The famous Italian poet, known for writing The Divine Comedy, passed away on September 14, 1321. His work remains one of the most significant literary achievements in world history, with The Divine Comedy being regarded as the masterpiece of Italian literature.
Princess Grace of Monaco (1929–1982):
Formerly Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco, died on September 14, 1982, after suffering a stroke and crashing her car. She was 52 years old. Her death was a devastating loss for both Monaco and the entertainment world.
Vittorio Bottego (1860–1897):
An Italian explorer and officer in the Royal Italian Army, Bottego was a pioneer in exploring East Africa. He died in a skirmish during his last expedition in Ethiopia on September 14, 1897.
Paul Kossoff (1950–1976):
English rock guitarist and a member of the band Free, Kossoff tragically died young, aged 25, after struggling with drug addiction. He is remembered for his soulful guitar playing, particularly on Free’s hit song All Right Now.
John Harvard (1607–1638):
The clergyman for whom Harvard University is named died on September 14, 1638. Though he lived only 31 years, his donation of money and his personal library of books helped establish what would become one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
