Taffy Day
Taffy Day, celebrated on May 23rd, is a sweet and stretchy tribute to one of America’s most nostalgic candies—taffy! Known for its chewy texture and rainbow of flavors, taffy has been a boardwalk favorite since the late 19th century, especially in coastal towns like Atlantic City, where saltwater taffy became iconic. This day is all about enjoying the fun of taffy—whether you’re pulling it at home, buying a bag of your favorite flavors, or learning about its history. It’s a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth and maybe even try making your own batch!
Lucky Penny Day
Lucky Penny Day is celebrated on May 23rd each year. This day is dedicated to the tradition and superstition surrounding finding a penny and considering it a symbol of good luck. The celebration encourages people to look for and appreciate these small tokens of fortune.
Historical Events on May 23rd
Several significant historical events have occurred on May 23rd:
1934: The infamous criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed by law enforcement officers in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
1945: Heinrich Himmler, one of Adolf Hitler’s top officials, committed suicide while in British custody.
1992: Italy’s most prominent anti-Mafia judge, Giovanni Falcone, was killed in a massive explosion set by the Mafia.
Notable Birthdays on May 23rd
Several notable individuals were born on May 23rd:
1734: Franz Mesmer, a German physician known for his theory of animal magnetism, which laid the groundwork for modern hypnotism.
1908: John Bardeen, an American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics twice, first for the invention of the transistor and then for the theory of superconductivity.
1958: Drew Carey, an American actor, comedian, and game show host known for “The Drew Carey Show” and hosting “The Price Is Right.”
