Taffy Day
Taffy has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in Atlantic City, New Jersey, around the late 1800s. The story goes that a candy store owner had his stock of taffy accidentally soaked by seawater. When a young girl asked for taffy, he jokingly called it “salt water taffy.” The name stuck, and it became a popular souvenir for beachgoers.
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.”