🗓️ On This Day - February 23rd

First Edition!

Johannes Gutenberg invented the modern printing press and is famous for his role in producing one of the earliest printed books, the Gutenberg Bible.

It’s hard to know exactly when Gutenberg first printed the Bible, but the estimated date is February 23rd 1455. This not only was the start of the transition from handwritten to printed books, it meant that information could now be spread quicker and easier than ever.

Beginning of a battle!

The Battle of the Alamo was a landmark conflict during the Texas Revolution. The battle took place in 1836 in San Antonio, Texas and lasted for 13 days, from February 23rd to March 6th.

A group of Texan soldiers, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, defended the Alamo mission against a much larger Mexican army led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna.

Classified!

The first-ever classified ad - a request for a domestic servant - was published in The Times, London, UK on February 23rd, 1886. This marked the beginning of the use of classified advertisements as a means of communication and commerce.

Elemental discovery!

Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg, an American scientist, discovered the chemical element plutonium on this day in 1941.

Plutonium is a heavy, radioactive element with the atomic number 94. It is a by-product of nuclear reactors and the main fuel in nuclear weapons.

The fight against polio got easier.

The polio vaccine was first given to a group of children in the US on February 23rd 1954 at Arsenal Elementary School in Pittsburgh.

Developed by Dr. Jonas Salk, it marked a milestone in the fight against polio and the beginning of a massive effort to eradicate the disease. The polio vaccine's development and use is widely regarded as a great public health achievement of the 20th century.

An iconic debut.

Luciano Pavarotti made his opera debut at the Vienna State Opera in 1963 as Alfredo Germont in "La Traviata," marking the start of a successful career.

He became one of the most renowned and beloved tenors of all time, known for his beautiful voice, captivating performances, and generous spirit. Pavarotti passed away in 2007, but his legacy continues as one of the greatest tenors ever.

National Dog Biscuit Day

Whilst we don’t really know when or how this tradition started, we’re pretty sure our canine companions had something to do with it! Why not try your hand at making your pup some easy homemade treats today, just to show them how much you love them!

National Banana Bread Day

If you buy bananas, chances are you occasionally end up with a few that are a little overripe! Well today’s your day to put those slightly past-best fruit to good use. Whip up a simple and delicious banana bread and throw a party.