We take a look at some of the events that occurred on March 4th.

Today In …

1629 - The Massachusetts Bay Colony received its charter.

1681 - William Penn received a land charter from England’s Charles II. The land would eventually be known as Pennsylvania.

1789 - The first Congress met in New York City and deemed the Constitution ratified.

1791 - Vermont officially became the 14th U.S. state.

1877 - The inventor Emile Berliner developed a new idea today. We’ve come to know it as the microphone.

Sharing A Birthday Today…

Chastity Bono daughter of Sonny Bono and Cher, was born in 1969.

Emilio Estefan Jr. the songwriter/producer and husband of Gloria Estefan was born in 1953.

John Garfield who appeared in such films as “The Postman Always Rings Twice” was born in 1913.

Anne Haney who appeared in “Liar, Liar” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” was born in 1934.

Patricia Heaton from “Everybody Loves Raymond” fame was born in 1958.

Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini former WBA lightweight champion was born in 1961.

Barbara McNair who is probably best known as Aunt Bettina on daytime TV’s “General Hospital” was born in 1934.

Garrett Morgan who was credited with inventing the traffic light was born in 1877. (See Ohio : State History Dates.)

Jason Newsted former bassist for the heavy metal band Metallica was born in 1963.

Catherine O’Hara the actress who has appeared in “Beetle Juice”, “Home Alone” and “For Your Consideration” was born in 1954.

Knute Rockne the infamous Notre Dame Football coach was born in 1888.

Steven Weber who starred on TV’s “Wings” was born in 1961.

Mykelti Williamson who appeared in “Primary Colors” and on TV’s “Boomtown” was born in 1960.

Bobby Womack the voice behind the hit “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” was born in 1944.

Antonio Vivaldi the renowned Italian composer was born in 1678.

Adrian Zmed who appeared on the big screen in “Bachelor Party” and on TV’s “T.J. Hooker” was born in 1954.

We Said Goodbye To…

Art Babbitt the animator of such classics as “Fantasia” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” passed away in 1992 at the age of 84.

John Candy the actor who starred in “The Great Outdoors” and “Uncle Buck” passed away in 1994 at the age of 43.

Louis Capone one of the members of the infamous Murder Inc. was executed in 1944. He was 47.

Minnie Pearl the legendary comedienne and entertainer passed away in 1996 at the age of 83.

John Montgomery “Monte” Ward the legendary baseball player and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame passed away in 1925 at the age of 65.

Top Of The Charts On This Day In…

1967 - “Ruby Tuesday” by the Rolling Stones
1978 - “Love is Thicker Than Water” by Andy Gibb
1989 - “Lost in Your Eyes” by Debbie Gibson
2000 - “Amazed” by Lonestar

Movie Moments In...

1950 - The Disney classic “Cinderella” was first released.

In Print In…

1924 - “Happy Birthday to You” was first published.
1952 - Ernest Hemingway completed “The Old Man and The Sea”.
1974 - The first issue of “People” magazine was published. Who graced the cover? Mia Farrow

Famous Marriages

1952 - Ronald Reagan married Nancy Davis.

Special Observances

March 4th used to be the Inauguration Dates for the U.S. President.

Don’t forget about the Today In History Newsletter!