Holidays
Feast Day of St. Luke the Evangelist
Patron saint of doctors and artists.
Alaska Day
Celebrating the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the U.S. (October 18, 1867).
What Happened On
Photo Credit: Christie Jenkins Photography
Photo Credit: Christie Jenkins Photography
Actor Dies After Shooting Himself with a Blank Gun
October 18, 1984
Jon-Erik Hexum dies from his injuries after shooting himself on the set of the TV series Cover Up six days earlier. He was unaware that the explosion from blanks is deadly at close range. He had been playing Russian Roulette with the blank gun.
Lennon and Ono in 1969
Lennon and Ono in 1969
John Lennon and Yoko Ono Arrested
October 18, 1968
John Lennon and Yoko Ono are arrested at Ringo Starr's London flat for drug possession. Police found hashish, a cigarette rolling machine, and half a gram of morphine. Lennon and Ono vowed that the drugs had been planted by the police, with Lennon stating, "Don Shorter had told us, 'They're coming to get you', three weeks before. So, believe me, I'd cleaned the house out, because Jimi Hendrix had lived there in the apartment, and I'm not stupid. I went through the whole damn house."
Lennon later pleaded guilty, absolving Ono of all responsibility, and was fined 150 pounds. Ono, who was pregnant at the time of the arrest, miscarried not long after.
In 1973, the officer who led the raid was himself arrested and convicted of perjury and sentenced to four years in prison.
Batmobile Patented
October 18, 1966
Creator of the Batmobile from the TV show Batman, George Barris, patents his creation. He built it from a Lincoln Futura Concept car.
Photo Credit: Felicette.com
Photo Credit: Felicette.com
First Cat in Space
October 18, 1963
Félicette is sent into space in a capsule on top of a French Véronique AG1 rocket. Félicette traveled 120 miles into space for 1 hour and 20 minutes and then returned to Earth by parachute and was recovered safely. She is the only cat to have been sent into space and survived. She was a black and white female found on the streets of Paris and was selected from 14 cats the French trained for the mission.
First image of the far side of the Moon
First image of the far side of the Moon
First Pictures of the Far Side of the Moon
October 18, 1959
The Soviet Lunik 3 transmits its pictures, taken on the 7th, to Earth.
Elvis in Brawl at Gas Station
October 18, 1956
Singer Elvis Presley gets into a fight with a gas station owner and an employee. Elvis had driven into the gas station to have his car checked. As he was getting ready to leave, a group of young girls stopped him to ask for autographs. While signing the autographs, the gas station owner asked Elvis to move his car so others could get gas. When Elvis didn't move his car, a scuffle ensued with the gas station owner and Elvis exchanging blows. A gas station employee then joined in to help the owner. They were all three arrested. The gas station owner was fined $25 and the employee was fined $15 for "taking the law into their own hands." The charges against Elvis were dismissed.
Pigeon Saves 1,000 Lives
October 18, 1943
During World War II, U.S. air bombings were scheduled against German positions at Calvi Vecchia, Italy. However, British troops had captured the village. Unable to get a message to the Americans to stop the bombings, they sent a carrier pigeon, named G.I. Joe. The pigeon traveled the 20 miles in 20 minutes, just in time to halt the bombings. G.I. Joe's swift flight is credited with saving over 1,000 lives.
First Reigning Queen to Visit the US
October 18, 1926
Queen Marie of Rumania arrives in New York City for a one month visit.
Signing the Alaska Treaty of Cessation - William H. Seward (second from left)
Signing the Alaska Treaty of Cessation - William H. Seward (second from left)
Alaska Territory
October 18, 1867
The U.S. takes possession of the Alaska territory. The U.S. had purchased it from the Russians in March for about 2¢ an acre. Referred to critics of the purchase as Seward's Folly, in reference to U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the treaty. Russia was eager to sell the territory, fearing that they would lose it anyway if a war broke out with the United Kingdom. It would gain U.S. statehood in 1959.
Moby-Dick
October 18, 1851
The classic Moby-Dick, by Herman Melville, is published. Although Melville had success with two previous novels, Moby-Dick was not well received and only sold about 3,200 copies during his lifetime. It wasn't until after Melville's death that Moby-Dick became regarded as a classic. "Call me Ishmael" is one of the most famous opening lines in literature.
Melville drew his inspiration for Moby-Dick from the real-life sinking of the whaling ship Essex by a whale, in which the crew was forced into cannibalism in order to survive.
Canadian Flag Flown Upside Down
October 18, 1992
The Canadian flag is flown upside down by U.S. Marines during the opening of game two of the World Series. Then, the Canadian national anthem was improperly sung.
Reggie Jackson Ties Ruth's Record
October 18, 1977
Reggie Jackson ties Babe Ruth's record by hitting three home runs in a World Series game.
Cyclamates Banned
October 18, 1969
The artificial sweetener is banned by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
Antiproton
October 18, 1955
The atomic subparticle is discovered by scientists at the University of California.
Nuremberg Trials
October 18, 1945
24 former Nazi leaders are indicted in Berlin for crimes against humanity. Trials were held the following month in Nuremberg, in which 12 were sentenced to death.
Perry Mason
October 18, 1943
Erle Stanley Gardner's characters debut on CBS radio, starring John Larkin as the famous defense attorney.
Spanish-American War
October 18, 1898
The U.S. takes possession of the Puerto Rico from Spain as a result of the war.
Football
October 18, 1873
Representatives from Columbia, Rutgers, Princeton, and Yale universities meet in New York City to form the first set of rules for American football.
First Telegraph Cable
October 18, 1842
Samuel F.B. Morse lays a test cable in New York Harbor for his telegraph. It was destroyed the following day by a ship's anchor.
First American Labor Organization
October 18, 1648
The Shoomakers of Boston are granted permission to organize.
Birthdays
Ruby about to shoot Oswald
Ruby about to shoot Oswald
Lee Harvey Oswald
Born October 18, 1939 d. 1963
American assassin. Shot and killed U.S. President John F. Kennedy from the Texas School Book depository where he worked (1963). Oswald was shot and killed by night-club operator Jack Ruby.
Earlier in 1963, Oswald had attempted to assassinate retired U.S. Major General Ted Walker while he was at home. However, the bullet struck the window pane and shattered and Walker was not seriously injured. It was not discovered that Oswald was the shooter until the Warren Commission's investigation into Kennedy assassination, when Oswald's widow told authorities about the incident.
Dawn Wells
Born October 18, 1938 d. 2020
American actress, Miss Nevada (1959). TV: Gilligan's Island (1964-67, Mary Ann Summers). Her character, Mary Ann, is said to be based on Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. Both lived on a farm in Kansas with their aunt and uncle and had pigtails.
Film: Winterhawk (1975, a Western settler kidnapped by a Native American chief), The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976), and Return to Boggy Creek (1977).
She died in 2020 at the age of 82 due to COVID-19 complications.
Chuck Berry (Charles Edward Anderson Berry)
Born October 18, 1926 d. 2017
American rock 'n' roller. He served two years in prison (1962-64) for transporting a 14-year-old across state lines to work as a hat-check girl in his St. Louis nightclub. He was also accused of having sex with her. He was convicted and served 20 months in prison. He had hired her, but fired her after two weeks. Several days after she was fired she was arrested for prostitution and told police about her relationship with Berry, which led to his arrest.
Music: Roll Over Beethoven (1956), Sweet Little Sixteen (1958), Johnny B Goode (1958), and My Ding-A-Ling (1972, #1).
Edward Winslow
Born October 18, 1595 d. 1655
American colonist, Mayflower pilgrim. He was the first person married in New England (May, 1621), brought the first cattle to New England (1624), and was governor the Plymouth Colony (1633-34, 36-37, 44-45). His portrait is the only authentic likeness of any of the Mayflower pilgrims.
Wynton Marsalis
Born October 18, 1961
American Grammy-winning jazz musician. Music: Think Of One (1983, Grammy).
Jean-Claude Van Damme (Jean-Claude Camille François Van Varenberg)
Born October 18, 1960
Belgium European karate champion, actor. Known as "The Muscles from Brussels." Film: Bloodsport (1988), Kickboxer (1988), and Lionheart (1990).
Erin Moran
Born October 18, 1960 d. 2017
American actress. TV: Happy Days (1974-84, Joanie Cunningham), Joanie Loves Chachi (1982-83, Joanie Cunningham), and Daktari (1968-69, Jenny Jones).
Thomas Hearns
Born October 18, 1958
American boxer. He has held the title in five different weight classes.
Pam Dawber
Born October 18, 1951
American actress. TV: Mork & Mindy (Mindy).
Mike Ditka
Born October 18, 1939
American football player. He was NFL Rookie of the Year (1961), coach of the Chicago Bears (1982‑), NFL Coach of the Year (1985), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame (1988).
Peter Boyle (Peter Lawrence Boyle, Jr.)
Born October 18, 1935 d. 2006
American Emmy-winning actor, ex-monk with the Christian Brothers order. Film: Young Frankenstein (1974, the monster) and Taxi Driver (1976, Wizard the philosophical taxi driver). TV: Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005, Frank Barone).
George C. Scott
Born October 18, 1927 d. 1999
American Oscar-Emmy-winning actor. Film: Dr. Stangelove (1964) and Patton (1970, Oscar, which he refused, making him the first actor to do so).
Jesse Helms
Born October 18, 1921 d. 2008
American politician, U.S. Senator (Rep., N.C.). Known for his conservative views, he was a founder of the Moral Majority (1979).
Melina Mercouri (Maria Amalia Mercouri)
Born October 18, 1920 d. 1994
Greek actress. Film: Never on Sunday (1960, Cannes Best Actress). In 1977 she gained a seat on the Greek parliament, becoming the Minister of Culture.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Born October 18, 1919 d. 2000
Prime Minister of Canada (1968-79, 1980-84). His son Justin became Prime Minister in 2015, the first father/son prime ministers of Canada.
Victor Sen Yung
Born October 18, 1915 d. 1980
American actor. TV: Bonanza (Hop Sing, the Chinese Cook). Film: The Charlie Chan movies (1930s - 40s, Jimmy the No. 2 son). Writings: Great Wok Cookbook (1974).
Chubby in School's Out
Chubby in School's Out
Norman Myers Chaney
Born October 18, 1914 d. 1936
American actor. Chubby of The Little Rascals. He appeared in 18 Our Gang films. He had a glandular ailment and continued to gain weight as he got older. His weight climbed to about 300 pounds (140 kg), although his height was only 4 ft 7 in (1.4 m). His weight dropped to less than 140 pounds (64 kg) after undergoing surgery for his ailment in 1935; however, he died a year later at age 21 of myocarditis.
A.J. Liebling
Born October 18, 1904 d. 1963
American author. Famous for his quote: "Freedom of the press belongs to those who own one."
Henri Louis Bergson
Born October 18, 1859 d. 1941
French philosopher, Nobel-winning author. His Creative Evolution redefined evolution.
Inventor of the Curveball
Candy Cummings (William Arthur Cummings)
Born October 18, 1848 d. 1924
American baseball Hall of Famer. Inventor of the curveball.
Thomas Brackett Reed
Born October 18, 1839 d. 1902
American politician, Speaker of the House from Maine. His ability to spend taxpayer's money earned his Congress (1889-91) the name "The Billion Dollar Congress."
Frederick III
Born October 18, 1831 d. 1888
Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia (March - June 1888). He died of cancer shortly after ascending to the throne.
Robert Livingston Stevens
Born October 18, 1787 d. 1856
American inventor, steamboat and railroad engineer. He was the first to build railroad tracks using logs turned crosswise, with spikes to hold the rails on.
Father of German Music
Heinrich Schütz
Born October 18, 1585 d. 1672
German composer, called the "Father of German music." He composed Dafne (1727), the first German opera.
Pius II
Born October 18, 1405 d. 1464
Italian poet, religious leader, 210th Pope (1458-64). Wrote The Tale of the Two Lovers (c1442), for which he later apologized.
Deaths
Sebastian Spering Kresge
Died October 18, 1966 b. 1867
American businessman. Founder of Kmart (1962).
America's Greatest Inventor
Thomas Alva Edison
Died October 18, 1931 b. 1847
American inventor of the microphone (1876), the first practical phonograph (1877), the first practical incandescent light (1879), and motion pictures (1891). He was one of the first to apply the principles of large-scale teamwork to the process of invention, and because of that, he is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory.
Father of the Computer
Charles Babbage
Died October 18, 1871 b. 1791
English mathematician. He originated the idea of a programmable computer and designed a mechanical digital computer, although it was never built.
Val Bisoglio
Died October 18, 2021 b. 1926
American actor. TV: Quincy (1976-83, bar owner Danny Tovo).
General Colin Luther Powell
Died October 18, 2021 b. 1937
U.S. Secretary of State (2001-05), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-93), and National Security Advisor (1987-89). His appointment to Secretary of State made him the highest-ranking African-American U.S. government official ever up to that time.
Julie London (Julie Peck)
Died October 18, 2000 b. 1926
American singer, actress. TV: Emergency! (1972, nurse Dixie McCall). Music: Cry Me a River (1955).
Photo Credit: Christie Jenkins Photography
Photo Credit: Christie Jenkins Photography
Jon-Erik Hexum
Died October 18, 1984 b. 1957
American actor. He shot himself playing Russian Roulette with a blank gun on the set of the TV series Cover Up. He was unaware that the explosion from blanks is deadly at close range. He died six days later from his injuries. TV: Voyagers! (1982-83, time traveler Phineas Bogg) and Cover Up (1984, Mac Harper).
Bess Truman
Died October 18, 1982 b. 1885
American First Lady, wife of U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
Walt Kelly
Died October 18, 1973 b. 1913
American cartoonist. Created Pogo (1948) with its famous quote: "We have met the enemy, and it is us."
Ludwig III
Died October 18, 1921 b. 1845
King of Bavaria (1913-18). He was the last King of Barvaria.
Charles Crozat Converse
Died October 18, 1918 b. 1832
American lawyer, composer. He composed the tune and words to God For Us and the tune to What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
Alfred Binet
Died October 18, 1911 b. 1857
French psychologist. He developed and pioneered the use of I.Q. tests (1904).
Lucy Stone
Died October 18, 1893 b. 1818
American woman's rights activist, abolitionist. She and her husband founded Woman's Journal (1870). She allowed her New Jersey property to be sold for non-payment of taxes, asserting that she was being taxed without representation. Women didn't have the right to vote in the U.S. until the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Lucas Vásquez de Ayllón
Died October 18, 1526 b. circa 1475
Spanish explorer. He established the first European settlement in what is the present day U.S. (San Miguel de Guadalupe on the coast of South Carolina).
Pius III
Died October 18, 1503 b. 1439
Italian religious leader, 215th Pope (Sept. - Oct. 1503). He died 26 days after being elected.
Gregory XII
Died October 18, 1417 b. circa 1326
Italian religious leader, 205th Pope (1406-15). He resigned the papacy to allow his successor, Martin V, to be elected.
John VII
Died October 18, 707 b. ????
Greek-born religious leader, 86th Pope (705-707).