Buildings
On this day: The only presidential marriage to take place at the White House
On June 2, 1886, Grover Cleveland became the only US President to marry in the White House when he wed Frances Folsom in the Blue Room. We can't imagine it happening today, but apparently in the late 19th century it…
On this day: The Main Branch of the NY Public Library Opened
On May 23, 1911, the imposing Main Branch of the New York Public Library was opened to the public, with more than a million volumes filling the 75 miles of shelving. In addition to being one of the world's foremost…
On this day: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was Born
On May 22, 1859, the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh. 221B Baker Street is, of course, the residence of his most famous character Sherlock Homes. The address didn't actually exist until the street was extended in…
On this day: York Minster was Damaged by Fire
On May 20, 1840, an accidental fire damaged a large part of York Minster. Just one of a number of fires which have blighted the building over the centuries, this one in particular led the Church into serious debt and…
On this day: The First Academy Awards
On May 16, 1929, the first Academy Awards (Oscars) took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. 270 people paid $5 for dinner and the ceremony took all of 15 minutes - a far cry from the bloated excess of the…
The Walls of Ston
Although the walls in question are made of stone, the title of this post isn't missing an 'e'. Ston is a town in Croatia which is the proud owner of Europe's longest structure. The walls of Ston are defensive walls…
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