Events For 1 May 2011

Holidays/ Celebrations

By: sparkybates 30-Apr-2011

Introduction:

Sunday, May 1st is the 121st day of 2011. There are 244 days remaining until the end of the year (237 days until Christmas). If May 1st is your birthday, your zodiac sign is Taurus

May Day

In the United States, the first of May (May Day) is a celebration of the coming of spring. It has been observed since ancient times and probably originated in the spring fertility festivals of India and Egypt. Many of the customs associated with the first day of May may come from the old Roman Floralia, or festival of flowers. These include celebrations such as selection of a May king and queen; dancing around a Maypole; and the carrying of trees, green branches, or garlands. In many other countries, it is observed as as a workers' holiday or as Labor Day. In socialist countries, May Day was often marked by parades that are an occasion for displaying military strength.

Anniversary of Batman Debut

The May, 1939 issue of "Detective Comics #27," appearing on newsstands May 1st of that year, introduced a new crime fighter, the "Batman," created by Bob Kane (collaborating with Bill Finger). A rare copy of this comic book sold last year (February, 2010) for $1,075,500.

Anniversary of Commencement of Construction on First Skyscraper

On May 1, 1884, construction was begun in Chicago on the ten-story Home Insurance Company building. It was designed by William Le Baron Jenney and had a steel frame that carried the weight of the building. The walls provided no support but hung like curtains on the metal frame. This method of construction revolutionized American architecture and allowed architects to build taller and taller buildings. The Home Insurance Building was completed in 1885 and demolished in 1931.

Miscellaneous

Annually, in the United States, by Presidential proclamation, May 1st is Loyalty Day and Law Day.

Annually, on May 1st in Hawaii, Lei Day is celebrated as the Hawaiian version of May Day.

Annually, May 1st is Stepmothers Day.

Annually, May 1st is School Principals' Day.

Annually, May 1st is Executive Coaching Day.

Annually, May 1st is Mother Goose Day.

Annually, May 1st is New Home Owner's Day.

Annually, the Sunday before Mother's Day is National Infertility Survival Day.

May 1, 2011, is the fifth annual Keep Kids Alive - Drive 25 Day, a call to citizens to exhibit safe driving behaviors on neighborhood streets.

On May 1, 1960, an American U-2 espionage plane flying at about 60,000 feet was shot down over Sverdlovsk, in central USSR.

On May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in Las Vegas.

On May 1, 1971, Amtrak, the national rail service that combined the operations of 18 passenger railroads, went into service.

Birthdays of Note

Mark Clark (U.S. WWII and Korean War general) - 1896 (would have been 115 years old)

Kate Smith (singer) - 1909 (would have been 102 years old)

Jack Paar ("Tonight Show" host 1957-62) - 1918 (would have been 93 years old)

Scott Carpenter (former astronaut) - 1925 (86 years old)

Rita Coolidge (singer) - 1945 (66 years old)

Paul Teutul, Sr ("American Chopper" personality) - 1949 (62 years old)

Steve Cauthen (former jockey) - 1960 (51 years old)

Tim McGraw (country singer) - 1967 (44 years old)