Besides hearts and flowers (and candy and cards), Valentine's Day is associated with the St Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago, in 1929. Valentines' Day marks the anniversaries of other, less murderous events as well.
Arizona, the 48th state, was the last of the contiguous states to join the United States of America. The Grand Canyon State became a state in 1912 and will celebrate its centennial in 2012. Arizona is 113, 909 square miles in size, with a population of over6 million and its capital is Phoenix. Make a toast to Arizona, with your Valentine's Day champagne!
In 1920, just 9 years before the St. Valentine's Day massacre would put Chicago in the headlines, the city hosted the final meeting of the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). During that meeting, Carrie Chapman Catt formed the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan grassroots political organization. The League (and the NAWSA before it) was instrumental in lobbying for the 19th amendment, giving the women the right to vote. Despite its gender specific name, the league admits men and there are local leagues in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Hong Kong. As you enjoy your Valentine's Day roses, think of the women (and men) of the League and the work they do to improve our government and policies.
Although the actual corporation (under the name CTR, for Computing Tabulating Recording Corporation) had been around for more than a decade, it was on February 14, 1924 that company president Thomas Watson proclaimed the organization would henceforth be known as International Business Machines, which we now know as IBM. When you send off this year's eValentines give a silent nod to old Tom for his capable leadership of Big Blue, back in the day.
Aretha Franklin, with sisters Emma and Carolyn singing back up, recorded her signature song, "Respect" on Valentine's Day, 1967. The song earned two Grammys for Aretha in 1968 and has appeared in countless films and television shows. So, swallow that Valentine's Day bonbon and belt out "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" in honor of this legendary day in history.
On Valentine's Day in 1934 a television icon was born in southern Indiana: Florence Agnes Henderson. You know her as Mrs. Carol Brady. The future Mrs. Brady knew a few things about big families as the youngest of 10 children. I wonder if her family sang and danced? As you snuff out the candles after your romantic Valentine's Day dinner, say a silent thank you to TV Moms, and Moms everywhere.
Oh geez, Arizona. I can NOT believe I live here. With some of the kooks in office here, nothing would surprise me. How about that massacre!? Didn't that happen on Feb. 14?
Great job on your list.
Interesting Valentine's Day happenings!
You're not alone, ListMaker! I have no respect for that song. But that just means I have more respect to give Bossy for this list. Great job!
I'm probably the only person alive who doesn't like Aretha Franklin - she's always screaming something! Interesting to know that she recorded that hot mess of a song (imho) on Feb 14
Interesting list and great idea. Mrs. Brady...I'll have to save that one for a jeopardy game I'm preparing for a party. Thanks!
Educational and interesting list of things that happened on Valentine's Day. I had to press the high five several times before it awarded you what I wanted for you.
BTW, there's a move afoot for Arizona to secede from the union - ironic if it happened on Valentine's day!
Great list! Interesting historic events happened on Valentine's day.
Very interesting and I love Respect! Now, I really have something to celebrate! :P
I had no idea Valentine's Day was so eventful! Thanks for the fun list.
Awesome list of things that happened on Valentine's Day. Great job.
select one here...