Cleveland History
- December 18, 1975: Cleveland’s NASA Lewis Research Center (now known as the John H. Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field) conducted critical tests for the space shuttle program, playing a vital role in the development of NASA’s Space Shuttle.
- December 19, 1920: The Cleveland Indians football team, an early NFL team unrelated to the current Cleveland Browns, played their first game against the Canton Bulldogs.
- December 20, 1937: The Severance Hall, home to the Cleveland Orchestra, hosted its first concert. This event marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of musical excellence in Cleveland.
- December 23, 1814: The city of Cleveland was officially incorporated as a village. This was a key moment in the early establishment and organization of the community.
- December 24, 1944: During World War II, Cleveland factories and workers contributed significantly to the war effort, particularly on Christmas Eve, as many workers continued their labor in support of the military.
World History
- December 18, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was officially adopted, abolishing slavery throughout the United States.
- December 19, 1843: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens was first published in London. The novella quickly became a classic, promoting a deeper sense of compassion and humanity during the Christmas season.
- December 20, 1957: Elvis Presley received his draft notice to serve in the U.S. Army, marking a significant moment in the life of the then-rising music star and in popular culture.
- December 21, 1968: Apollo 8, the second manned spaceflight mission in the United States Apollo space program, was launched. It became the first manned spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit, reach the Moon, orbit it, and return.
- December 24, 1914: During World War I, an unofficial Christmas truce was observed along the Western Front. German and British troops ceased hostilities to celebrate Christmas, exchanging gifts and playing football.
