The Great Hurricane of 1780 Forms (1780)

The Great Hurricane of 1780 was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history. Coming during a very active hurricane season, the storm formed on October 9 and struck Barbados the next day with winds possibly exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). It then passed over several other islands, leaving mass destruction in its wake. Thousands of deaths were reported on each island, and more than 20,000 people had died by the time the storm dissipated. How did the hurricane impact the American Revolution? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Madison County Covered Bridge Festival

The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place annually on the second weekend in October in and around Winterset, Iowa. The town is located in Madison County, which is noted for its historic wooden covered bridges. In addition to bridge tours, the weekend’s festivities include demonstrations of such traditional activities as sheep shearing, wool spinning, and soap making. Entertainment includes barbershop quartets, square dancers, and cloggers, while quilts and antiques are on display. A parade of antique cars is a highlight of the weekend. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Walter O’Malley (1903)

Born in New York City, O’Malley was the owner of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team from 1950 to 1979. In 1958, he moved the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and helped to coordinate the move of the New York Giants to San Francisco at a time when there were no teams west of Missouri. Though ultimately successful, the transplantation of the Dodgers made O’Malley a target of vilification by Brooklyn fans. However, some blame what powerful official for the team’s move? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Old Summer Palace

Known in China as the Gardens of Perfect Clarity, the Old Summer Palace was a complex of palaces and gardens built in the 18th and early 19th centuries near the walls of Beijing. Hundreds of invaluable Chinese art masterpieces and antiquities were stored in its halls, making the Imperial Gardens one of the largest museums in the world. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and French troops looted and destroyed the gardens. Why have the Chinese decided not to rebuild the complex? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

San Marino Adopts Its Constitution (1600)

Occupying just 24 sq mi (62 sq km), San Marino is the world’s smallest republic and, having enacted a constitution in 1600, perhaps Europe’s oldest existing republic. According to tradition, St. Marinus, a Christian stonecutter, took refuge in the 4th century on Mount Titano, and the community of San Marino was soon formed. Because of its relatively inaccessible location, it has since maintained its independence with only a few brief interruptions. Who did San Marino harbor during WWII? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Eo e Emalani i Alaka’i Festival

This annual outdoor celebration takes place on the second Saturday in October in Koke’e State Park, Kaua’i, Hawaii. It is a joyous commemoration of the journey of Queen Emma Naea Rooke in 1871 to the upper reaches of Kilohana Viewpoint. At the festival, a woman from the Halau and an entourage re-enact Queen Emma’s entrance to the mountain meadow, where they are greeted by hula dancers who offer ancient chants and special dances to the party. The day’s activities also include demonstrations of local crafts, including lauhala (fan and mat) weaving and Ni’ihau shell lei-making. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Harriet Taylor Mill (1807)

Harriet Taylor Mill was a philosopher and women’s rights advocate who is largely remembered for the influence she had on her second husband, John Stuart Mill, one of the preeminent thinkers of the 19th century. The two met while Harriet was still married. Two years after her first husband died, Harriet and John married following a 20-year friendship. She read and commented on all of his material, and he considered her an equal collaborator. What essays did Harriet write during their marriage? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary