Daily Calendar for Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor, was found on an island where he had been stranded for over 4 years. His experience was the basis for Daniel DeFoe’s novel, Robinson Crusoe – 1709
First U.S. dental dispensary opened, New York City – 1791
The first dental college was incorporated, Baltimore, Maryland – 1840
Texas seceded from the Union – 1861
Battle Hymn of the Republic, a poem written by Julia Ward Howe, was published in Atlantic Monthly – 1862
“Edition One” of the Oxford English Dictionary was published – 1884
First automobile insurance policy issued – 1898
First U.S. Marine Division activated – 1941
Gordon Matthews received a patent for “voice message exchange” system (better known as voicemail) – 1983
Space shuttle Columbia broke apart during re-entry, killing all seven astronauts onboard – 2003
New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady became the youngest quarterback to lead his team to two Super Bowl victories – 2004
During Super Bowl XLIII, Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison intercepted a pass on the goal line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest play in Super Bowl history – 2009

Forty-five degrees below zero F in Pittsburg, New Hampshire – 1920
The greatest ice storm of record in the United States produced a layer of ice up to four inches thick from Texas to Pennsylvania, causing 25 deaths, 500 serious injuries, and $100 million worth of damage. Communications and utilities were interrupted for a week to ten days. – 1951
-50 degrees F, Gavilan, New Mexico – 1951
A high temperature of 50 degrees F was reported in Burlington, Vermont – 1988