It was a very hot time in the old town that night

October 8, 1871 –Mrs O’Leary’s cow started The Great Chicago Fire that destroyed more than 17,000 buildings, killed more than 300 people and left 90,000 homeless, on this date. Bad cow. Catherine O’Leary seemed the perfect scapegoat: she was a woman, immigrant, and Catholic – a combination which did not fare well in the politicalContinue reading “It was a very hot time in the old town that night”

I never heard of this series before

October 7, 1957 –The first movie to be adapted to become a TV series, How to Marry a Millionaire, starring Lori Nelson, Merry Anders, and Barbara Eden premiered on this date. It was syndicated and not on a regular network. A moderate success during its initial run, the show was renewed to return for anContinue reading “I never heard of this series before”

The Corvette was actually light blue

October 7, 1960 –Route 66 starring Martin Milner and George Maharis premiered on CBS TV, on this date. Three future movie stars nearly became regulars on this series. When the show was first getting off the ground, a young unknown named Robert Redford auditioned for the role of Tod Stiles, but was beaten out byContinue reading “The Corvette was actually light blue”

It was finally George’s turn

October 6, 1969 –The Beatles release a double A-side single Something and Come Together on this date. It was the only song written by George Harrison released as a single by The Beatles. George Harrison wrote this during a break while The Beatles were working on The White Album. It was not recorded in timeContinue reading “It was finally George’s turn”

Smack, crack, bushwhacked

October 6, 1992 –33 years ago, R.E.M. released their eighth studio album, Automatic for the People, on this date. The album title was inspired by Weaver D’s soul food diner in Athens, Georgia. When you ordered food there, they answered by saying “automatic.” They had a sign that said “Delicious Fine Foods – Automatic ForContinue reading “Smack, crack, bushwhacked”