1865 - The coffee percolator was patented by James H. Mason.
1917 - During World War I, the U.S. government took over operation of the nation's railroads.
1921 - The Catholic Irish Free State became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain.
1944 - Tennessee Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie" was first performed publicly, at the Civic Theatre in Chicago, IL.
1947 - Hey snow blanketed the Northeast United States, burying New York City under 25.8 inches of snow in 16 hours. The severe weather was blamed for about 80 deaths.
1982 - The Man of the Year in TIME magazine was a computer. It was the first time a non-human received the honors.
Daily Quote "Personal beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of reference." - Fanny Brice
Tomorrow in The History of Today.