spaceless.com — Today in History

Saturday, 17 January 2026

Day 17 of 2026 · 348 days remaining in the year · Week 03

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5 Births

7 Events

12 Total entries

★ Born on this day 5 entries

1706

Benjamin Franklin, author, poet, statesman, inventor.

US Science & Technology 320 yrs ago

1771

Charles Brockden Brown, father of the American novel.

US Arts & Culture 255 yrs ago

1880

Mack Sennett, created Keystone Kops

US 146 yrs ago

1931

James Earl Jones, actor, man with the golden voice.

US Arts & Culture 95 yrs ago

1942

Muhammed Ali, who floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee.

US 84 yrs ago

1861

Flush toilet is patented by Mr. Thomas Crapper (Honest!!).

US Science & Technology 165 yrs ago

1871

First Cable Car is patented by Andrew S. Hallidie.

US Science & Technology 155 yrs ago

1893

The Kingdom of Hawaii becomes a republic.

US Politics & Government 133 yrs ago

1929

Popeye makes first appearance, in comic strip "Thimble Theatre."

US Arts & Culture 97 yrs ago

1943

It was Tin Can Drive Day.

US 83 yrs ago

1957

Nine county commission recommends creation of BART.

US 69 yrs ago

1973

Final episode of "BONANZA" airs.

US Media & Broadcasting 53 yrs ago