USS MAINE EXPLODES IN HAVANA HARBOR
Havana, Cuba (JFK+50) 116 years ago today, February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded here in Havana harbor killing 260 American sailors.
The battleship had been sent to Cuba by President William McKinley at the request of the US ambassador to protect American citizens during a time of increasing tensions between Cubans and the Spanish government.
A US Navy court of inquiry concluded in March 1898 that the explosion was caused by a mine. This was interpreted to mean the Spanish were guilty and the American "yellow press" fanned the flames for war with Spain.
A 1976 investigation, however, concluded the explosion was caused by a fire in the ammunition storeroom.
SHOTS FIRED AT FDR IN BAYFRONT PARK
Miami, Florida (JFK+50) President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an apparent assassination attempt here in Miami 81 years ago today, February 15, 1933.
The President-elect had just completed a speech at Bayfront Park when shots rang out.
Six shots were fired but none hit FDR.
One of the shots, however, seriously wounded Chicago mayor, Anton Cermak while four other bystanders were also hit.
The suspect was identified as Giuseppe Zangara, a 32 year old man who said to police...
"I hate all officials and anyone who is rich."
It was determined that Zangara was firing his pistol while standing on an unsteady bench which possibly caused him to miss FDR.
Mayor Cermak died 19 days later.
Zangara was tried, found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. He was electrocuted on March 5, 1933.
New York City (JFK+50) Ethel Merman, who performed on Broadway for half a century, died 30 years ago today, February 15, 1984, of natural causes here in New York.
Miss Merman was born in Queens, New York.
Her signature song, "There's no business like show business" is from the musical Annie Get Your Gun.
Ethel Merman once said:
"You may have done all right elsewhere, but you haven't really done it until you face a New York first night crowd."
Irving Berlin said of Ethel Merman:
"You give her a bad song and she'll make it sound good. Give her a good song and she'll make it sound great."
Miss Merman was described as a lifelong Republican. She was a frequent guest of the Eisenhower's at the White House and performed at the 1956 Republican National Convention.
Havana, Cuba (JFK+50) 116 years ago today, February 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded here in Havana harbor killing 260 American sailors.
The battleship had been sent to Cuba by President William McKinley at the request of the US ambassador to protect American citizens during a time of increasing tensions between Cubans and the Spanish government.
U.S.S. Maine
A US Navy court of inquiry concluded in March 1898 that the explosion was caused by a mine. This was interpreted to mean the Spanish were guilty and the American "yellow press" fanned the flames for war with Spain.
A 1976 investigation, however, concluded the explosion was caused by a fire in the ammunition storeroom.
Aftermath of the Explosion
Miami, Florida (JFK+50) President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an apparent assassination attempt here in Miami 81 years ago today, February 15, 1933.
The President-elect had just completed a speech at Bayfront Park when shots rang out.
Six shots were fired but none hit FDR.
One of the shots, however, seriously wounded Chicago mayor, Anton Cermak while four other bystanders were also hit.
The suspect was identified as Giuseppe Zangara, a 32 year old man who said to police...
"I hate all officials and anyone who is rich."
Sheriff Dan Hardie with Zangara
Mayor Cermak died 19 days later.
Zangara was tried, found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. He was electrocuted on March 5, 1933.
ETHEL MERMAN DIED 30 YEARS AGO TODAY
Miss Merman was born in Queens, New York.
Her signature song, "There's no business like show business" is from the musical Annie Get Your Gun.
"You may have done all right elsewhere, but you haven't really done it until you face a New York first night crowd."
Irving Berlin said of Ethel Merman:
"You give her a bad song and she'll make it sound good. Give her a good song and she'll make it sound great."
Miss Merman was described as a lifelong Republican. She was a frequent guest of the Eisenhower's at the White House and performed at the 1956 Republican National Convention.
Ethel Merman
