25 fun facts for February, 7
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
February 7th is a day filled with fun facts and historical events, including the introduction of Monopoly, the birthdays of Charles Dickens and Laura Ingalls Wilder, and noteworthy celebrations like World Nutella Day and National Send a Card to a Friend Day. From cultural milestones to memorable inventions, February 7th has something for everyone.
25 Fun facts
- On February 7, 1935, Monopoly was introduced by Parker Brothers. The classic board game was invented by Charles Darrow and has become a worldwide favorite, selling millions of copies and being translated into more than 30 languages.
- Ballet fans can celebrate International Maître d'Arms Day on February 7th. This special day is dedicated to honoring the professionals who train ballet dancers, including choreographers, ballet masters, and teachers.
- In 1904, the Great Baltimore Fire began on February 7th in the John Hurst and Company building. The fire destroyed 1,500 buildings within 30 hours, resulting in over $100 million in damages.
- National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day takes place on February 7th in the United States. This public health initiative aims to provide education, testing, and treatment options for African Americans affected by HIV/AIDS.
- Rose Day is celebrated on February 7th in India. This romantic day kicks off Valentine's Week and is an occasion for people to express their love and affection for one another by gifting roses.
- On February 7, 1887, Hollerith filed the first U.S. patent for the Electric Tabulating Machine. This invention helped with data input and tabulation of the 1890 U.S. Census and eventually led to the formation of IBM.
- British composer Sir Edward Elgar was born on February 7, 1857. He is best known for composing the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and the Enigma Variations.
- Laura Ingalls Wilder, American author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie series, was born on February 7, 1867. Her books, based on her childhood experiences, have inspired generations of readers and a popular television series.
- Charles Dickens, celebrated English author, was born on February 7, 1812. Throughout his illustrious career, Dickens penned classics such as A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol.
- On February 7, 1964, The Beatles arrived in the United States for the first time, marking the beginning of the British Invasion. Their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show would become one of the most iconic moments in music history.
- 21-year-old Giancarlo Gianazza made the first solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a kayak on February 7, 1987. The Italian adventurer paddled from west to east, covering over 4,000 miles in 124 days.
- On February 7, 1986, Haiti's President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled the country after widespread protests. This event marked the end of a 28-year-long family dictatorship, and Haitians celebrated in the streets.
- February 7, 1992, marked the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union. This historic treaty was signed by leaders of 12 member countries and is a significant milestone in European integration.
- February 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day in the United States. This day encourages people to maintain cherished friendships by sending a thoughtful card or note to friends near and far.
- Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day is a lighthearted holiday observed on February 7th. The day encourages people to engage in a friendly wave to promote good neighborliness and brighten someone's day.
- The International Olympic Committee was founded on February 7, 1894, by Pierre de Coubertin. The organization is responsible for the planning and execution of the modern Olympic Games, held every two years in alternating summer and winter cycles.
- Groundbreaking author Sinclair Lewis was born on February 7, 1885. Lewis was the first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1930, known for works such as Main Street and Babbitt.
- February 7, 1940, marks the release date of Walt Disney's second animated feature film, Pinocchio. The animated classic features memorable characters, including Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and Geppetto, and introduced the iconic song, "When You Wish Upon a Star."
- World Nutella Day is celebrated on February 7th. The day is dedicated to appreciating the popular hazelnut spread, created by Italian Pietro Ferrero in 1964.
- On February 7, 1971, Switzerland granted women the right to vote in federal elections. The historic step towards gender equality was achieved through a national referendum and marked a significant milestone in women's rights.
- February 7, 1922, marked the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine in the United States. The monthly publication is known for its condensed versions of popular articles, stories, and advice.
- The first episode of the television comedy series "The Monkees" premiered on February 7, 1966. The show followed the adventures of the fictional eponymous band and achieved great popularity in the late 1960s.
- On February 7, 1908, the first Boy Scout troop was organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell. Today, the Boy Scouts movement has grown to become a global organization, helping millions of young people develop life skills and community involvement.
- Actor and comedian Chris Rock was born on February 7, 1965. Rock's career has spanned stand-up comedy, film, and television, and he is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time.
- American astronaut and first person to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was announced as the commander of the Apollo 11 mission on February 7, 1969. The announcement was made two years before July 20, 1969, when Armstrong successfully completed the historic lunar landing.