24 fun facts for August, 22

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
August 22 is a day full of remarkable events, from the establishment of the Red Cross Society of Japan in 1877 to Alaska's discovery in 1741. The day also observes several fun food-related celebrations like National Eat a Peach Day and National Pecan Torte Day.
24 Fun facts
  1. August 22 is National Tooth Fairy Day in the United States. This whimsical holiday celebrates the mythical creature who collects children's lost teeth from under their pillows as they sleep and leaves a small monetary reward in exchange.
  2. In 1893, Dorothy Parker, an American poet, writer, and critic known for her wit and wisecracks, was born on August 22. She was a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and critics who contributed to The New Yorker magazine.
  3. On August 22, 565 AD, St. Columba, an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland, reportedly saw the Loch Ness Monster in the River Ness. This is considered the first recorded sighting of the legendary creature.
  4. On August 22, 1741, Danish explorer Vitus Bering discovered Alaska. He landed on Kodiak Island and claimed the land for Russia. This led to the establishment of Russian America, which eventually became the U.S. state of Alaska.
  5. In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S president to ride in an automobile on August 22. The ride took place in Hartford, Connecticut, in a Victoria-Phaeton model car.
  6. August 22 is National Be an Angel Day in the United States. The day encourages people to show kindness, support, and love to others through good deeds, volunteer work, or random acts of kindness.
  7. On August 22, 1950, Althea Gibson became the first African-American tennis player to be accepted into a U.S. Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) event, the U.S. National Championships (now known as the U.S. Open). She eventually became a trailblazing champion and paved the way for future generations.
  8. In 1849, Rudišin, Czech Republic, experienced a meteorite shower on August 22. The Rudišin meteorite fell on this day, creating a sensation in the scientific community and remains a significant event in the history of meteoritics.
  9. August 22 is National Eat a Peach Day in the United States. This juicy summer fruit, which is native to China, is celebrated on this day to encourage consumption and recognition of its nutritional benefits.
  10. On August 22, 1791, the Haitian Revolution began with a voodoo ceremony led by the priest and healer Dutty Boukman. What started as a revolt of enslaved people turned into a struggle for independence, culminating in Haiti becoming the first black-led republic in 1804.
  11. In 1906, the Victor Talking Machine Company created the iconic phonograph record "His Master's Voice" on August 22. The famous logo featuring a dog, Nipper, listening to a phonograph became a symbol still recognized today.
  12. August 22 is World Plant Milk Day, a day dedicated to celebrating dairy-free alternatives to cow's milk. This could be almond, soy, or oat milk, and the day aims to raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of plant-based milks.
  13. On August 22, 1962, the Beatles fired their drummer Pete Best and replaced him with Ringo Starr. This move led to the creation of the classic lineup of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, which became one of the most famous bands in history.
  14. In 1908, the first animated cartoon, titled Fantasmagorie, was released on August 22. Created by French artist Émile Cohl, this groundbreaking animation showcased the limitless possibilities of the medium.
  15. August 22 is the feast day of the Queenship of Mary in the Catholic Church. This day celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary is the Queen of Heaven and Earth, given her role in the life of Jesus Christ.
  16. In 1911, on August 22, the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. The painting was recovered two years later, and the heist remains one of the most famous art thefts in history.
  17. August 22 is the birthday of Ray Bradbury, a celebrated American author and screenwriter best known for his dystopian novel 'Fahrenheit 451,' in which an oppressive government burns books to control the populace.
  18. The Red Cross Society of Japan was founded on August 22, 1877, by Count Sano Tsunetami. The organization provides medical assistance and disaster relief both domestically and internationally.
  19. In 1926, gold-plated telephone service between Havana and New York City was inaugurated on August 22. This international telephone service used gold-plated relays, which significantly improved long-distance call quality.
  20. On August 22, 1964, the Fania All-Stars, a group of Latin musicians and pioneers of the salsa genre, debuted at the Red Garter in New York City. Their influence on Latin music still resonates today.
  21. On August 22, 1932, the first performance of comedian duo Laurel and Hardy took place at the Palace Theatre in Newcastle, England. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy are still regarded as one of the most iconic comedy duos in film history.
  22. In 1961, the influential American novel "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller was published on August 22. The satirical work provided a powerful critique of the absurdity and brutality of war.
  23. August 22 is National Pecan Torte Day in the United States. The day celebrates the delicious dessert made with pecans, a popular nut native to North America.
  24. On August 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan, an American baseball pitcher, recorded his 5,000th career strikeout. He is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach this milestone.

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