AUGUST: The dictionary says, “1) Inspiring awe or admiration; majestic; 2) Venerable for reasons of age or high rank.” For us it’s a month full of sun, swimming and vacations. The flower of the month is the very majestic Gladiola. For local youngsters, alas, it’s back to school month. Do I hear a few moms cheering in the distance?
Our city was founded in 1847, and derives its name from the wife of General Mariano Vallejo, Dona Francisca Maria Felipa Benicia Carrillo de Vallejo, born on August 23, 1815.
Other August happenings include the first article proposing women’s rights in America, written in 1775 by Thomas Paine for the Pennsylvania Magazine, of which he was the editor. However, it wasn’t until 1920 that women received the right to vote on August 26, when the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was signed.
Five US Presidents were born in August: Benjamin Harrison, August 20, 1833; Herbert Hoover, August 10, 1874; Lyndon Johnson, August 27, 1908; Bill Clinton, August 19, 1946 and Barack Obama, August 4, 1961. Also in August, three states entered the Union: Missouri, August 10, 1821; Colorado, August 1; 1876; and the 50th state, Hawaii, August 21, 1959. George Washington created the "Purple Heart," decoration medal in August, 1782.
Isaac Merrit Singer was granted a patent for his sewing machine in August, 1851, different from others as it was “hands-free,” having the first treadle operated by the sewer’s foot. The National Park Service was established in August, 1916. In August, 1935, The Social Security Act was passed by Congress. The first Olympic Games opened in Berlin, Germany, in August, 1936.
Korea became an independent country on August 17, 1945; India became an independent country August 15, 1945; and Indonesia became an independent country August 15, 1947.
The Beatles concluded their fourth American tour with their last public concert at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, August, 1966. Oh, and it’s National Left-Handers Day on August 13. Give a cheer for us southpaws!
Be sure to join us on Saturday, August 20 for the Russ Lorenson Songbook Concert, at 8pm in the Spenger Garden at the Benicia Historical Museum.
