On This Day in History

August 26

Historical Events

1346 Battle of Crécy: Edward III's English longbows defeat Philip VI's army south of Calais in northern France, cannons are used for the first time in battle

1682 English astronomer Edmond Halley first observes the comet named after him

1873 First free kindergarten in the United States is started by Susan Blow in Carondelet, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri

1937 General Franco's Nationalist troops conquer Santander during the Spanish Civil War

The 1959 Mini

1959 British Motor Corporation introduces the Morris Mini-Minor, designed by Alec Issigonis. It is only 10 feet long yet seats four passengers.

1996 US President Bill Clinton signs welfare reform into law, representing a major shift in welfare policy

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Famous Birthdays

Albert Sabin 1906 - 1993 Mother Teresa 1910 - 1997

Geraldine Ferraro 1935 - 2011 Jorge Paulo Lemann 85th Birthday

Also Robert Walpole and Macaulay Culkin (44).

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Famous Deaths

Andrew Mellon 1855 - 1937 Charles Lindbergh 1902 - 1974

Also William James and Neil Simon.

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Lady With Twin Passions: Art and Men

American art collector extraordinaire and socialite Peggy Guggenheim, born on this day, was heiress to the family fortune and a highly colorful figure.

Art Collector Peggy Guggenheim