Looking back on the world for the first Kentucky Derby in 1875!

The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is today! We look back at what was happening 150 years ago in 1875! Some of my readers may remember back to their childhood!

 

The opera, CARMEN, shocked Paris! (And the composer, Bizet, died three months later at 36 years of age!) Ah, L’amour!

In the FA Cup Final, the Royal Engineers defeated Old Etonians, 2-0, in a match that had to be repeated due to the first match ending in a draw! The REs avenged their loss to a lowly college team the year prior! (Oxford!)

The US Congress authorized the 20 cent coin. It lasted 3 years…longer than some politicians careers today!

 

James Jeffries, the famous American boxer defeated by Jack Johnson in the “Fight of the Century”, was born in Carroll, Ohio!

 

George “Charmer” Zettlein pitches the 1st 9 inning shutout. Was asked later about it. He replied, “My pitch count was a bit high, but I was happy throwing the VELO. My catcher went through 7 mitts!”

 

Alexander Graham Bell made the first sound transmission. And his daughter promptly asked for her own line!

 

Matthew Webb made the first unassisted swim across the English Channel. Someone asked him later, “Why didn’t you just take the Chunnel?”

 

The Electric Dental Drill is patented. And novacaine wasn’t!

 

Billy The Kid was first arrested for stealing clothing.

Billy The Kid first broke out of prison two days later!

 

James Cash Penney was born. No truth to the rumors that dad was reading a retail catalog at that time!

 

1st Kentucky Derby: Oliver Lewis aboard Aristides wins in 2:37.75.

Who you got for today? We will have a favorites article soon!

Be good to each other!