Birthdays & Historical Events – May 31

1790

1790

The Copyright Act of 1790 is enacted.

The Copyright Act of 1790 is enacted, making it the first copyright law. The Act granted American citizens the exclusive right to print and publish books, maps, and charts for an initial 14-year term, with the option to renew for an additional 14 years.

May 31, 1790

1870

1870

The first Enforcement Act outlining the rights of Blacks is passed by Congress.

Congress passed the first Enforcement Act outlining the rights of Blacks. The Act outlawed voter suppression, provided criminal penalties for using force, bribery, or violence to prevent African Americans from exercising their civil rights

May 31, 1870

1879

1879

Madison Square Garden after President Madison.

Gilmore's Garden in New York City is renamed Madison Square Garden after President Madison.

May 31, 1879

1880

1880

The first bicycle association forms in the U.S.

The League of American Wheelmen forms, becoming the first bicycle association in the U.S. The League championed cyclists' rights and pushed for paved roads.

May 31, 1880

1885

1885

John Harvey Kellogg excludes brother Kellogg when he filed for the patent for "flaked cereal."

John Harvey Kellogg excluded his brother Will Kellogg when he filed an application for the patent for "flaked cereal, and process of making same."

May 31, 1885

1893

1893

Whitcomb Judson patents a hookless fastener.

Whitcomb Judson patents a hookless fastener, which later becomes known as the zipper.

May 31, 1893

1907

1907

The first taxis service begins in New York City

The first taxis service begins in NY City with 12 electric hansom cabs operated by the Electric Carriage and Wagon Company.

May 31, 1907

1909

1909

The National Negro Committee meets for the first time.

The National Negro Committee meets for the first time. The Committee later becomes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

May 31, 1909

1931

1931

The remains of Jefferson Davis are moved.

The remains of Jefferson Davis are moved from New Orleans to Richmond, VA, at the request of his widow to give Davis a permanent resting place.

May 31, 1931

1937

1937

The first set of quadruplets graduate from college.

The first set of quadruplets graduate from Baylor University. Leota, Mary, Mona, and Roberta were national celebrities and enrolled at Baylor on full scholarships in 1933.

May 31, 1937

1955

1955

The Supreme Court orders district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation.

The Supreme Court orders district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation "at all deliberate speed." However, this ambiguous phrase allowed many local school boards to delay integration for over a decade.

May 31, 1955

1958

1958

Dick Dale invents "surf music."

Dick Dale invents "surf music" by combining heavy reverb, Middle Eastern scales, and rapid staccato picking. The sound mirrored the thrill of riding ocean waves.

May 31, 1958

1971

1971

Congress announces Memorial Day will occur on the last Monday in May.

In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act (1968) passed by Congress, observation of Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May.

May 31, 1971