History for January 2

History for January 2 - On-This-Day.com:
Isaac Asimov 1920, Roger Miller 1936, Jim Bakker 1939


Cuba Gooding, Jr. 1968, Christy Turlington 1969, Kate Bosworth 1973

1842 - In Fairmount, PA, the first wire suspension bridge was opened to traffic.

1892 - Ellis Island opened as America's first federal immigration center. Annie Moore, at age 15, became the first person to pass through.


1900 - U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced the Open Door Policy to prompt trade with China.


1935 - Bruno Richard Hauptmann went on trial for the kidnap-murder of Charles Lindberghs baby. Hauptmann was found guilt and executed.


1942 - The Philippine capital of Manila was captured by Japanese forces during World War II.


1949 - Jack Benny's television show aired on CBS for the first time. The show had previously been aired on NBC.


1953 - "The Life of Riley" debuted on NBC-TV.


1965 - "Broadway" Joe Namath signed the richest rookie contract ($400,000) in the history of pro football.


1974 - U.S. President Richard M. Nixon signed a bill requiring all states to lower the maximum speed limit to 55 MPH. The law was intended to conserve gasoline supplies during an embargo imposed by Arab oil-producing countries. Federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.