Oh Yeah, and NHL Free Agency, Too

If you tire and grow weary of the non-stop NHL feeding frenzy that today's opening of the unrestricted free agency signing period promises, just remember that other things happened on this date. For instance...

-- It is the birthdate of Samuel D. Riddle, in 1861. He was the owner of the famous race horse, Man o' War.

-- Charles Laughton was born on this date in 1899.

-- Cosmetics founder Estee Lauder was born on this date in 1908.

-- Famous shoe collector Imelda Marcos was born on this date in 1930.

-- Speaking of fashion, famous television cross-dresser Jamie Farr was born on this date in 1934.

-- Dan Aykroyd was born in Ottawa (this being a hockey sort of day) on this date in 1952.

-- Lady Diane Spencer was born on this date in 1961.

-- And guys...Pamela Anderson -- another Canadian -- was born on this date in 1967.

Some other things that happened on this date...

-- The first intercollegiate baseball game was held in 1859. Amherst defeated Williams, 66-32. Guess they hadn't gotten around to that "mercy rule" thing just yet.

-- In 1898, Teddy Roosevelt and his "Rough Riders" charged up San Juan Hill.

-- In 1899, the Gideons were founded by three traveling businesmen. The first Bibles were placed at the Superior Hotel in Iron Mountain, Montana, in 1908.

-- Walter Johnson no-hit the Boston Red Sox, 1-0, in 1920. Seems Washington did have pitching once upon a time.

-- Bulova Watch Co. was the first customer for a paid network television commercial, in 1941. The price?... nine bucks.

-- In 1943, withholding from pay checks was initiated.

-- In 1963, The Beatles recorded "She Loves You."

-- In that same year, the U.S. Postal Service introduced its "Zone Improvement Plan." You know it as the "zip code."

-- In 1972, "Ms." magazine began publishing.

-- In 1987, WFAN (New York City) became the first 24-hour all-sports radio station.

Just a few of the things July 1st is famous for, other than NHL free agency. And to all you folks north of the border....