Valentine Babies

Hugh Downs is 87.

The Bradys’ mom and stepmom, Florence Henderson, is 74.

Michael Bloomberg is 66.

Carl Bernstein of Woodward and Bernstein is 64.

Pat O’Brien is 60, as is magician-comedian Teller.

Michael Doucet of Beausoleil is 57.

Meg Tilly is 48.

Jack Benny was born as Benjamin Kubelsky on this date in 1894. In The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, the entry for The Jack Benny Program on radio runs for eight pages. And then he was on television. Truly one of the great stars of the mid-20th century. NewMexiKen realizes how corny the jokes and skits would sound now — how corny they undoubtedly were then — but tucked among my fond memories is being at my Great Grandmother’s house in Rensselaer, New York, more than 55 years ago. I was sick, so stayed home with Gram that Sunday evening while the rest of the family socialized. She had to be in her seventies; I no more than five or six. We listened to The Jack Benny Program on radio. And all I can remember is how hard we laughed.

Oregon entered the union as the 33rd state on February 14, 1859.

Arizona entered the union as the 48th state on February 14, 1912.