Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger was published 60 years ago today. It’s sold about 60 million copies since.
Major John Glenn, USMC, set a transcontinental (Los Angeles to New York) speed record of 3 hours, 23 minutes and 8 seconds on this date in 1957. Average speed: 723 mph.
Phoebe Cates (Mrs. Kevin Kline) is 48 today. Will Ferrell, born and raised in Irvine, California, is 44. Football guys Barry Sanders and Jimmy Johnson are 43 and 68 respectively.
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner is 55 today. He won the prize for Angels in America.
Bess Meyerson is 87 today. She was Miss America 1945, the first Jewish woman to win the title. Meyerson remained a celebrity into the 1970s, on TV games shows and in politics. I saw her at a reception when she was about 50 and she remained very, very glamorous.
Two Hollywood greats, Ruby Catherine Stevens and Virginia Katherine McMath were born on July 16th. We know Stevens better as Barbara Stanwyck, born in 1907, she was a four time best actress Oscar nominee. And we know McMath better as Ginger Rogers, born in 1911, and an Oscar winner for best actress for Kitty Foyle.
Orville Redenbacher was born in Brazil, Indiana, on July 16th in 1907. With his partner Charlie Bowman, Redenbacher developed the popcorn that bears his name. He died in his jacuzzi at age 88.
Apollo 11 left Florida for the moon on this date in 1969.
The Mission San Diego de Alcalá was founded by Junipero Serra on this date in 1769.