December 1st, 2008

Today in History

1975:
The long-running soap opera The Edge of Night switches networks to ABC after 19 years on CBS.

1961:
The independent Republic of West Papua is proclaimed in modern-day Western New Guinea.

1941:
World War II: Mayor of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia, and the director of the Office of Civilian Defense, sign an order creating the Civil Air Patrol.

1919:
Lady Astor becomes first female member of the British Parliament to take her seat (she had been elected to that position on November 28).

1885:
Although the exact date is unknown, the US Patent Office acknowledges December 1st, 1885 as the first day Dr Pepper was served.