Kerry J. Byrne

Lifestyle October 31

On this day in history, October 31, 1926, escape artist Harry Houdini shackled eternally by Grim Reaper

Illusionist Harry Houdini, who stunned audiences with his death-defying escape act, died on this date in history, Oct. 31, 1926. The cause of death was peritonitis, caused by a ruptured appendix.

Lifestyle October 27

On this day in history, October 27, 1858, Teddy Roosevelt, American titan, is born in New York City

President Theodore Roosevelt was born in New York City on Oct. 27, 1858, and went on to live a giant life as war hero and youngest U.S. president, with a legacy that still impacts the nation.

Lifestyle October 26

On this day in history, October 26, 1825, Erie Canal opens, transforming American infrastructure, commerce

The Erie Canal opened Oct. 26, 1825 and proved one of the most successful public works projects in American history, reshaping large swaths of the national economy.

Lifestyle October 25

On this day in history, October 25, 1944, first kamikaze suicide pilots attack US Navy in World War II

Imperial Japan sent its first wave of kamikaze suicide planes to the U.S. Navy off the coast of the Philippines on Oct. 25, 1944. Thousands were killed in the attacks by war's end.

Lifestyle October 24

On this day in history, October 24, 1861, transcontinental telegraph completed, connects coasts for first time

The transcontinental telegraph was completed on Oct. 24, 1861, making possible instant communication between the coasts possible for the first time. It rendered the Pony Express obsolete.

LIFESTYLE October 21

On this day in history, October 21, 1797, legendary warship USS Constitution is launched in Boston

The USS Constitution was launched on Oct. 21, 1797, in Boston on this day in history. She went on to a legendary career in naval warfare, earning the famous moniker Old Ironsides.

LIFESTYLE October 20

On this day in history, October 20, 1977, Lynyrd Skynyrd bandmates killed in horrific plane crash

Three members of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, and three other people, were killed in a plane crash on this day in history, Oct. 20, 1977.

LIFESTYLE October 19

On this day in history, October 19, 1789, John Jay sworn in as first Supreme Court chief justice

Founding Father John Jay took his oaths as first chief justice of the Supreme Court on this day in history, Oct. 19, 1789. He served less than six years before resigning at age 49.

LIFESTYLE October 18

Meet the American who invented the hard hat, a proud symbol of our nation's working class

Edward W. Bullard invented the hard hat in 1919, then patented it in 1929. It's credited with saving lives on job sites while also becoming a symbol of working-class America.

LIFESTYLE October 18

On this day in history, October 18, 1867, United States purchases Alaska from Russia for cool $7.2 million

The United States formally secured the acquisition of the vast Alaska territory from Russia on Oct. 18, 1867. The data is celebrated as Alaska Day and is a statewide holiday today.