Debut of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom
On January 6, 1963, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom debuts. Marlin Perkins became a household name across America thanks to the popularity of his wildlife show. Perkins was born in Carthage, educated at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, and later studied at Mizzou.
Springfield Aquarium Voted Top Tourist Destination
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield was voted the number one new tourist destination in the country by USA Today’s travel experts.
Where Eagles Fly in Missouri
Lorry Myers, decided to visit Eagle Days because she’d never seen our national bird up close and personal. It was cold and cloudy, but now she didn’t want to go. Suddenly, everything changed.
Roger Hornsby Elected to the Hall of Fame
On January 4, 1942, the greatest right-handed hitter was elected to the Hall of Fame. Rogers Hornsby won seven batting titles and hit over .402 in three seasons.
National Antique Tractor Pull
Old tractors. Pulling weights. Pack up Grandma and Grandpa and anyone else who might remember some of these old tractors on the farm. Actually, youngsters enjoy this event, too, and some competitors are quite young.
Missouri Counties Formed
On January 2, 1833, new Missouri counties, including Carroll, Clinton, Greene, and Lewis, were formed on this date.
Missourians Survive the Y2K Scare
On January 1, 2000, Missourians survived the Y2K (Year 2000) scare. Millions of anxious people around the state waited to see if electronics would shut down at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2000.
Hot Air Balloon Adventure
On December 31, 1997, Steve Fossett took off in a hot air balloon from Busch Stadium on this day. The trip ended a few days later in Russia, establishing a new distance record.
Lecture from Ralph Waldo Emerson
On December 30, 1858, Ralph Waldo Emerson was warmly welcomed on a cold night in St. Louis. He was giving a lecture on “The Anglo-Saxon.”