Day Tripping: June 19
Emancipation, Tribulation, and Legalization
Make It Official
Signed into law as a national holiday by current President Joe Biden, today marks Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when General Gordon Granger of the Union Army declared the slaves of Texas free. It was the last region of America at that time to make the proclamation. Though the day has been celebrated across the country for generations, President Biden’s signature on the National Independence Day Act makes it official one hundred and thirty-six years later.
Juneteenth has traditionally been celebrated locally with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, works by African-American authors such as Maya Angelou, songs, and fairs. Beginning next year, the United States’ twelfth national holiday will go into full effect, closing banks, government offices, and post offices around the country.
Life Imitates Art
On a late afternoon in Lovell, Maine, author Stephen King was walking along the shoulder of Route 5 in 1999 when he was suddenly hit by a blue minivan which witnesses said, was weaving slightly from side to side. Later reports revealed the driver was not speeding, driving recklessly, nor was he inebriated. Upon impact, King’s body was thrown about fifteen feet into a ditch. He suffered a collapsed lung, multiple contusions, a broken hip, and several fractures in his right leg.
The driver of the minivan had become distracted by his dog in the back seat when his vehicle struck King. He was given a six-month suspended sentence as well as a license suspension. Oddly similar to his novel Misery from twelve years earlier in which a writer is laid up from a terrible accident, Stephen King underwent five surgeries and physiotherapy but started working again in July while in rehab.
Up In Smoke
Canada became the first economic power to vote in favor of legalizing cannabis when the Senate passed a bill in a vote of 52 to 29 in 2018. The Upper House supported the revised bill presented by the House of Commons, making Canada the first G7 economic power to legalize the substance for recreational use. Making pot legal was a major campaign promise that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals successfully ran on three years earlier to regain Parliament.
Several major players like Canopy Growth and Aurora Cannabis in the burgeoning marijuana industry were quick to line up for a spot on the regulatory list of suppliers. As expected, there have been many bumps along the way and though the black market still thrives, government-sanctioned cannabis stores have popped up all over the country.
Musical Milestones
The Royal Court Theatre in London debuted the musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1973. After a run on Broadway two years later, the story becomes legendary as the adapted film of the same name becomes a cult classic.
Narratives
The comic strip featuring a cat with attitude, Garfield by cartoonist Jim Davis appears for the first time in 1978.
Remembrance
Jean Arthur began her acting career in silent films, but her distinctive voice and screen presence made her a major star in several iconic American films like Mr. Smith Goes To Washington and Shane. The reclusive actor went into retirement for twelve years before returning to the Broadway stage. Jean Arthur died in 1991 at the age of 90. A recluse to the end. There was no funeral service for her.
Notable Births
1954 — Another star with a distinctively growly voice, Kathleen Turner
1962 — Singer, dancer, songwriter, Paula Abdul
1964 — British Prime Minister and one time Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
K. Barrett Katie Wallace Maria Rattray Maryam Merchant Dr Mehmet Yildiz Tree Langdon Myriam Ben Salem Phil Truman Chelsea Mandler MAT Terry Mansfield Hollie Petit, PhD. Terry Trueman Dr Preeti Singh John Gruber Bill Abbate James G Brennan ScienceDuuude Marcus Liam Ireland Claire Kelly Noorain Hassan, BMS Amy Pierovich David Acaster Nora Thewriteyard David Perlmutter Joe Luca
The Story Of Day Tripping Through History What’s Past Is Often Present
A comprehensive directory for Day Tripping