What Happened on May 31, 1919

Historical Events

  • Indianapolis 500: Howdy Wilcox accompanied by riding mechanic Leo Banks win; driver Arthur Thurman dies in a crash on lap 45; lap 96, Louis LeCocq and riding mechanic Robert Bandini wrecked in turn 2, both burned to death
  • NC-4 aircraft commanded by AC Read completes 1st crossing of Atlantic

Famous Birthdays

  • (Emmanual Tettey) "E.T." Mensah, Ghanaian saxophonist, known as the "King of Highlife" music (Accra Rhythmic Orchestra; The Tempos), born in Accra, West Africa (d. 1996)
  • Robie Macauley, American editor (Houghton Mifflin), and novelist (A Secret History of Time to Come), born in Grand Rapids, Michigan (d. 1995)
Born in 1919

Famous Weddings

  • 1st wedding held in an aircraft (over Houston, Texas)
1919 Highlights

About May 31, 1919

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 104 years, 9 months and 29 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Gemini