Daily post that discusses fun, interesting, historic and important events from today's date. Maybe you need a topic of conversation between family, friends or coworkers. Perhaps you need something to celebrate or remember. If anything, you can learn a thing or two, which is never a bad thing! Give me an upvote and/or follow to show you enjoyed this and I'll make sure to keep up with this.
What happened on May 26th?
First publication of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (1896)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, also called the “Dow,” is a staple of the stock market and finance in general. IT is a stock market index that shows how 30 large, publicly owned companies based in the US have traded during a standard stock market session.
It was first created by Charles Dow on this date in 1896. Dow was actually a journalist, oddly enough. He co-founded Dow Jones & Company with Edward Jones and Charles Bergstresser. He also founded the Wall Street Journal, seemingly more appropriate for his background.
The original “Dow” consisted of 12 companies. Of those 12 companies, only one of those remains in the current Dow Jones Industrial Average: General Electric. Other companies in this early version were the American Sugar Company, the Chicago Gas Company and the U.S. Leather Company.
First publication of the novel “Dracula” (1897)
When you think of fictional vampires, Dracula should immediately come to mind (NOT anything Twilight related). On this date in 1897, the first Dracula was released.
Written by Irish author Bram Stoker, Dracula tells the story of Count Dracula and his attempt to move from Transylvania to England for new blood. He battled a small group of men and women lead by Professor Abraham Van Helsing, another popular name in vampire lore.
It was not an immediate best seller when it was released. It is agreed to be more popular and significant with modern readers vs. the Victorian era readers. When movie versions of Dracula, and vampires in general came out, is when the novel saw surges in popularity.
The first “24 Hours of Le Mans" takes place (1923)
On this date in 1923, the first “24 Hours of Le Mans” (or in French, 24 Heures du Mans) was held. It is the world’s oldest active sports car race in endurance racing and is called the “Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency.”
This type of endurance race was conjured when Grand Prix motor racing was the dominant form of motor racing in Europe. The Le Mans was to test cars differently, both on cars endurance and reliability vs. the typical raw speed. It helped produce innovation in terms of equipment in the cars, fuel efficiency, etc.
It is currently held in June every year and drivers will cover distances well over 5,000 km (3,110 miles). Drivers and their teams must manage the car’s consumables, fuel, tires and braking materials. Relief drivers take the wheel for a bit of time while the primary driver eats and rests. It is a grueling race. In 2017, of the 60 cars that qualified, only 49 finished. The car manufacturer that has won this event the most is Porsche, with 19 wins.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully you learned a thing or two. See you tomorrow!