It’s true. The fire pole was invented April 21, 1878. It was a nearly instant hit when the fire company of its inventor was the first to most fire scenes. And today it seems the fire pole is considered a safety hazard, and fire companies are trying to go single story. Well, it was a good life you had, fire pole. You’ve been a fantastic celebrity with which to share a birthday.
Also on April 21 - From the History Channel, apparently this is a pretty big day historically. Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC. I’ve always heard Rome wasn’t built in a day, so maybe it’s semantics, but apparently you can’t believe everything you hear.
And, Charlotte Bronte was born (1816). Well, Jane Eyre was a very good book. Much better than Wuthering Heights.
And a sad topic indeed. The Red Baron was killed on April 21, 1918. It suddenly seems fitting that I was wearing this sweatshirt tonight (seriously! More about that in my next post):
April 21st, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Happy birthday!!! (To both you and the fire pole, but mostly to you.)
April 21st, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Happy, happy birthday!!! (You have a really odd birthday, but I hope that doesn’t stop you from celebrating in grand style!)
Woot! Here’s to a fabulous year.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Happy Birthday!
My dad loves Snoopy Red Baron. We’ve spent a lot of time hunting down gifts along that theme. When he bought his red Miata, I went to a hat store (Bats in the Belfry) and bought him one of those aviator hats to wear.