May 5, 2026
SCHOOL NEWS:
It’s time for “this date in history.” On May 5, 1809, Mary Kies of Killingly, Connecticut became the first woman to receive a patent in American history. Due to destroyed records, it is difficult to track down the specifics of her patent, but she was known to help manufacture women’s hats using a patented process of weaving straw and silk together. Coincidentally, on this date in 1868, Martha Jones became the first Black woman to receive a U.S. patent on a machine that could husk and shell corn in one procedure. On May 5, 1904, American pitcher Cy Young logged the first perfect game of the modern era with no runners reaching first base. He pitched for the Boston Americans who were facing the Philadelphia Athletics. On this date in 1973, the American racehorse Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby, capturing the coveted U.S. Triple Crown in horse racing. On May 5, 1978, Ben & Jerry’s opened its first ice cream shop. Happy Cinco de Mayo today as this is an annual celebration that is more popular in America than in Mexico as it is a celebration of Mexican-American culture. Thanks for listening to this date in history.