Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
1857 New York businessman Joseph Gayetty began marketing toilet paper. It was made of pure Manila hemp paper and contained aloe and remained in use until 1935 when splinter-free toilet paper was introduced.
1903 Professor Samuel Langley made his second attempt to fly his Aerodrome, a plane capable of carrying a person. It failed again, causing him to lose government support. His first attempt, two months earlier, also failed.
1941 U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his “date which will live in infamy” speech in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor the previous day.
Music History:
1980 John Lennon was shot and killed by an obsessed fan in New York City. The 40-year-old Lennon was entering his luxury Manhattan apartment building when Mark David Chapman shot him four times. Lennon had autographed an album for him earlier that day.
Notable Birthdays today:
Actress Eva Longoria 51
Actress Teri Hatcher 61
Actress Kim Basinger 72
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
