Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
1784 Ben Franklin wrote a letter to his daughter expressing his disapproval of the eagle as our nation’s symbol. He thought the bald eagle was of bad moral character and found the turkey a more respectable bird.
1837 Michigan became the 26th state. Michigan is Chippewa for “great water.”
1926 John Baird demonstrated an invention to members of the Royal Institution in London. It was a system that could broadcast live moving images. The first public demonstration of TV.
Music History:
1974 Ringo Starr went to #1 on the US singles charts with his version of the 1960 Johnny Burnett hit “You’re Sixteen”.
Notable Birthdays:
The “Great One” Wayne Gretsky 65
Ellen DeGeneres 68
Singer Anita Baker 68
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
