Stories of America’s Past
Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly
On
This
Day
On April 19, 1897, the first Boston Marathon was run. Marathons became popular after one was held as part of the 1896 Olympics. Afterward, the manager of the US team was inspired to establish the Boston Marathon. April 19, Patriots’ Day, was selected as the date to remember the start of the Revolutionary War. The route began at Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland, Massachusetts, and ended at Boston’s Irvington Street Oval near Copley Square. Fifteen men participated.
Women Leaders
The Triangle Factory Fire and Why It Matters Today
Jean Carroll (1911-2010), Pioneered the Path for Female Stand-Up Comediennes
- One of the early female comics (Moms Mabley preceded her, performing in the 1910s, but she was on the black vaudeville circuit; more about her another day)
- Appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show more than twenty times
Ethel Payne, Ground-Breaking Black Female Journalist
Maggie Lena Walker, Black Businesswoman and Bank President
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Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly