Seven Notable Leap Day Fun Facts From Michigan History
Once every four years we get an extra day to play with.
2024 is unique in the way that it is another leap year, giving us the elusive February 29th. Let's take a look back at what has happened in Michigan history on leap day..
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To get things started, we will jump all the way back to 1884. According to weather.gov, the coldest leap day in Michigan history happened back in 1884 when temperatures in Detroit reached a bitter cold of -6 degrees.
On Leap Day in 1936, NASA astronaut and USMC Colonel, Jack R. Lousma, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lousma was inducted into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997.
In 1940, Detroit Red Wings goalie Cecil "Tiny" Thompson became the first goaltender in NHL history to play 40 or more games for 12 straight seasons. In 1952, Bart Stupak was born in Milwaukee and would later go on to become a member of the Michigan House of Representatives.
In 1956, notorious American serial killer, Aileen Wuornos was born in Troy, Michigan. Her story has been told in numerous movies, documentaries, and more, including Monster, starring Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci.
The highest temperature ever recorded on Leap Day in Michigan happened in 1976 when the temperature in Detroit reached 63 degrees.
To wrap this list up, we turn to a hockey hero. On Leap Day in 1980, Gordie Howe became the first NHL player to score 800 career goals.
Source: Onthisday.com
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