Paul Layendecker’s “WAY BACK WHEN” for Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
1849 The first prospectors for the Gold Rush of ’49 arrived in San Francisco. Gold was discovered by James Marshall on Sutter’s Mill the previous year. Over 300,000 people, known as “forty-niners” (from year 1849), would go to California to seek their fortune.
1953, Cambridge University scientists James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick announced that they have determined the double-helix structure of DNA, the molecule containing human genes.
1983 The final episode of the TV Series M*A*S*H was watched by a record 106 million viewers. The episode was originally written for 90 minutes. But a brush fire broke out at the set in Malibu Creek State Park. The fire was filmed and worked into the script, adding an extra 30 minutes making it two hours long.
Music History:
1974 – Cher earned her first solo No. 1 hit with Dark Lady which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her third solo chart-topper.
Notable Birthdays:
B-52’s Cindy Wilson 68
Actress Bernadette Peters 77
Actor Gavin McLeod 91 (Capn’ Stubing on The Love Boat)
Credit to:
Thisdayinmusic.com and Thisdaytrivia.com
