Donald The Duck
The Maundy Monday Newsletter - This Week in History June 9 - 15.
Walt Disney released a new character into the universe on June 9, 1934. Granted, it’s a year off from when I typically highlight important events in United States history, but I got a chuckle out of the idea that June 9 is Donald Duck Day.
Donald Fauntleroy Duck is one of the most accomplished animated characters in the Disney universe. An Academy Award, a pioneer for the pantless, and living proof that anger, when used properly, can be inspiring.
With appearances in over 225 movies, Duck is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood history. He has a star on the Walk of Fame, and his voice is one of the most recognizable. He has been the inspiration of Duck Tales, the 1990s show I never watched, and Scrooge McDuck is a well-known meme of swimming in a pool filled with gold coins.
He is resilient in his personal affairs, and he overcame heartbreak when he pursued Donna Duck early in his life, but was rejected. He ended up falling for Daisy Duck, and lucky for him, that seems to have worked out.
In 1947, the University of Oregon reached a deal with Disney to use Donald’s image as their mascot of the Fighting Ducks.
Donald Duck’s influence even reaches beyond Earth. In 1995, an asteroid was named after him. It orbits between Mars and Jupiter, never coming close to Earth. It’s about the size of San Francisco Bay and passes around the sun in just under four years.
Today, take a moment to celebrate a Donald you really like.
Okay, let's highlight what else happened this week. As a reminder, these events celebrate their anniversary, ending in 5 or 0. Here's what I got:
1. Alcoholics Anonymous was founded on June 10, 1935. Bill W. and Dr. Bob began to share their struggles with alcohol in regular meetings with each other in Akron, Ohio. The two collaborated to form an international support group that infuses Christian beliefs with practical steps for people who seek drug rehabilitation and self-improvement. Rumor has it that my maternal grandfather was the sponsor of Colonel Sanders. I doubt it is true, but my mother talked about how her dad, who continued to drink to the day he passed away, would hold meetings with well-known people about booze.
2. John Lee Richmond pitched baseball's first perfect game on June 12, 1880. Richmond played for the Worcester Worcesters, and he didn’t allow a hit, walk, or run against the Cleveland Blues. It does not shock me that a Cleveland sports team is a part of this history-making event.
3. The United States Army was founded on June 14, 1775. A day later, on June 15, George Washington was appointed head of this army. There’s going to be a $30 million parade here in DC to celebrate it. It has nothing to do with the fact that President Donald’s birthday is that day as well.
Here’s the new section where I highlight something awesome from this week.
Here’s what I got:
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there, especially those who spend time reading and supporting Okay History!
Do Dads get ties and socks on this day? Gift your Dad a paid subscription to Okay History!
Have a great week! I hope to see you at the end of it with an Even More Okay essay that I’m working on.
Thanks for supporting Okay History. Grateful.
Okay,
Chris
How did I not know there was once a MLB team called the Worcester Worcesters? Did they pronounce it with a proper Boston accent, like “the WUH-stah WUH-stahs?”
Please spare a thought for the late Clarence Nash, who originated Donald's distinctive voice in the 1930s and played him well into the 1980s.