Did you know that on this date in 1797, Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire patented the device we commonly call the washing machine.  To describe his invention, he said, "This device is an improvement in washing cloths."

In 1881, Barnum and Bailey combined their circuses and  created a large amount of stuff.

I'll bet you are wondering what washing machines have to do with circuses.  As far as I know, the answer is NOTHING.  I just couldn't think of anything else to put on today's calendar.