A Happy Solstice to You All! Merry Meet, and Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!

June 21st, 1972: Bob Gibson wins his 211th career game, breaking the Cardinals record held by Jesse “Pop” Haines. Gibson also hits a three-run homer in the Cards’ 14-5 win over the San Diego Padres.

June 19th, 1964: Congress passes the Civil Rights Act, 73-27. Two days later, as Freedom Summer gets underway, the Klan murders civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner near Philadelphia, Mississippi. 16 years later, Reagan gives his first campaign speech after the Republican convention in Philadelphia (the event organized by Trent Lott) and declares his support for “states’ rights”

(image: Norman Rockwell)

June 4th, 1968

For a few moments, we were on the verge of a very different future.

June 3rd, 1906. The incomparable Josephine Baker is born in St. Louis. An extraordinary life. Brava.