77 years ago today -- On January 2nd, 1947, NL adopted right-hand drive. Prior to 1947 traffic drove to the left, as they still do in the UK. #newfoundland#otd
Read more: https://t.co/lFOaPX3o5K
On Dec 31, 1918 Cabot Tower was significantly damaged by an explosion. It was during the preparation of the noon-day gun. The signalman died. You can read more about it here:
https://t.co/MSfhcyTXwq
Let there be ELECTRIC light!
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137 years ago a system of electric street lamps went into operation in St. Johnโs.
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Shortly after a local newspaper complained at spending $200 apiece for 25 lamps that offered โuncertain, flickering light --burning one hour, black the next.โ
On Sept 15, 1762, Lt. Col. William Amherst
and his troops waged the Battle of Signal Hill, taking St. Johnโs from the French who had seized it earlier that year. It was the last major battle of the Seven Years War fought in North America. Fort Amherst is named for him.
On June 4, 1615, North Americaโs first known Court of Admiralty (or Maritime Court) sat in Trinity, NL. It was presided over by Sir Richard Whitbourne.
On May 17, 1857 an arch featuring a statue of St. John the Baptist was erected at the entrance of the Basilica in St. Johnโs. 50 years later it was moved (to allow for the widening of Military Road) and expanded to include the three archways visible today.
On May 15, 1919 US blimp C-5 stopped in St. Johnโs, NL in an attempt to make a transatlantic voyage. It broke free of it mooring, injured onlookers, drifted out to sea and was lost forever.
Read the story: https://t.co/fbjs5T6QT6
@lgushue Hereโs a shot of the Old NL Museum without text.
Also take a look at the Aston Webb design for the University of Birmingham:
https://t.co/SSve9emD0U