On this day in 1888, Princess Isabel of the Empire of Brazil signed the Lei Áurea into law, formally abolishing slavery in Brazil.
On this day in 1939, the first commercial FM radio station in the United States was launched in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The station later became WDRC-FM.
On this day in 1950, the first round of the Formula One World Championship was held at Silverstone.
On this day in 1958, the trademark Velcro was registered.