On this day in 1948, the first home heated completely by solar power was completed in Dover, Massachusetts.
(Odd timing, because it was a
cloudy day near the beginning of winter, when the days are nearly their shortest.)The home was named “Dover Sun House.”
The heating system was designed by Dr. Maria Telkes, a Hungarian-born scientist from the MIT Solar Laboratory; the solar-energy experiments were sponsored by Amelia Peabody; and the architect was Eleanor Raymond. (I’m sure some men were involved with the project, too!)
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| Above, architect Eleanor Raymond Below, heiress and sculptor Amelia Peabody |
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| Hungarian American scientist and engineer, Maria Telkes |
Learn about solar energy here.
Try some solar power experiments.
Aaaannnndddd – it’s Christmas Eve!
La Noche Buena (Latin America) – Fireworks are common, plus families stay up til midnight for their gift exchange.
Santuranticuy (Saints for Sale) (Peru)
This is the largest arts and crafts fair in Peru. Once a time for image carvers to display and sell figures that can be used in Nativity scenes, now other crafts items are included as well.Also on this date:
Santuranticuy
Anniversary of the first radio broadcast
Anniversary of the first performance of Silent Night
Yap Constitution Day in Micronesia
National Eggnog Day
Birthday of composer Libby Larsen
Christmas season gift bringers
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest pages on:
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December holidays
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December birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in December
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January holidays
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January birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in January