Four Philly Events that Changed the World (Nov. 26 to Dec. 2)
This week’s events are mixed between a birth, a marriage, a wrestling championship and a historical event in the world of finance.
November 29
Actress Kim Delaney Born (1961)
Emmy Award winning actress Kim Delaney was born in Philadelphia on this day in 1961. Delaney received success on All My Children, the ABC television series NYPD Blue, Army Wives on Lifetime, and also CSI: Miami.
Raised in a traditional Irish-American home, Delaney grew up in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Roxborough and attended J. W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School.
Delaney also made guest appearances on other shows including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Tales from the Crypt, and The O.C.
December 1
Ryan Howard Marries Eagles Cheerleader Krystle Campbell (2012)
In a Philadelphia-centric wedding, Phillies first basemen Ryan Howard and Eagles cheerleader Krystle Campbell tied the knot 5 years ago.
The relationship between the two began around 2009. Campbell received media attention when she decided to skip mandatory practice to be with Howard while rehabbing an injured elbow in the middle of the 2010 season.
The then-33 year old married his fiancé on the beaches of Maui, Hawaii. The ceremony had major publicity, but the pictures afterwards gained the most fame. The couple decided to take pictures in the water to capture their special day.
Stan Stasiak beats Pedro Morales for the WWWF Championship (1973)
In 1973, Wrestling veteran Stan Stasiak was crowned champion of the World Wide Wrestling Federation after defeating Pedro Morales in the city of Brotherly Love.
As commonplace in professional wrestling, both combatants rehearse a script and discuss the ending of the match in the dressing room. On Dec. 1, 1973, Stan Stasiak was in this meeting in the Philadelphia Arena at 46th and Market Streets when his career took an unexpected turn. According to close friend and fellow wrestler Frank Dusek, Stasiak was astonished when he heard that he would be win the title.
In the final stages of the fight, Morales hit Stasiak with a belly-to-belly suplex. When both participants when for a simultaneous pin, Stasiak lifted his shoulder before the conclusion of the referee’s three count.
Unfortunately, Stasiak would lose the title nine days later to future Hall of Famer Bruno Sammartino on Dec. 10.
Wrestling legend Andre the Giant was also in attendance for his match before Stasiak’s championship win.
First savings bank in US opens (1816)
The Philadelphia Savings Fund Society became the first savings bank in the United States in 1816.
As stated in their original mission statement, PSFS founder Condy Raguet and his colleagues wanted to “uplift poor and working-class communities through the virtue of saving.”
The company has adjusted and adapted to major events throughout history. During the large influx of foreign immigrants, PSFS hired interpreters to allow these individuals to feel comfortable. The company aided in Philadelphia’s defenses during the Civil War.
The PSFS Building was later constructed in 1932. The building now is home to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. The building is now a national landmark.
