June transitions us into longer days and warmer nights as the month heralds in summer. It’s a great month to grab your blankets and head to the backyard to do some stargazing. See if you can spot one of June’s two zodiac signs: Gemini and Cancer. Or, if it’s too cloudy, you could read up on these 10 June facts instead.
What’s in a name
The name “June” can be traced back to the era of Roman gods. It comes from Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. It is also said that June is derived from the Latin word “iuniores” which means “younger ones.”
Long live the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the longest-reigning queen in world history. After ascending the throne following her father’s passing in February 1952, the Queen’s coronation was held June 2, 1953. In 2022, she marked her Platinum Jubilee, or 70 years on the throne. She has surpassed her grandmother’s (Queen Victoria) reign by seven years.
Singer, dancer, war correspondent
Josephine Baker was born June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri. While she rose to fame in Paris, France, and is most well-known for her singing, dancing, and acting talents, Baker was also an activist. Baker was part of a French military intelligence agency as a correspondent during World War I. Using her fame, she would socialize with Germans and report back what she heard.
E.T. turns 40
One of the most watched films of all time turns 40 this year. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released in theaters June 11, 1982, which introduced the world to the galaxy’s biggest Reese’s Pieces fan. The film ran in theaters for more than a year, making it one of the longest theatrical runs in movie history.
Think you’re ready to “phone home”? Check out these mortgage products to help you understand your home loan options and always check the closets for aliens when house hunting.
Tech as old as time
One of the oldest technology companies in the U.S. dates back to 1911. Originally known as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, IBM was founded June 16, 1911, in Endicott, New York. IBM is one of the leading technology companies today and holds more than 40,000 active patents.
Juneteenth National Independence Day
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the freedom for more than three million enslaved people. However, the news did not get to Texas until June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers delivered the announcement. The next year, the first Juneteenth celebration was held on June 19. It became an official Texas state holiday in 1980 and was declared a federal holiday in 2021.
Have no fear, summer is here
Each June we get to ring in summer sometime between June 20-22. This year, the summer solstice happens June 21. The solstice occurs when the sun reaches the northernmost point from the equator. It is known as the longest day of the year, especially at the North Pole where the sun does not set. On the summer solstice, many European countries hold Midsummer celebrations complete with bonfires, feasts, and maypole dancing.
America’s million-dollar Sweetheart
Mary Pickford was a film industry pioneer, actress, and producer known in Hollywood as “America’s Sweetheart.” She also knew her worth and became the first actress to secure a million-dollar contract. On June 24, 1916, Pickford signed a contract that ensured a $10,000 per week salary and half of a film’s profits with a $1,040,000 guarantee.
A short story with a longer legacy
On June 26, 1948, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson was first published in The New Yorker. Jackson was a frequent contributor to the publication, however “The Lottery” wasn’t met with the same reception as other pieces. The New Yorker received hundreds of letters demanding the story be explained and others cancelled their subscriptions to the publication altogether. As a result, it became one of the most controversial short stories to be written.
Take a picture, it will last longer
Grab your phone and strike a pose because June 29 is National Camera Day. It serves to commemorate the invention of the camera and rise of photography. The first photographic camera was invented in 1816 and people have been photographing life’s moments ever since. Take some time on National Camera Day to snap some pictures that you can add to your gallery wall.
Now that you know more about June, don’t be afraid to show it off. Dazzle your coworkers, friends, and family with your new-found random June knowledge.
