Houdini Fatally Punched in Stomach
October 22, 1926
The famous magician Harry Houdini is struck four times by a college student challenging his ability to withstand blows to the stomach. Houdini, who was unprepared for the attack and had acute appendicitis, died nine days later.
Longest NFL Punt Return – 103 Yards
October 23, 1994
Robert Bailey of the Los Angeles Rams in a game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints punted the ball and it looked like it would bounce out of the end zone, however, it didn’t. Apparently, everyone except Bailey thought the ball was dead. He scooped it up as players were walking off the field and returned it for a touchdown before anyone realized what had happened. The Saints prevailed and won 37-34.
First Person to Go Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel and Survive
October 24, 1901
Annie Edson Taylor makes the plunge on what was her 63rd birthday. She had tested the barrel by sending it over the falls with a cat inside. The cat survived. Taylor used a custom-made barrel, constructed of oak and iron and padded with a mattress. After the lid was screwed on, a bicycle tire pump was used to compress the air in the barrel. Except for a small gash on her head, she was unharmed in her adventure.