Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.

Historical Events in May 1889

  • May 1 2nd International Congress calls for 1st International Workers Day 1st May 1890 to mark protests in Chicago in 1886

Treaty of Wichale

May 2 Abyssinian Emperor Menelik II and Italy sign Treaty of Wichale

Exposition Universelle

May 6 Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris opens with the recently completed Eiffel Tower serving as the entrance arch; the lifts in the tower are not ready, intrepid visitors need to climb 1,710 stairs to get to top

  • May 9 15th Kentucky Derby: Thomas Kiley aboard Spokane wins in 2:34.50
  • May 10 17th Preakness: W Anderson aboard Buddhist wins in 2:17.5
  • May 14 The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is launched in London, England, led by Benjamin Waugh

Esclarmonde

May 18 Jules Massenet's opera "Esclarmonde" premieres in Paris

Michelin Tyre Company

May 28 Édouard and André Michelin incorporate the Michelin tyre company

  • May 29 August Strindberg's "Hemsoborna" premieres in Copenhagen
  • May 31 Johnstown Flood; 2,209 die in Johnston, Pennsylvania when the South Fork Dam, located on the Little Conemaugh River fails