TODAY IN HISTORY

On this date in 1630, colonists in America got their first taste of popcorn.

Also on this date:

In 1977, in the first speech by a Canadian prime minister to the U. S. Congress, Pierre Trudeau said Canada would remain united despite Quebec’s bid for separation.

In 1980, one of the greatest upsets in hockey history took place at the Lake Placid Olympics. Known as “The Miracle on Ice,” the United States shocked the heavily- favoured Soviet Union 4- 3 in a medal- round game. The seventh- seeded Americans went on to beat Finland 4- 2 two days later to claim only their second Olympic hockey title.

In 1984, a 12- year- old Houston boy known only as David died. David spent most of his life in a plastic bubble because he had no immunity to disease, and died 15 days after being removed from the bubble for a bonemarrow transplant.

In 2011, a midday magnitude- 6.3 earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand, collapsing buildings and sending rubble tumbling onto cars and people. At least 184 people were killed in one of the island nation’s worst earthquakes in 80 years.