Oct. 2, 1983

The Kennedy Foundation gives a $1 million gift to St. Coletta of Wisconsin in Jefferson in honor of Rose Kennedy's 93rd birthday, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, John F. Kennedy's sister, breaks ground for an addition to the facility, which serves developmentally disabled people.

Source: Wisconsin Historical Society

Photo courtesy of St. Coletta of Wisconsin

Oct. 5, 1926

Milwaukee County approves the purchase of a new airfield from local aviator Thomas Hamilton. The first Hamilton Airport terminal opened on the site in 1927, and the Works Progress Administration built a two-story terminal building at the airport between 1938 and 1940. The airport was renamed in 1941 in honor of General William "Billy" Mitchell.

Source: Wisconsin Historical Society

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Oct. 5, 1959

Architect Maya Lin is born. Lin, while a student at Yale University, submitted the winning design in a national competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Her design became reality in 1982 when the project reached completion.

Sources: www.historynet.com and www.pbs.org

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Oct. 8, 1897

Charles Henry Dow starts charting the trends of stocks and bonds. Dow, who was a journalist, also was the founder of the Wall Street Journal.

Source: www.historynet.com

Oct. 11, 1906

The Wisconsin Legislature announces the first construction contract for the rebuilding of the state Capitol after a fire destroyed the previous building. The State Building Commission approved the plans of George B. Post & Sons, New York, for the project.

Sources: Wisconsin History Day by Day and www.wisconsin.gov

Oct. 19, 1901

Janesville gets its first freestanding City Hall when the Grand Lodge of Masons lays the cornerstone for the Romanesque Revival-style building. The three-story, sandstone structure housed the city's Police Department, jail, municipal court and City Council chambers.

Source: Wisconsin Historical Society

Image courtesy of the Hedberg Public Library

Oct. 20, 1632

Sir Christopher Wren is born. Considered one of the greatest English architects of his time, Wren designed 53 London churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral (right).

Sources: www.historynet.com and Wikipedia

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Oct. 20, 1973

Queen Elizabeth II dedicates the Sydney Opera House at the conclusion of 15 years of construction. Designed by Danish architect JØrn Utzon, the $80 million building was constructed on Bennelong Point in Sydney, Australia.

Source: www.historychannel.com

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Foundation

Oct. 24, 1873

Milwaukee completes construction of Wisconsin's first public waterworks.

Source: Wisconsin History Day by Day

Image courtesy of Milwaukee Water Works