1. In 1773, Boston Tea Party took place on December 16. However, on December 17th, 1773, the British Parliament passed the tea act which increased tea tax in the colonies leading to more uproar and rebellions.

2. In 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first motorized flight on December 17th in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. However, the first successful commercial airline, scheduled round-trip flights, Aeromarine Airways began service between Boston and New York City in 1920.

3. In 1967, the Red Sox traded Tony Conigliaro to the California Angels for Ken Harrelson on December 17th. The trade was significant as Conigliaro, at 22 years old, was considered one of the most talented young players in baseball but his career was cut short by a pitch that resulted in a severe eye injury.

4. In 1775, Fort Lee, New Jersey was captured by the British on December 17th during the American Revolutionary War. However, on December 17, 1776, the Continental Army under General George Washington successfully crosses the Delaware River from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and launches a surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton, thus giving a new impetus to the Revolutionary cause.

5. In 1904, Harvard University's "Dummies Day" took place on December 17th. This was a tradition where freshmen were subjected to hazing and were forced to wear humiliating clothing as they completed mock tasks throughout the day. The tradition was later abolished in the 1950s due to safety concerns and opposition from the student body.