1. On December 2, 1884, the town of Orient, Iowa was incorporated. Located in Adair County, Orient was established as a rail town along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Today, Orient has a population of just over 400 residents.

2. The famous opera singer Simon Estes was born in Centerville, Iowa on December 2, 1938. Estes is known for his powerful bass-baritone voice and has performed with some of the world's most prestigious opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

3. On December 2, 1950, the University of Iowa hosted their first-ever telethon to raise funds for the school's athletic programs. The telethon was a success, raising over $15,000 for the university.

4. The Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines was lit up in blue on December 2, 2015 in honor of World AIDS Day. The blue lighting was part of a global effort to raise awareness about the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

5. On December 2, 2018, Iowa State University wrestler David Carr won the 157-pound weight class at the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas. Carr, a true freshman at the time, went on to become a two-time NCAA champion and one of the most successful wrestlers in Iowa State history.