1. On December 22, 1961, the University of Michigan football team won their first-ever Rose Bowl game, defeating the University of California, 49-0.

2. December 22, 1873, marks the day the first narrow gauge railroad in Michigan was opened in Grand Rapids.

3. In 1857, on December 22, the University of Michigan granted its first honorary degree to Sir John Herschel, a British astronomer and mathematician.

4. On December 22, 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to join the United States Union.

5. December 22, 1915, is the birth date of actor and comedian Barbara Billingsley who is best known for her role as June Cleaver on the popular TV show, "Leave It to Beaver". She was born in Los Angeles, California but later moved to Detroit where she attended school and got her start in acting.