1. The First Intercollegiate Football Game in New York Was Played on December 3, 1873
On this day, Rutgers University and Columbia University played the first intercollegiate football game in New York City. The game took place at the Hamilton Square grounds in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Rutgers won 6-4.

2. The Original Penn Station Opened on December 3, 1910
The original Pennsylvania Station, designed by McKim, Mead & White, opened in New York City on December 3, 1910. The station was a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture and was considered one of the greatest buildings in the city. Sadly, the station was demolished in 1963 and replaced by the current Madison Square Garden.

3. The First New York City Marathon Was Held on December 3, 1970
On December 3, 1970, 127 runners turned out for the first New York City Marathon. The race started in Central Park and finished at City Hall Plaza in lower Manhattan. The winner was Gary Muhrcke, a fireman from Brooklyn, who finished in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 38 seconds.

4. John Lennon Was Shot on December 3, 1980
On the evening of December 3, 1980, John Lennon and Yoko Ono returned to their apartment in the Dakota building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. As they were walking to the entrance, Mark David Chapman fired five shots, hitting Lennon four times. Lennon was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

5. The First World AIDS Day Was Observed on December 3, 1988
The first World AIDS Day was observed on December 3, 1988. The day was established by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic and to commemorate those who had died from the disease. The date was chosen to honor the birthday of Jonathan Mann, who was a leader in the fight against AIDS.