1. The Kirby Mill in Connecticut was destroyed by fire on December 4, 1973. The mill, which was built in the 1700s, was an important piece of the state's industrial heritage.

2. On December 4, 2013, Connecticut became the first state in the US to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. This was part of a larger effort to improve economic conditions for low-income workers.

3. The Hartford Whalers, Connecticut's professional hockey team, played their first game on December 4, 1979. Though the team later moved to North Carolina, many Connecticut residents still have fond memories of the Whalers.

4. On December 4, 1956, a blizzard swept across Connecticut, dumping over 30 inches of snow in some areas. The storm caused widespread power outages and led to several deaths.

5. Connecticut-born actor and director Kevin Lima was born on December 4, 1962. Lima has worked on a number of popular films, including "Enchanted" and "Tarzan."