1. In 1909, the world's first successful rotary snow plow was tested on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in Sheldon, Iowa. The invention greatly advanced winter travel and transportation in the Midwest.

2. In 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California, and one of the attractions featured was the Iowa State Fair exhibit. The exhibit featured various aspects of the fair, including a miniature animated version of the famous butter cow sculpture.

3. In 1968, Iowa native Peggy Whitson was born in Mt. Ayr. She went on to become a highly accomplished astronaut and the first woman to command the International Space Station, logging over 665 days in space during her career.

4. In 1975, the movie "The Music Man" premiered on television. The classic musical, set in fictional River City, Iowa, was a beloved portrayal of small-town life and featured iconic songs such as "76 Trombones" and "Ya Got Trouble."

5. In 2015, a massive tornado swept through the town of Albia, Iowa, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Despite the destruction, no one was killed in the storm thanks to advanced warning systems and the efforts of emergency responders.