August 31

August 31 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2011: The first issue of Weld hit the streets.
• 2009: Big Bolton's BBQ opened in Argo.
• 1995: Then-CEO Richard Scrushy announced that HealthSouth was going to build a new headquarters on U.S. Highway 280.
• 1977: Virginia Simpson was found murdered in a bed at her home, "Chaucer Hall".
• 1966: Medal of Honor recipient Matthew Leonard began his final tour in Vietnam.
• 1962: John Colreavy was appointed pastor of St Anthony's Church in Ensley.
• 1896: Birmingham purchased 120 acres to add to Red Mountain Cemetery (now Lane Park)
• 1885: The Earle Post Office was renamed "Dolomite Post Office".
• 1821: Calera's first settler, John R. Gamble, purchased his first 100 acres in the area.

Cleveland Eaton, born August 31, 1939

Births

• 1983: Multiple murder suspect Martez Seay was born.
• 1954: TV and film professional Henry David DeBardeleben was born in Fayette.
• 1939: Musician Cleveland Eaton was born in Fairfield.
• 1933: UAB immunologoist Max D. Cooper was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

Deaths

• 2002: Musician Lionel Hampton died.
• 1962: Episcopal priest Raimundo de Ovies died.

Sports

• 2008: Stillman College 38 - Miles College 12 at Legion Field.
• 1957: The NFL's Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Redskins 31-14 in an exhibition game at Legion Field.
• 1948: In a game against Chattanooga, Jim Wasdell tied the Birmingham Barons' record of 6 hits in one game.
• 1909: Pitcher Eddie Dent made his Major League debut with the Brooklyn Superbas.