Back in the Day

First issue of Marvel Comics

Aug. 31, 1939 — The first issue of Marvel Comics, featuring the Human Torch, was published by Timely Publications in New York.

First television commercial

Aug. 31, 1953 — Montanans experienced their first television commercial as Ed Craney, owner of KXLF in Butte, moved the station’s only camera to the street, where automobiles for sale by the Wilson Motor Co. were paraded by as an announcer described them.

Sources: Associated Press, Montana Historical Society