July 16

On July 16, 1935, the Park-O-Meter made its debut on 5th Street in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, addressing growing concerns over congestion and parking shortages. Invented by Carl C. Magee, the device allowed motorists to pay for timed parking with coin-operated mechanisms. Early usage demonstrated improved turnover for businesses and helped cities generate new revenue. The success in Oklahoma City led to rapid adoption of parking meters across the United States and later around the world. This simple yet effective innovation became a standard tool in urban planning and traffic management.

After nearly ten years of painstaking excavation, the Mont Blanc Tunnel inaugurated its first vehicle convoy on July 16, 1965. Engineers bore through 11.6 kilometers of rock beneath the Alps, overcoming extreme geological and climatic challenges. The project's estimated cost of 1.7 billion French francs reflected the scale and complexity of the undertaking. Upon opening, the tunnel reduced travel time between Chamonix and Courmayeur from hours to minutes, revolutionizing cross-border transport. It quickly became a vital artery for trade, tourism, and European integration. The tunnel's success also spurred further international cooperation on large-scale infrastructure projects. Today, the Mont Blanc Tunnel stands as a testament to human ingenuity and Franco-Italian partnership.