September 28

Born in 1863 in Stewartville, Minnesota, Sears began his career as a railway station agent. In 1886, he started selling watches by mail, laying the groundwork for his mail-order business. Partnering with Alvah Roebuck, he launched Sears, Roebuck and Company in 1893. Under his leadership, the company expanded into a retail giant, offering a vast catalog of goods. Sears's innovations in mail-order retail revolutionized shopping for rural Americans and shaped modern commerce.

Charles Edgar Duryea (1861–1938) was an American engineer and inventor who, alongside his brother Frank, created the first successful gasoline-powered automobile in the United States. In 1893, he completed the Duryea Motor Wagon, marking the birth of the American automotive industry. He co-founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, producing the nation’s first commercially available cars. Duryea’s engineering innovations and business acumen influenced the development of modern vehicle design. He is celebrated as a pioneer of American motoring and industrial entrepreneurship.

William Boeing immigrated from Germany to the United States as a child and developed an early passion for aviation. In 1916 he founded Pacific Aero Products Company, later renamed Boeing Airplane Company, laying the foundation for one of the world’s largest aerospace firms. He championed innovation in aircraft design, supported commercial and military aviation, and oversaw the construction of Boeing Field. Later in life he dedicated himself to philanthropy and conservation. His legacy lives on in Boeing’s contributions to global air travel.

Born in 1917, Larry O'Brien built a successful career in business before entering public service. He served in various political roles within the Democratic Party, including chairman of the Democratic National Committee. In 1977, he was appointed as the 57th Postmaster General, overseeing the United States Postal Service. His tenure focused on modernizing postal operations and improving service efficiency. O'Brien retired in 1978 and remained active in civic engagement until his death in 1990.

Hartland Molson (1907-2002) was a Canadian businessman, military officer, and senator. A member of the renowned Molson family, he expanded the family brewery into a major national brand. During World War II, Molson served as a captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force. In 1976, he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, where he served for nearly 25 years. Molson was also known for his philanthropy, supporting cultural and educational institutions. His leadership bridged business, public service, and community enrichment.

Born in 1913 in Los Angeles, Wally Parks combined his passion for automobiles and journalism to found Hot Rod magazine in 1948. In 1951, he established the National Hot Rod Association, standardizing drag racing rules and organizing national events. Under his leadership, NHRA grew into the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body, promoting safety and growth in hot rodding. Parks’ visionary approach professionalized drag racing and brought it into the mainstream of American sports culture. He was posthumously inducted into multiple motorsports halls of fame, cementing his status as the father of organized drag racing.