On this day: April 10

The First Commercial Electric Guitar Hits the Market

On April 10, 1936, the Rickenbacker company began commercial production of the Frying Pan lap steel—widely regarded as the first commercially produced electric guitar—marking a key moment in amplified instrument history.

The First Recognized Professional Wrestling Championship Match, April 10, 1905

On April 10, 1905, in New York City, Frank Gotch defeated Tom Jenkins in a match often cited as one of the earliest recognized professional wrestling championship bouts—part of a transitional era when catch-as-catch-can wrestling moved from challenge contests toward promoted title matches.

First Modern Olympic Marathon Run in Athens, 1896

On April 10, 1896, the inaugural modern marathon—modeled on the legendary run from Marathon to Athens—was held during the first modern Olympic Games, won by Greek runner Spyridon Louis in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.