This Day, That Year – October 23

The Smurfs first appeared in the story “Johan and Pirlouit” by Belgium cartoonist Peyo on this day in 1958.

Did you know that:

• The first plastic surgery was performed in England on this day in 1814
• A patent for a gas-motor engine was issued to Nicolaus Otto, Francis, and William Crossley on this day in 1877
• Walt Disney’s animated film “Dumbo” was released on this day in 1941