On This Day - December 13, 2026

The Associated Automobile Clubs of New Jersey and the Newark Motor Clubs renamed the first section of Lincoln Highway between Jersey City and Newark, NJ. The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway for automobiles in the United States, and it was promoted and supported by automobile clubs across the United States. This first section was named Essex-Hudson Lincoln Highway.

Thanks to an invitation by a friend, James Dean appeared in his first acting gig in a Pepsi commercial.

The Warner Bros. film Driving Miss Daisy is given a limited theatrical release following its December 11th premiere. Starring Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, and Dan Aykroyd, the film was directed by Bruce Beresford. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress.

A Beautiful Mind starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, and Jennifer Connelly premieres in Beverly Hills, CA. Directed by Ron Howard, the film follows the life of mathematician John Forbes Nash, Jr. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Director. December 13th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays