Franklin Mint – History of the US – The First Skyscraper – 1884 – 45mm – Proof Bronze Medal. May 1 – Erection of the first skyscraper begins in Chicago; Aug. 26 – Machine for mechanical typesetting patented br Ottmar Mergenthaler; Oct. 13 – World Conference at Washington picks Greenwich as common prime meridian; Nov. 4 – Race for Presidency won by Grover Cleveland.