Carl Laemmle was a German immigrant who moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. While managing a clothing store, Laemmle decided to buy several of the first nickelodeons because they seemed more profitable than selling clothing and dry goods.

On this day, June 8th, in 1912, Universal Pictures was incorporated by Carl Laemmle.

Universal Film Manufacturing Company was founded in New York City over a month before its change to Universal Pictures. Unlike other movie studio productions, Universal Pictures’ studio was open to the public for tourism. It is now a part of the NBC Universal conglomerate, which includes the popular theme park and studio tour in Los Angeles.