Today in History

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by katcarasella

1949: Soviets lift blockade in Berlin.......
I was 3 months old

1970: Banks becomes member of 500 home run club
Jenny was 6 weeks old

Aww, how sweet!

[goofywife]

1981: Pope John Paul II is shot

Pope John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, was shot today in Vatican City. He was immediately taken to the Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic, considered Rome's most modern hospital.

"Vatican radio said the pontiff had been driven through St. Peter's Square in his jeep and was about to leave the jeep to start a general audience when shots were heard at about 5:25 p.m.," reported the Syracuse Herald-Journal on May 13, 1981. “The pontiff collapsed into the arms of his aides as the jeep returned inside the Vatican at high speed, the radio said.”

NOTE: The Pope made a full recovery. Police in the square apprehended Turkish citizen Mehmet Ali Agca after he shot the pontiff. Agca was sentenced to life in prison, but was pardoned in 2000 at the request of the Pope.

1985: MOVE headquarters bombed

Philadelphia police dropped a bomb made from C-4 onto the headquarters of MOVE, a radical African-American neo-Luddite group. “The concussion-like bomb, dropped Monday from a police helicopter, smashed through a crude wood-and-steel battlement atop the house and caved in the roof,” informed the Daily News on May 14, 1985. “A fire, fanned by hot winds, spread to as many as 60 surrounding structures, and gunfire from within the building kept firefighters from dousing the swirling flames for about an hour.” NOTE: The bomb ultimately destroyed more than 50 homes and killed eleven people, including four children.

1980: Tornado hits Kalamazoo, Michigan

A tornado devastated Kalamazoo, Michigan, today, killing five people and causing heavy damage in the downtown area. "About 85 people were treated for injuries at the city's two major hospitals. Two were reported critically injured. Most of the injured were cut by flying glass or bruised by falling debris in the rush-hour storms," explained The Daily Intelligencer on May 14, 1980. NOTE: The tornado that ripped through downtown Kalamazoo was part of a severe weather system that produced another tornado which also hit areas in Kalamazoo County.

1958: Nixon's car is attacked by mob

While traveling in Venezuela, Vice President Richard M. Nixon's car was attacked by a mob as he rode from the airport. The attackers hurled rocks, smashed the car's windows and shouted, "Go Home Yankee Dog." "The Vice President, winding up his tour of South America, arrived amid rumors that he was to be the victim of an assassination attempt. Venezuelan authorities in advance of his arrival had discounted these reports and given assurances that Nixon would be well guarded," reported the Oakland Tribune on May 13, 1958. "The violence of the demonstrations against the Vice President obviously surprised officials."

1940: Wilhelmina takes refuge in England

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands safely arrived in England today where she took refuge from Nazi invaders. Crown Princess Juliana, her husband, Prince Bernhard, and their children we also welcomed by King George's family. "A sailor of the British ship which brought the royal family here said, 'for some time it was murder, but we got clear and had a steady journey,'" informed the Dunkirk Evening Observer on May 14, 1940. NOTE: According to newspaper reports from 1940, the Germans tried to kill the royal family as they fled for Great Britain.

[goofywife]

1998: Seinfeld finale airs

The final episode of the top-rated comedy Seinfeld aired tonight on NBC. To commemorate the sitcom's last episode, a number of the fans threw parties, while others watched at home.

"The 75-minute episode had a 41.3 rating and 58 share, Nielsen Media Research said Friday. A rating point represents 980,000 households. The share means that 58 percent of in-use televisions were tuned to 'Seinfeld,'" reported The Chronicle Telegram on May 16, 1998.

NOTE: A NBC spokesperson said they were "thrilled" by the ratings, but the final Seinfeld episode still fell below the finales for Cheers and M-A-S-H. When Cheers went off the air in 1993, its finale had a 45.9 rating and 72 share. In 1983 when the final M-A-S-H aired, it is estimated that 105 million people watched. Today, M-A-S-H still holds the all-time record for the most-watched finale with a 60.2 rating and 77 share.

1998: Frank Sinatra dies at 82

Frank Sinatra, one of the most influential singers in U.S. history, died today of a heart attack at the age of 82. "The blunt, often aggressive son of Italian immigrants communicated across generational lines with love songs filled with a rare mix of vulnerability and verve – from 'Strangers in the Night' to 'One for My Baby,'" explained The Chronicle Telegram on May 15, 1998.

1973: Skylab is sent into space

Skylab, the first U.S. space station, was sent into space today to serve as a "cabin in the sky" for astronauts. "No more cramped quarters like the Mercury, Gemini or Apollo capsules. Skylab is as large as a three-bedroom house and has 60 times more volume than Apollo," informed The Post Crescent on May 14, 1973. While the first three-man crew was to enter space on May 15 to link up with the space station, the flight was postponed when temperatures of 100 degrees were recorded inside the lab. NOTE: Two of the six solar panels also failed to extend properly, which reduced the Skylab's power supply.

1963: Kuwait is admitted to the United Nations

The oil-rich country of Kuwait became the 111th member of the United Nations today. "The tiny Persian Gulf state was welcomed at a brief session in which the assembly, called to devise a formula for financing its expensive peace-keeping operations, referred the problem to its budgetary and administrative committee," reported the Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 1963.

1948: Israel is proclaimed

"The State of Israel, first Hebrew nation in 2000 years, was born today in a Jewish Declaration of Independence asserting the 'historic right' of the Jews of Palestine to reconstitute their national home," explained the Oakland Tribune today in 1948. NOTE: The proclamation was to become effective after midnight, once Great Britain no longer ruled the land.

[Chandra Amaya]

I watched the Seinfeld finale and remember watching Mash with mom while she cried. I think she watched cheers as well, but Mash was her show. I can't believe it was 98 when seinfeld aired. I'm getting old!

[goofywife]

1972: Governor George Wallace is shot
Alabama Governor George Wallace was shot today while campaigning for President of the United States. Although a bullet was lodged in his lower spine, leaving Wallace paralyzed, he vowed to continue his campaign.

On May 16, 1972, The Daily Kennebec Journal described the event, reporting: "The governor had just finished a speech at the shopping complex 15 miles from Washington. He stepped from behind the podium on the rostrum to exchange handshakes with some of the 1,000 gathered to hear him. A man wearing Wallace buttons pushed through the crowd, asking the governor to shake hands. When he got near enough, the man stuck a gun in Wallace's stomach and fired. Wallace fell backward, hit four times."

NOTE : The assailant, Arthur Bremer, was arrested and sentenced to 53 years in prison. Wallace did continue his presidential campaign, but eventually lost the Democratic Party's nomination to Senator George McGovern of South Dakota.

1957: Britain tests first hydrogen bomb
"British newspapers declared today Britain's first hydrogen bomb test had restored the nation's independence of the United States and increased its stature as a world power. Asian nations quickly expressed regret at the blast, exploded yesterday in the Christmas Island area of the Pacific. But U.S. officials welcomed the news as contributing to Allied strength by making Britain the world's third full-fledged nuclear power, along with Russia and the United States," explained The Odessa American on May 16, 1957. NOTE: This test, known as Grapple, exploded with 300 kilotons of force, much short of the expected one megaton. Even so, Britain proclaimed the test a success.

1942: Gas rationing goes into effect
In order to aid in the war effort, the United States began rationing gasoline today in 17 states along the East coast. "New Yorkers already were shopping for new ways to get around, and it appeared likely that more and more bicycles and even roller-skates would be put to use," informed The Galveston Daily News on May 16, 1942. "From all parts of the area affected by rationing, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. [yesterday], came reports that gasoline pumps were running dry, partly as a result of a last-minute rush by motorists to stock up before the restrictions went into effect."

1918: Airmail service begins
Thousands of people, including President Woodrow Wilson, cheered the first flight of U.S. airmail service today. "The great machine mounted into the air piloted by Lieut. George L. Boyle, of Fort Scott, Kan., cut its way through a light, low hanging haze, then soared away on the first lap of its journey to Philadelphia and New York," informed The Fort Wayne News and Sentinel on May 15, 1918. NOTE: The inaugural flight carried 5,000 letters and cut the New York to Washington mail delivery time down from 32 to three hours

1911: Standard Oil declared a monopoly
The United States Supreme Court declared Standard Oil an unreasonable monopoly today. The oil company drew a lot of criticism for its business tactics, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice to sue the company for violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890. "From the very beginning, the business and the legal worlds recognized that the suit put the Sherman anti-trust law to the most severe test to which it had been subjected. The law has been on the statute book since 1890 and has been the basis of some eighteen suits finally passed upon by the supreme court of the United States," reported The Fort Wayne Sentinel on May 16, 1911. NOTE: As a result of the verdict, Standard Oil was ordered to dissolve into 34 companies.

[goofywife]

1938: Fire destroys Terminal Hotel
The Terminal Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, caught fire today, in a disaster that killed more than 25 people. Within 30 minutes, the blaze had engulfed the five-story building, giving many guests little chance to escape.

"The fire was described by Fire Chief O.J. Parker as 'the deadliest in the history of Atlanta.' Collapse of the roof, plunging debris through charred floors to the basement, cut off hope of survival for any who were trapped. Only the walls were left standing," reported the Charleston Daily Mail on May 16, 1938. "Hotel attaches said 'at least fifty' were registered when the flames broke out with an explosion in the basement kitchen shortly after 3 a.m. (EST)."

NOTE: Fourteen men who were originally believed to have perished in the fire managed to escape by sliding down a rope which was hanging from a painter's scaffold.

1991: Queen addresses U.S. Congress
Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the United States Congress today. "'I do hope you can see me today from where you are,' said the diminutive queen, making gentle reference to a protocol gaffe at the White House earlier in the visit when her face was hidden by microphones and one of her trademark hats. The House chamber rocked with laughter and applause, and the members of Congress and diplomats rose to a standing ovation," explained the Daily Herald on May 17, 1991.

1975: First woman climbs Mt. Everest
Japanese mountain climber Junko Tabei reached the summit of Mount Everest today, becoming the first woman to climb the world's highest peak. "Mrs. Junko Tabei, packing a limited stock of gear, braved bad weather to reach the top of 29,028-foot Mt. Everest at noon Friday to end a 22-year male domain," informed The Coshocton Tribune on May 18, 1975. "The achievement was made more remarkable by the fact that she and her party was hit by an avalanche May 4 at their second high altitude camp pitched at 21,000 feet." NOTE: Tabei's climb made her the 36th person to reach the summit.

1960: Summit in Paris collapses
At a world summit in Paris today, Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev came to verbal blows with U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower over American U-2 spy plane flights over the Soviet Union. Khrushchev demanded the flights stop and withdrew his invitation for Eisenhower to visit the Soviet Union the following month. "The summit conference collapsed in its first session today, with the Soviet Union and the United States accusing each other of torpedoing the historic session called in an effort to ease world tensions," reported The Daily Times-News on May 16, 1960. "Premier Nikita S. Khrushchev bitterly attacking U.S. policy, called for a six-month delay and said a later U.S. administration may understand the situation if the present administration can't."

1868: President Johnson is acquitted
U.S. President Andrew Johnson was acquitted today during his impeachment trial. Thirty-five senators voted "guilty" and 19 voted "not guilty," just one vote shy of the necessary two-thirds required to remove Johnson from office. "The President might go forth nominally acquitted, but he would go forth nevertheless a blasted public functionary," informed The Davenport Daily Gazette on May 18, 1868. NOTE: Three months earlier, the House had passed a resolution to impeach Johnson for his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. Members of Congress alleged that the president had violated the act by removing Secretary of War Edwin Stanton from office.

[goofywife]

1974: Police raid SLA hideout

Police today raided a Los Angeles home, seeking leaders of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) , a terrorist group known kidnapping newspaper heiress Patty Hearst. Group members had also committed several murders and bank robberies, as well as other acts of violence.

"Five bodies were found inside a south-central Los Angeles house after flak-jacketed police hoping to trap members of the Symbionese Liberation Army waged an hour-long gun battle with those inside," reported The Capital on May 18, 1974. "Hundreds of police and FBI agents had massed in the south-central Los Angeles area in hopes of trapping SLA members believed to have taken refuge in the area. The SLA claims responsibility for the Feb. 4 kidnapping of Miss Hearst."

NOTE: During the exchange of gunfire, the house was virtually destroyed by a blaze. Patty Hearst, who was found in September of 1975 and later convicted of armed robbery, was not inside the home during the raid.

1992: Lawrence Welk dies

"Lawrence Welk, the smiling maestro whose danceable 'champagne music' entertained millions of Americans during his 30 years on television, has died. He was 89," informed The Gettysburg Times on May 19, 1992. "The affable, German-accented bandleader toured the country for 25 years early in his career without making much impression in the music business. But from the time he appeared on Los Angeles television in 1951, his lilting music attracted an adoring audience, mostly those of mature years. He appeared on television regularly until 1982."

1978: Charlie Chaplin's stolen coffin is found

The body of Charlie Chaplin was found today, more than two months after it was taken from its burial spot and held for ransom. "The two men who stole Charlie Chaplin's body said they got the idea from news reports about grave robbers in Italy who collected ransom for the body of a prominent Italian," reported the Bucks County Courier Times on May 18, 1978. "The 300-pound oak coffin containing the body of the famed film comedian was found yesterday buried in a cornfield 10 miles from the village cemetery of Corsier-Sur-Vevey where Chaplin was buried Dec. 27. Police said the body had not been touched."

1973: Watergate probe begins

The United States Senate began televised hearings on the Watergate scandal today. "A tribunal of seven senators opened historic hearings into the Watergate scandal, and an aide in President Nixon's reelection campaign testified there was no doubt that final political authority rested with the White House," reported the Syracuse Herald Journal on May 17, 1973. "The leadoff witness, Robert C. Odle Jr., who served as director of administration at the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, said he did not know of political sabotage or surveillance by that organization." NOTE: The hearings would eventually reveal corruption within the highest levels of the U.S. government and result in Nixon’s resignation.

1954: U.S. outlaws segregation in schools

The United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously today in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, outlawing racial segregation in public schools. The decision overturned the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson ruling that created the "separate but equal" justification, which established the segregation of public facilities. "Speaking for a unanimous court, Chief Justice Earl Warren said education must be available to all on an equal basis," explained The Charleston Daily Mail on May 17, 1954. "The decision, a sweeping victory for Negroes, is probably the most important in U.S. race relations since the famous Dred Scott decision of 1857, which held that a Negro was not a citizen. The Civil War reversed that decision."