Glancing Backward, 11/18/09

Published: November 18, 2009

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Today is Wednesday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2009. There are 43 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Nov. 18, 1959, "Ben-Hur," MGM's Biblical-era spectacle starring Charlton Heston and directed by William Wyler, had its world premiere at Loew's State Theatre in New York.

Glancing Backward Locally:

50 years ago - 1959

Mrs. C. Arthur Bullock, the new president of the National Federation of Music Clubs, was honored with a musical tribute by the Canton High School student body and their teachers, Music Club members, Federation of Music Club officers, Mansfield State Teachers College dignitaries, and others.

Around 15 local people have started to gather facts about farms in Bradford County east of Burlington for the Farm Census, locally under the direction of Alonzo Thomas of Troy.

Charles W. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith of Ulster, received a letter of commendation for outstanding performance on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Elsewhere on this date:

In 1883, the United States and Canada adopted a system of Standard Time zones.

In 1886, the 21st president of the United States, Chester A. Arthur, died in New York.

In 1909, President William Howard Taft ordered two warships to Nicaragua, a day after the government of President Jose Santos Zelaya executed two American mercenaries along with several hundred revolutionaries. Lyricist Johnny Mercer was born in Savannah, Ga.

In 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" starring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York.

In 1936, Germany and Italy recognized the Spanish government of Francisco Franco.

In 1958, the cargo freighter SS Carl D. Bradley sank during a storm in Lake Michigan, claiming 33 of the 35 lives on board.

In 1966, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops did away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays outside of Lent.

Ten years ago: Twelve people were killed when a bonfire under construction at Texas A&M University collapsed.

Five years ago: Former President Bill Clinton's library opened in Little Rock, Ark.; in attendance were President George W. Bush, former President George H.W. Bush and former President Jimmy Carter.

One year ago: Detroit's Big Three automakers pleaded with Congress for a $25 billion lifeline, warning of a national economic catastrophe should they collapse.

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, is 86. Actress Brenda Vaccaro is 70. Author-poet Margaret Atwood is 70. Actress Linda Evans is 67. Actress Susan Sullivan is 67. Former Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller is 64. Country singer Jacky Ward is 63. Actor Jameson Parker is 62.

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