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Glancing Backward, 11/4/09
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share thisToday is Wednesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2009. There are 57 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
One year ago, on Nov. 4, 2008, Democrat Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States, defeating Republican John McCain; Democrats gained seats in the Senate and House.
Glancing Backward Locally:
50 years ago - 1959
The U.S. Census Bureau released figures stating that retail sales in Bradford County exceeded $51 million in 1958, an increase of nearly $5.5 million in the last four years.
In yesterday's general election, Republican candidates took all the honors in Towanda Borough.
Junior Wanda Edsell was crowned the Harvest Queen at Northeast Bradford High School's Harvest Ball.
Elsewhere on this date:
In 1884, Democrat Grover Cleveland was elected to his first term as president, defeating Republican James G. Blaine.
In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in Egypt.
In 1924, Nellie T. Ross of Wyoming was elected the nation's first female governor to serve out the remaining term of her late husband, William B. Ross.
In 1939, the United States modified its neutrality stance in World War II, allowing "cash and carry" purchases of arms by belligerents, a policy favoring Britain and France.
In 1942, during World War II, Axis forces retreated from El Alamein in North Africa in a major victory for British forces commanded by Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery.
In 1952, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected president, defeating Democrat Adlai Stevenson.
In 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began as militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, seizing its occupants; for some, it was the start of 444 days of captivity.
In 1980, Ronald Reagan won the White House as he defeated President Jimmy Carter by a strong margin.
In 1991, Ronald Reagan opened his presidential library in Simi Valley, Calif., with a dedication attended by President George H.W. Bush and former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford and Richard Nixon - the first-ever gathering of five past and present U.S. chief executives.
Ten years ago: Aaron McKinney, who beat gay college student Matthew Shepard and left him to die on the Wyoming prairie, avoided the death penalty by agreeing to serve life in prison without parole and promising never to appeal his conviction.
Five years ago: Following his re-election victory, President George W. Bush pledged to aggressively pursue major changes in Social Security, the tax code and medical malpractice awards.
One year ago: California voters approved Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage, overturning a state Supreme Court decision that gave gay couples the right to wed just months earlier.
Today's Birthdays: Actress Doris Roberts is 79. Actress Loretta Swit is 72. R&B singer Harry Elston (Friends of Distinction) is 71. Blues singer Delbert McClinton is 69. Former First Lady Laura Bush is 63. Actress Markie Post is 59.
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