Today is Monday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2004. There are 11 days left in the year. On this date in

Today is Monday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2004. There are 11 days left in the year. On this date in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase is completed as ownership of the territory is formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.
In 1860, South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. In 1864, Confederate forces evacuate Savannah, Ga., as Union Gen. William T. Sherman continues his "March to the Sea." In 1879, Thomas A. Edison privately demonstrates his incandescent light at Menlo Park, N.J. In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announces the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946. In 1963, the Berlin Wall is opened for the first time to West Berliners, who are allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays. In 1968, author John Steinbeck dies in New York at age 66. In 1976, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley dies at age 74. In 1987, more than 3,000 people are killed when the "Dona Paz," a Philippine passenger ship, collides with the tanker "Vector" off Mindoro island. In 1998, Nkem Chukwu gives birth in Houston to five girls and two boys, 12 days after giving birth to another child, a girl. (However, the tiniest of the octuplets dies a week later.)
December 20, 1979: Sharon Steel Corp. will spend $260 million over the next 10 years, on top of the $130 million it has spent under Victor Posner's wing to become what Posner says will be "one of the most modern, efficient mills in the United States."
A study released by the National Center for Economic Alternatives says the government could save money by paying to keep Mahoning Valley steel mills open rather than foot the bill for unemployment and welfare costs after they close.
Three children, Dana, 4; Christopher, 2, and David, 1, the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Dana Henderson, die in a fire at the family's Westlawn apartment in Warren. Firemen believe the fire was sparked by Christmas lights.
December 20, 1964: The federal government is taking bids for a new South Side Post Office to be built on one of two option lots on the south side of Indianola Avenue between Markets and Hillman streets.
All Christmas mail is on time so far, says Youngstown Postmaster Chester W. Bailey. The office has handled almost 17 million pieces of mail since Dec. 1, an increase of 3 million pieces from a year earlier.
December 20, 1954: Carl Venzeio Jr., a 14-year-old eighth grade student at Hayes Junior High in Youngstown, captures single-handed a bandit who had robbed a filling station attendant near his Temple Street home. Carl ran from the house when he head three shots fired by station owner Joseph Margo at two fleeing bandits. The boy tackled the robber closest to him and marched him back to the station.
William H. Vodrey, last of the three men who founded the Brush-Moore groups of newspapers in Ohio and Maryland, dies at his East Liverpool home. He was 81.
Burglars break into the Hughes Provision Co. in the McGuffey Plaza and escape with a small safe containing $3,000 in weekend receipts.
December 20, 1929: A group of Hi-Y boys and girls from Youngstown high schools will sing Christmas carols at the city's hospitals, the Glenwood Children's Home and the Mahoning County Infirmary. The chorus is under the direction of D. West Richards.
Civic organizations, political administrations and financial and trade organizations in Youngstown are pulling out the stops to urge the new Republic Steel Corp., now the nation's third largest steel maker, to keep its headquarters in Youngstown.
Youngstown City Council President W.L. Buchanon prepares an ordinance that would require only local labor and materials to be used to fulfill any contract awarded by the city.