Today is Tuesday, Dec. 2, the 337th day of 2008. There are 29 days left in the year. On this date in

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 2, the 337th day of 2008. There are 29 days left in the year. On this date in 1942, an artificially created, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction is demonstrated for the first time, at the University of Chicago.

In 1804, Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French. In 1823, President James Monroe outlines his doctrine opposing European expansion in the Western Hemisphere. In 1859, militant abolitionist John Brown is hanged for his raid on Harpers Ferry, Va., the previous October. In 1927, Ford Motor Co. formally unveils its Model A automobile, the successor to its Model T. In 1954, the Senate votes to condemn Wisconsin Republican Joseph R. McCarthy for conduct that “tends to bring the Senate into disrepute.”

December 2, 1983: U.S. Rep. Lyle Williams, R-17th, says during a speech to the Manufacturers Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania that the federal government should provide financial aid for the ailing basic steel industry.

The nation’s civilian unemployment rate falls to 8.4 percent in November, the lowest rate in two years.

A record total of 14,607 deer are reported killed in Ohio on the opening day of gun season. Mahoning County reported 87; Trumbull, 345, and Columbiana, 170.

December 2, 1968: About 45 Rayen School students march from the school to the closed board offices and then downtown to protest the early closing of city schools due to a lack of funds. They chant, “education not a vacation” during their march.

A two-alarm fire guts the kitchen of the Italian Restaurant at 25 N. Hazel Street and causes extensive smoke and water damage to the restaurant and adjacent businesses in the Gallagher Building. Damage is estimated at $150,000.

Mabel Tetlow retires as chief deputy treasurer of Mahoning County, ending a 41-year career in county government.

December 2, 1958: The Youngs–town Board of Education approved a $300 increase for teachers, bringing the beginning rate for teachers with a bachelor’s degree from $3,800 to $4,100. The maximum, for a teacher with a master’s degree and 16 years experience will be $7,350.

Boardman’s Chief Constable Don Robinson says a housebreaking ring operating in the Brookfield Avenue-Ewing Road area for six weeks has been broken up with the arrest of nine youths.

More than 250 people attend dedication ceremonies at the new Harrison School at Commonwealth and Republic avenues. The 18-classroom school cost $565,000 to build.

December 2, 1933: Scores of extra clerks, wrappers, delivery men and other workers are added to the staffs of downtown Youngstown stores in anticipation of a heavy Christmas shopping rush.

As a result of Civil Works Administration hiring, Mahoning County enters December with 6,552 fewer families on direct relief than it had Nov. 1.

2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.