Years Ago

Today is Sunday, Aug. 9, the 221st day of 2009. There are 144 days left in the year. On this date in 1945, three days after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, the United States explodes a nuclear device over Nagasaki, killing an estimated 74,000 people.

In 1842, the United States and Canada resolve a border dispute by signing the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. In 1848, the Free-Soil Party convenes in Buffalo, N.Y., where it nominates Martin Van Buren for president. In 1902, Edward VII is crowned king of Britain following the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. In 1936, Jesse Owens wins his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics as the United States takes first place in the 400-meter relay. In 1944, 258 African-American sailors based at Port Chicago, Calif., refuse to load a munitions ship following the explosion of another ship that kills 320 men, two-thirds of them black. (Fifty of the sailors are convicted of mutiny, fined and imprisoned.) In 1969, actress Sharon Tate and four other people are found brutally murdered at Tate’s Los Angeles home; cult leader Charles Manson and a group of his followers are later convicted of the crime. In 1974, President Richard Nixon’s resignation takes effect. Vice President Gerald R. Ford becomes the nation’s 38th chief executive. In 1989, in Mexico, a train falls into the San Rafael River after a bridge collapses, killing 112 people.

August 9, 1984: Trumbull County commissioners bounce Trumbull County Democratic Party Chairman Dr. William J. Timmins from the Hillside Hospital Board of Trustees in a move the party official believes is politically motivated.

The Niles Planning Commission approves a preliminary subdivision plat for a proposed industrial park near the intersection of Mc- Kees Lane and S. Main Street.

Lines are forming four days in advance at financial institutions in the Youngstown area and throughout the state for 11.85 percent, fixed-rate 30-year mortgages being made available from $335 million in state-guaranteed loans.

August 9, 1969: Dan Bell, a linebacker, joins Jim Rance, an offensive tackle, on the University of Toledo Rockets squad; both are Leetonia High graduates.

Three Warren City Council members call for an outside agency to conduct an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Warren Police Department.

Between 200 and 300 midnight shift workers at United Engineering & Foundry Co.’s plant in S. Phelps Street walk out in the middle of their shift over a grievance involving machine work.

August 9, 1959: The Northern Ohio Antique Automobile Club meets at the Sebring Country Club, attracting 100 old cars, the oldest being an 1894 Youngstown-built Fredonia.

The 757th Troop Carrier Squadron at Youngstown Municipal Airport receives a flying safety award from the Air Force.

Japanese beetles are attacking flowers and vegetables in Youngstown gardens and, says city Park Superintendent Ed Finamore, are spreading Dutch elm disease that will kill hundreds of trees.

August 9, 1934: The Youngstown district liquor sales supervisor is suspended during an investigation into liquor being given to Youngstown police officers who were investigating a burglary at the state liquor store.

Walter E. Meub, who joined Youngstown Sheet & Tube as a $65-per month clerk, marks 25 years with the company. As vice president of finance, Meub made $21,000 in 1933, which was not a good year for the company.

Mahoning County deputy sheriffs raid a 200-gallon still on Elberen Street in Youngstown, arresting one man and confiscating 80 gallons of finished corn liquor.