Years Ago

Today is Tuesday, Aug. 11, the 223rd day of 2009. There are 142 days left in the year. On this date in 1909, the first recorded use of the S.O.S. distress signal in North America is by the steamship SS Arapahoe, which had broken down off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras.

In 1942, during World War II, Pierre Laval, prime minister of Vichy France, publicly declares that “the hour of liberation for France is the hour when Germany wins the war.” In 1949, President Harry S. Truman nominates Gen. Omar N. Bradley to become the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1954, a formal peace takes hold in Indochina, ending more than seven years of fighting between the French and Communist Vietminh. In 1965, rioting and looting that claim 34 lives break out in the predominantly black Watts section of Los Angeles.

August 11, 1984: William Pearch, a special investigator for the Mahoning County sheriff, vows to continue his probe into organized crime despite a beating given him by two thugs at a Coitsville Township motel.

Twelve Ursuline sisters, including Sister Rosemary Deibel who has spent 60 years in religious life, will be honored at a special Mass at St. Columba Cathedral. The other have served 50 and 25 years.

August 11, 1969: Cathy Cordy reigns over Girard’s annual homecoming. Members of her court are Linda Woodford, Peggy Tamplin, Debby Troyan and Julie Sherock.

Mahoning County commissioners hire engineer Robert J. Schomer to complete and inventory an inspection program on the county’s bridges.

August 11, 1959: Merchants and shoppers are divided on the merits of Mayor Frank X. Kryzan’s free downtown parking plan, but all agree that it has stimulated, at least temporarily, interest in downtown.

Thomas R. Couche, 23, of Austintown escapes injury when his car careened off Route 18 and plunges into Meander Lake. He swims 60 feet to shore.

Gov. Michael DiSalle vetoes seven bills, including one that would have made execution mandatory for the slaying of a state game warden and another providing state aid for two-year community colleges, and says he may veto another 20 bills working their way through the Legislature.

August 11, 1934: President Roosevelt refers the proposed Mahoning-Beaver canal to the PWA for study.

Eighty railroad cars bring 10,000 P & LE Railroad workers to Idora Park for the company’s annual picnic, Another 2,000 arrive by automobile.