Years Ago

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 8, the 342nd day of 2009. There are 23 days left in the year. On this date in 1941, the United States enters World War II as Congress declares war against Japan, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington’s retreating army crosses the Delaware River from New Jersey into Pennsylvania. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaims the Catholic dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free of original sin from the moment of her own conception. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln announces his plan for the reconstruction of the South. In 1886, the American Federation of Labor is founded in Columbus, Ohio. In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government moves from the Chinese mainland to Formosa as the Communists press their attacks. In 1978, former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir dies in Jerusalem at age 80.

December 8, 1984: The nominating council for the Public Util- ities Commission of Ohio recommends Youngstown Atty. Richard P. McLaughlin and three others to fill the seat that had been held by Michael Del Bane of Hubbard. McLaughlin has stiff competition from Thomas Chema of Cleveland, a friend of Gov. Richard Celeste.

Msgr. Leo Adamiak, pastor of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church for 34 years, is elevated by Pope John Paul II to the honored prelateship, the highest honorary title that can be given to a monsignor.

The Fighting Little Redmen post a 13-0 record and win the 105-pound Little Mid American Conference championship, beating the Austintown Colts in the title game.

December 8, 1969: A gunman pistol-whips a North Side man and abducts his wife and infant child, holding them captive for 90 terror-filled minutes before a police chase ends in a crash and the arrest of the suspect.

Three all-time football greats, Bruiser Kinard of Mississippi, Frank Sinkwich of Georgia and Tennessee coach Robert Neyland are named as the first members of the new Orange Bowl Classic Hall of Fame.

The Circle K service organization at Youngstown State University erects an 80-foot tall Christmas tree on the south side of Kilcawley Center.

December 8, 1959: Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge G.H. Birrell finds state Sen. Charles Carney of Youngstown guilty of contempt for violating a court order limiting the number of pickets at the Liberty Manufacturing Co. He fines Carney $200.

A spectacular fire fed by dry hay and high winds destroys the large barn of livestock dealer Mark Andio on his farm on Midlothian Blvd. Several animals and equipment are destroyed; the loss is estimated at $30,000.

Charles Vimmerstedt, manager of the Safety Council of Greater Youngstown, warns parents of the dangers of giving air rifles to their children at Christmas and says they could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor if the rifles are misused.

December 8, 1934: Dr. O.J. Walker and Dr. C.H. Clark send a three-page letter on behalf of Youngstown area health professionals protesting the socialization of medicine in the United States.

J.S. Shirreffs, manager of the Federal Housing Administration in Youngstown, says relief labor could be used to help widen Market Street.

Warren L. Rogers, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, arrives in Youngstown to lead anniversary celebrations of 125 years of St. James Episcopal Church, Boardman, the 75th anniversary of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Youngstown and the 25th anniversary of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Youngstown.

Cleveland Bishop Joseph Shrembs announces that Papal honors have been bestowed on the Very Rev. William A. Kane, pastor of St. Patrick Church, who is named a domestic prelate of Pope Pius XI with the title of Right Rev. Monsignor.