Years Ago

Today is Sunday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2009. 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 1790, the first successful cotton mill in the United States begins operating at Pawtucket, R.I. 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 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 1976, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley dies at age 74. In 1978, former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman is released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up. In 1987, more than 4,300 people are killed when the Dona Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collides with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.

December 20, 1984: The Ohio General Assembly adjourns for 1984 after approving a pay raise of 20 percent over the next four years for elected county officials and 34 percent for its own members.

Township zoning in Brookfield still faces heavy opposition by residents and it appears proponents face an uphill battle to convince voters of its worth.

A Campbell man is arrested in August, Ga., accused of attempting to bribe a Georgia Department of Transportation inspector to ignore shoddy work on a bridge the man’s company was painting. He allegedly offered a $1,000 bribe while working on a $73,000 contract.

December 20, 1969: There are only three more shopping days until Christmas, but about 60 Campbell city employees, including police and firemen, receive no paychecks. City Council fails to approve legislation transferring $30,000 into payroll accounts and resists efforts by Mayor Rocco Mico to call a special session.

The Youngstown architectural firm, Damon-Worley-Cady-Kirk and Associates and Home Savings and Loan are selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop low-cost housing.

Youngstown State University’s state tuition subsidy is reduced 5 percent as a result of a disproportionate percentage of out-of-state students. The university will receive $9 million in state subsidies.

December 20, 1959: WFMJ-TV will broadcast the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Columba Cathedral for the fourth consecutive year.

Both Democrats and Republicans spent more than $40,000 in the Nov. 3 mayoral race in Youngstown between Mayor-elect Frank R. Franko and Republican Edward J. Gilronan, expense accounts at the Board of Elections show.

December 20, 1934: About 1,800 Youngstown city workers receive their first pay since September. About $170,000 in scrip and $25,000 in cash is distributed at City Hall.

If the New Deal were to shut up shop, many of the social and economic reforms instituted by the Roosevelt administration would live on, says Mrs. Grace Morrison Pool, president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, speaking in Youngstown.

A Florida man who sat in the state’s electric chair for 10 minutes while prison officials debated who should throw the switch will be spared the death penalty. The time of his execution passed while the debate continued. The man was convicted of killing his wife.