Today is Thursday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2009. There are 315 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Thursday, Feb. 19, the 50th day of 2009. There are 315 days left in the year. On this date in 1945, during World War II, some 30,000 U.S. Marines begin landing on Iwo Jima, where they commence a successful monthlong battle to seize control of the island from Japanese forces.

In 1473, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus is born in Torun, Poland.In 1803, Congress votes to accept Ohio’s borders and constitution. In 1846, the Texas state government is formally installed in Austin, with J. Pinckney Henderson taking the oath of office as governor. In 1881, Kansas prohibits the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. In 1909, the National Committee for Mental Hygiene, a precursor to Mental Health America, is founded by Clifford W. Beers.

February 19, 1984: General Motors plans to eliminate annual wage hikes and cost of living payments for union workers in return for improved profit sharing, an internal document that has angered the United Auto Workers officials indicates.

Local court officials say the number of drivers cited for parking in spaces reserved for the handicapped is increasing. The fine is $5 plus court costs.

February 19, 1969: Youngstown State University begins laying the groundwork for a new master plan aimed at academic and physical expansion that will allow the university to accommodate 25,000 students by 1980. YSU’s enrollment in Fall 1968 was 14,500.

A highway bill working its way through the Ohio General Assembly would provide $6 million over five years for street and road improvements in Mahoning County.

February 19, 1959: Firefighters from four townships fight a fire that heavily damages the main house at Orchard Hill Farms on Warner Road. The owners, retired Sharon Steel vice president David Carson and his wife, were reported in Florida.

A 19-year-old Youngstown man, the first of four to go on trial in the rape of a 15-year-old Struthers girl, is found guilty by a jury of five men and seven women who deliberated for 90 minutes.

Edward J. DeBartolo, Youngstown real estate developer, and John J. Patrick, executive vice president of DeBartolo’s enterprises, reveal plans for a $1 million housing project in Austintown, College Park Estates, on a 320-acre parcel.

February 19, 1934: Operations resume at Newton Steel Co. in Newton Falls for the first time in three years. Some 500 men are being called back to work.

Scores of Youngstowners offer their recollections of meeting Albert I, king of Belgium, while serving with American forces in Belgium or France during the World War. Albert was killed in a fall while mountain climbing, his favorite sport. He was 58 years old.