Today in history

Today is Saturday, May 23, the 143rd day of 2009. There are 222 days left in the year. On this date in 1934, bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker are shot to death in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

In 1430, Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians, who sell her to the English. In 1533, the marriage of England’s King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon is declared null and void. In 1701, William Kidd is hanged in London after he is convicted of piracy and murder. In 1788, South Carolina becomes the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1939, the Navy submarine USS Squalus sinks during a test dive off the New England coast. Thirty-two crew members and one civilian are rescued, but 26 others die; the sub is salvaged and recommissioned the USS Sailfish. In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces bogged down in Anzio begin a major breakout offensive. In 1945, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler commits suicide while imprisoned in Luneburg, Germany. In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) is established.

May 23, 1984: The Public Utilities Commission rejects a compromise rate hike request of $40.6 million by Ohio Edison Co. and decides to hold a full hearing on how much of the $130 million increase the company sought should be granted.

Niles officials are studying several sites for new gas wells, including sections of Union Cemetery and Stevens Park, says Carmen Vivolo, parks and recreation director.

Youngstown schools officials hold off appointing the brother of Rose DeGise, president of the Board of Education, to a painting apprenticeship, after union officials object to the unauthorized training program. They say the position should be advertised.

May 23, 1969: Youngstown’s Development Review Committee approves the architectural designs for a proposed $100,000 new plant for the City Printing Co. at the southwest corner of E. Front and Champion streets.

Two thugs armed with a .22 rifle and .22 pistol herd six people, including a two-year-old baby, into the basement of Sam’s Market at 1740 Oak Hill Ave. and escape with at least $540, most of it from the cash register and from a Keystone Bakery driver who was delivering to the store.

William C. D’Amico, president of the Youngstown Area Board of Realtors, is honored as the board’s “Realtor of the Year” and Glenn Morris, Vindicator real estate editor, is named the board’s first honorary member.

May 23, 1959: The annual conference of the Ohio Division of the National Secretaries Association gets underway with some 300 Ohio secretaries and associates registering at Hotel Pick-Ohio.

The parents of a 14 year old son who, with his companions, filled the garage with stolen bicycles, are fined $25 for contributing to the delinquency of a minor by Judge Henry P. Beckenbach.

George D. Gluck, 85, former Mahoning County commissioner and hardware merchant and real estate dealer, dies in the Wick Park Nursing home.

May 23, 1934: Crowds estimated at 7,500 visit opening day of the Industrial Exhibit sponsored by the Youngstown Junior Chamber of Commerce, marveling at the exhibits of the various items manufactured in Youngstown.

The city health department is analyzing food obtained at Oles Restaurant after 16 people who dined there were felled by food poisoning. Eight were treated at local hospitals. Most reported eating chicken salad or minced chicken.

A study of the relationship of nutrition and heat which is expected to yield much valuable information is launched by two Harvard University doctors at the North Side unit of Youngstown Hospital. The men from Harvard’s fatigue laboratory have been given a wing of the hospital for six weeks.