Years Ago

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 4, the 308th day of 2009. There are 57 days left in the year. On this date in 2008, Democrat Barack Obama is elected the first black president of the United States, defeating Republican John McCain; Democrats gained seats in the Senate and House.

In 1884, Democrat Grover Cleveland is elected to his first term as president, defeating Republican James G. Blaine. In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb is discovered in Egypt. In 1924, Nellie T. Ross of Wyoming is elected the nation’s first female governor to serve out the remaining term of her late husband, William B. Ross. In 1939, the United States modifies its neutrality stance in World War II, allowing “cash and carry” purchases of arms by belligerents, a policy favoring Britain and France. In 1942, during World War II, Axis forces retreat from El Alamein in North Africa in a major victory for British forces commanded by Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery. In 1979, the Iran hostage crisis begins as militants storm the United States Embassy in Tehran, seizing its occupants. In 1980, Ronald Reagan wins the White House, defeating President Jimmy Carter by a strong margin.

November 4, 1984: Vice President George Bush strains to be heard above the enthusiastic crowd in New Castle shouting “four more years” by Republican supporters and “three more days” by Democrats.

Howard K. Smith, former television news commentator, will speak at the Warren P. Williamson symposium at YSU.

A 41-yard field goal by freshman kicker John Dowling early in the fourth quarter gives the YSU Penguins an unusual 3-2 victory over the Akron Zips.

November 4, 1969: Three teenage boys and a teen-age girl are arrested and a large assortment of glue is seized when Youngstown police go to an Oak Park Drive apartment to investigate complaints of heavy juvenile traffic.

Bishop James W. Malone is the principal celebrant of a Mass of dedication at the new Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville. The Rev. William J. Witt is pastor of the parish, which is also marking its centennial.

Poll workers in Mahoning County report heavy voting in the county’s 406 precincts, with an estimated 55,000 ballots cast by 3 p.m.

November 4, 1959: Democrat Frank R. Franko wins election as mayor of Youngstown by a margin of 6.095 votes over Republican Edward J. Gilronan in one of the hardest fought contests in city history.

Mahoning County voters approve a $2.5 million bond issue for the construction of the West Branch Reservoir.

Four-term mayors in Trumbull County’s three largest cities are defeated for re-election. In Warren, William Burbank loses to Walter Pestrak. In Niles, Edward P. Lenney is defeated by Thomas R. Smith. In Girard, Joseph Caton is defeated by John DePietro.

November 4, 1934: The 300 stores and warehouses of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. in Cleveland, closed for more than a week, will reopen after the company and the Cleveland Federation of Labor reach an agreement.

Thieves steal a car belonging to Florence R. Olson, wife of Youngstown Traffic Commissioner Carl Olson, from the couple’s driveway and use the car to hold up the Basket Gasoline Station in Warren, escaping with $25.

American Legion Post 15 will hold its annual Armistice Day ball at the Legion home in Spring Street.