Years Ago

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 13, the 286th day of 2009. There are 79 days left in the year. On this date in 1792, the cornerstone of the executive mansion, later known as the White House, is laid during a ceremony in the District of Columbia.

In 1775, the U.S. Navy has its origins as the Continental Congress orders the construction of a naval fleet. In 1843, the Jewish organization B’nai B’rith is founded in New York City. In 1858, the sixth debate between senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas takes place in Quicy, Ill. In 1909, political cartoonist Herbert Block (aka “Herblock”) is born in Chicago; jazz virtuoso Art Tatum is born in Toledo, Ohio. In 1943, Italy declares war on Germany, its one-time Axis partner. In 1944, American troops enter Aachen, Germany, during World War II.

October 13, 1984: A toxic chemical leaking from a westbound truck forces the closing of Gate 15 on the Ohio Turnpike and sends four people, the truck driver and three firemen, to the hospital.

Youngstown State University’s enrollment is at 15,254, a decrease of 595, from the fall quarter a year earlier.

Mahoning County Sheriff James A. Traficant Jr. is the only speaker at the Youngstown Press Club’s Congressional forum debate at the Trumbull New Theater. U.S. Rep. Lyle Williams cancelled his appearance saying that he had to be in Washington for an anticipated vote.

October 13, 1969: The Ohio Valley Improvement Association establishes the Michael J. Kirwan Award as a tribute to the Mahoning Valley congressman. It will be given to the person judged to have contributed the most in the preceding year to developing Ohio’s water resources.

The U.S. Supreme Court turns down for the second time an appeal of former Youngstown Mayor Frank R. Franko for reinstatement as an attorney. Franko was suspended indefinitely from practice in 1957 while he was a municipal court judge.

Third Baptist Church will host the 72nd annual session of the Ohio Baptist General Association. The Rev. Morris Lee is pastor.

October 13, 1959: Only about 30 of 100 telephone operators at the Ohio Bell office in Youngstown report for work after a strike is called to protest the firing of an operator.

A jury of eight men and four women is selected to hear the first- degree manslaughter trial of Joseph Sabatino, a 68-year-old retired steelworker, for the third time in a year. Two previous trials ended in hung juries. Sabatino is accused of opening fire on a swimming party at the climax of a neighborhood dispute.

Enrollment in Austintown schools increases by 450 from a year earlier and the board of education approves a survey to determine the site of a possible new school.

October 13, 1934: Freshman Week at Youngstown College climaxes with a court of honor and bonfire on the college campus. A quartet, John Raupple, Donald Elser, Max Fless and Earl Smith, sings the freshman song.

Dr. Albert Curry of Pittsburgh is the guest speaker when nearly 100 people who sponsored the distribution and collection of Christ Mission reclamation bags in 46 towns and villages near Youngstown meet for their annual dinner at the Christ Mission settlement.

The 40 hours devotion conducted by Rev. Meaghan of the Redemptorist Order in Pittsburgh at St. Patrick Church closes with a 5 p.m. vesper service on Sunday.