Today is Monday, April 12, the 102nd day of 2010. There are 263 days left in the year.

April 12, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1861: The American Civil War begins as Confederate forces bombard Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

1877: The catcher’s mask is first used in a baseball game, by James Tyng of Harvard in a game against the Lynn Live Oaks.

1945: President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Ga., at age 63; he is succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman.

1955: The Salk vaccine against polio is declared safe and effective.

VINDICATOR FILES

1985: The city Board of Control approves paying $94,030 in severance pay to six retiring Youngstown police officer, an amount equal to a third of the city’s yearly retirement fund allocation.

1970: The “Amazing Alexander” performs on a trapeze 80 feet above the Kroehle Lincoln-Mercury car lot with no net and at no charge during a sale when all 1970 models are sold at 1966 invoice prices.

A proposed addition to the Ohio Hotel would add 110 rooms and provide a new covered entrance for motorists. The $10 million project, coupled with other existing and planned motor inns would put Youngstown in a position to attract big conventions.

1960:Youngstown police arrest three juveniles and an adult, clearing 15 automobile thefts over six weeks near hospitals in the city.

The Youngstown safety committee says the maze of political posters on poles, trees, bridges and building constitutes a traffic hazard, blocking vision and causing confusion at intersections.

1935: A Civilian Conservation Camp will be established for 200 men in Mill Creek Park, and plans are being made for extensive improvements and beautification projects.

“Blind Jim” Brown, 39,who did a bit of singing and sold pencils on W. Federal Street between Hazel and Phelps streets, dies of a heart ailment.