Years Ago

Today is Thursday, Feb. 25, the 56th day of 2010. There are 309 days left in the year. On this date in 1940, a hockey game is televised for the first time, by New York City station W2XBS, as the New York Rangers defeat the Montreal Canadiens, 6-2, at Madison Square Garden.

In 1836, inventor Samuel Colt patents his revolver. In 1901, United States Steel Corporation is incorporated by J.P. Morgan. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution, giving Congress the power to levy and collect income taxes, is declared in effect by Secretary of State Philander Chase Knox. In 1919, Oregon becomes the first state to tax gasoline, at one cent per gallon.

February 25, 1985: The Rev. Jerry Falwell, on a 280-city, $10 million fund-raising tour, tells 700 guests at the Mahoning Country Club he hopes that by the end of Ronald Reagan’s administration abortion will be outlawed except in the case of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother.

U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. says he will unveil a plan that would finance a proposed canal linking Lake Erie with the Ohio River at East Liverpool without any need for federal or state financing.

February 25, 1970: The G.C. Murphy Co. will build a new store at Market Street and Boardman-Canfield Road in Boardman.

Youngstown Mayor Jack C. Hunter says police department towing that had been distributed between Riley Brothers and Passarelli Brothers for six years is being assigned to M&T Towing and Vandetti Auto Towing.

February 25, 1960: R.J. Wean Sr. of Warren, president, treasurer and director of the Wean Engineering Co. since 1929, is elected chairman of the board of trustees at Youngstown University. He succeeds Walter Bender, chairman of the board of General Fireproofing Co.

A 10-year-old Struthers fifth grader drowns after he and two chums fall through thin ice on Yellow Creek south of Lake Hamilton in Poland. A diver retrieves the body of Bobby Phillips, who couldn’t swim, from about 7 feet of water.

February 25, 1935: George Repasky Sr., 56, is shot and killed by three robbers as he opens his saloon, Rip’s Cafe, 115 Bridge St. Struthers. The bandits escaped with about $200.

Luther King, a Cleveland tenor, will be heard in recital at Phillips Chapel, State and Albert streets.

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