Years Ago

Today is Thursday, Aug. 11, the 223rd day of 2011. There are 142 days left in the year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1860: The nation’s first successful silver mill begins operation near Virginia City, Nev.

1934: The first federal prisoners arrive at Alcatraz Island (a former military prison) in San Francisco Bay.

1949: President Harry S. Truman nominates Gen. Omar N. Bradley to become the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1952: Hussein bin Talal is proclaimed King of Jordan, beginning a reign lasting nearly 47 years.

1965: Rioting and looting that claim 34 lives break out in the predominantly black Watts section of Los Angeles.

1975: The United States vetoes the proposed admission of North and South Vietnam to the United Nations, following the Security Council’s refusal to consider South Korea’s application.

VINDICATOR FILES

1986: Mahoning County Democratic Chairman Don L. Hanni Jr. defends the spoils system at the Ohio Department of Transportation, and says he sees nothing wrong with the party giving jobs to party members.

Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Ron Jaworski shrugs off criticism from the team’s new coach, Buddy Ryan, who sounded unimpressed with the veteran quarterback’s performance in a 17-9 victory over Detroit.

1971: Mayor Jack C. Hunter, Prosecutor Edward A. Sowinski and police Chief Donald Baker announce a crackdown on book stores and theaters in Youngstown that traffic in pornographic publications and movies.

1961: The Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce joins Mahoning County commissioners in a drive to locate the Apollo Research Center to the area.

A violent collision at Route 45 and Palmyra Road in Mahoning County kills Cloyce M. Blaylock, 38, and his daughter, Catherine, 13. Mrs. Rita Blaylock, and another daughter, Judith Ann, 14, are injured, as well as the driver of the other car that crashed a stop sign at the intersection.

1936: Earl Laughlin, who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident, found his wife, Berdina, when he called on her while representing the Albert T. Rowley Co., which makes artificial limbs. Her leg was amputated after an injury sustained while roller skating became infected. Columnist Esther Hamilton writes that the couple now lives in Youngstown, leading active lives, including flying lessons at Seidner Airport.

A delegation of 200 Detroit men, who will be traveling to West Middlesex to hear Kansas Gov. Alf Landon, contact Niles Mayor Fred Williams to arrange a tour of the McKinley Memorial.