TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Dec. 26, 1947

Heavy snow blanketed the Northeast, burying New York City under 26.4 inches of snow in 16 hours; the severe weather was blamed for some 80 deaths. ALSO ON THIS DATE

1776

British forces suffered a major defeat in the Battle of Trenton during the Revolutionary War.

1799

Former President George Washington was eulogized by Col. Henry Lee as “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

1865

James H. Nason of Franklin, Massachusetts, received a patent for “an improved coffee percolator.”

1908

Jack Johnson became the first African-American boxer to win the world heavyweight championship as he defeated Canadian Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia.

1917

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation authorizing the government to take over operation of the nation’s railroads.

1944

During the World War II Battle of the Bulge, the embattled U.S. 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, Belgium, was relieved by units of the 4th Armored Division. Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie” was first performed at the Civic Theatre in Chicago.