Today in history

Today is Tuesday, August 22, the 234th day of 2017 and the 64th day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1935, The Signal reported that a man named Sydney Davis was instantly killed on Violin Canyon Road nine miles north of Castaic, when the car he was in crashed into the rear of a truck loaded with drill pipe. The car was owned and being driven by G.H. Fredericks. The latter had said Davis had been asleep and woke suddenly. Looking ahead, he shouted, “You are going to hit that truck,” and jerked the wheel, causing the car to strike headon into the trailer. With Fredericks and Davis were Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Hewitson and their two sons, Gordon, aged 4, and Tony, aged 2. All were cut and bruised somewhat, but not seriously. They were brought to the Community Hospital, where their wounds were dressed, and they were able to go home. The body of Davis was sent to Paschall’s Mortuary, San Fernando. Officers Story and Marston investigated the wreck.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1851, the American yacht America

won the first America’s Cup. In 1864, the first Geneva Convention, which established protections for those wounded in active warfare, was signed by 12 European nations. In 1902, the Cadillac Automobile Co. was

founded. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act welfare reform into law.

Today’s fact: The Comics Journal named George Herriman’s “Krazy Kat” the best American comic strip of the 20th century in 1999.

Today’s sports: In 1989, Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan struck out Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A’s, becoming the first major league pitcher to reach 5,000 strikeouts.

Today’s number: 196 – nations that have acceded to the Geneva Conventions.

Today’s moon: Between new moon (Aug. 21) and first quarter moon (Aug. 29).