Today in history

Today is Saturday, the 259th day of 2017 and the 89th day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1948, The Signal reported that temperatures of 106 degrees in the shade, and nobody knew what in the sun, kept most school patrons from attending the dedication program of William S. Hart Senior High School. Not so the pupils and the teachers and school officials. They endured the molten fury of Old Sol for a full hour and a half to get their beloved alma mater properly launched on her career. An impressive feature of the program was the “swing-out” of more than 500 pupils, who marched from their classroom to the football field bleachers.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1920, the explosion of a bomb on Wall Street killed more than 30 people and injured hundreds of others.

In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, authorizing the military draft.

In 1955, Argentine president Juan Peron was ousted by a military coup.

In 1974, President Gerald Ford announced a conditional amnesty program for Vietnam War deserters and draft evaders.

Today’s fact: German-born Jewish authors Margret and H.A. Rey fled Paris by bicycle in June 1940, the manuscript for what would become “Curious George” in tow, just before the city fell to Nazi Germany.

Today’s sports: In 1981, Sugar Ray Leonard unified boxing’s welterweight title by knocking out Tommy Hearns in the 14th round of a bout in an outdoor arena at the Caesar’s Palace casino in Las Vegas.

Today’s number: 342 – one-night stand gigs performed by blues legend B.B. King and his band in 1956.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (Sept. 12) and new moon (Sept. 19).