Today in history

Today is Thursday, September 21, the 264th day of 2017 and the 94th day of summer.

On this date in the SCV: In 1933, The Signal reported that Deputy Fred Fitzsimmons had solved the water problem In his Plum Canyon home by deepening his well 100 feet. Apparently he had struck an inexhaustible flow, for pumping had had no effect on the water level. Not to be outdone by him, Capt. Stewart, who acquired the John Boslo farm on Pico Road, had put down a well, or rather reconditioned the old one, and had an abundant supply of soft water. To hear these two white-collar farmers tell about their respective holdings made one want to join the “back to the land” movement.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1792, the French National Convention declared France a republic and voted to abolish the monarchy. In 1897, the New York Sun published an editorial by Francis Pharcellus Church that included the now-famous phrase, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” In 1981, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Sandra Day O’Connor as the first female Supreme Court justice. In 2013, Islamic militants attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, killing at least 67 people.

Today’s fact: There are no female characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” published on this day in 1937. Only one female, Belladonna Took, is mentioned by name.

Today’s sports: In 1970, “Monday Night Football” made its ABC broadcast debut with a game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns.

Today’s number: 7 – novels published by Stephen King under the pen name Richard Bachman, which King used in his early career because publishers told him audiences wouldn’t buy more than one book per year from the same writer.

Today’s moon: Between new moon (Sept. 19) and first quarter moon (Sept. 27).