Today in history

Today is Saturday, October 21, the 294th day of 2017 and the 30th day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV:

In 1988, The Signal reported that mysterious benefactors delivered more than ten tons of large pumpkins to surprised residents of Valencia and Saugus. The pumpkins were traced to Richard Mulhauser and Ann Lowle, business partners who worked for Realty World. Each of the pumpkins had a Realty World business card discreetly thumbtacked to it. The two rented a moving truck to transport the pumpkins from a patch near Ventura to Mulhauser’s Valencia home.

Today’s Highlights in History:

In 1879, Thomas Edison successfully tested an electric lightbulb. In 1892, the original “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited by an estimated 12 million schoolchildren across the United States in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage to the New World. In 1959, the Guggenheim Museum opened in New York City.

In 1967, more than 35,000 anti-war protesters stormed the Pentagon, resulting in nearly 700 arrests.

Today’s fact: While there are no posthumous nominations for the Nobel Prizes, they can be awarded posthumously if the winner dies before the Dec. 10 ceremony.

Today’s sports: In 1975, Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hit a home run that glanced off the foul pole at Fenway Park in Boston, giving the Red Sox a 12thinning victory over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the World Series.

Today’s number: 13.5 – hours Thomas Edison’s first prototype electric incandescent lightbulb lasted before burning out.

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

Birthdays

Alfred Nobel (18331896), inventor/arms manufacturer; Dizzy

Gillespie (1917-1993), jazz musician; Whitey

Ford (1928- ), baseball player; Judy Sheindlin (1942- ), judge/TV personality; Benjamin

Netanyahu (1949- ), Israeli

politician; Carrie Fisher (1956-2016), actress/ writer.