Today in history

Today is Wednesday, November 1, the 305th day of 2017 and the 41st day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1988, The Signal reported that fewer and fewer people could afford a home in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as the rest of the state, as a result of increasing home prices. The California Association of Realtors said only 23 percent of the state’s households had the annual income necessary to qualify for a 30-year mortgage on a median-priced home in September. That was the smallest percentage in almost four years, going back to November, 1984, when the percentage was also 23. The percentage was at 32 the previous January, but had dropped steadily since.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was exhibited to the public for the first time. In 1800, John Adams became the first president to reside in the newly constructed “President’s House” (later named the White House). In 1848, the Boston Female Medical School, the first medical school for women, opened. In 1870, the Weather Bureau (later renamed the National Weather Service) made its first meteorological forecast. In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty went into effect, formally establishing the European Union.

Today’s fact: John Adams was the only president elected as a member of the Federalist Party.

Today’s sports: In 1959, NHL goalie Jacques Plante of the Montreal Canadiens suffered a broken nose while blocking a shot and was taken to the locker room for stitches. He returned to the game wearing the first goalie facemask, a homemade fiberglass mask of his own design.

Today’s number: 33.9 – percentage of American physicians who are women.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (Oct. 27) and full moon (Nov. 3).