Today in history

Today is Friday, November 17, the 321st day of 2017 and the 57th day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1922, The Signal reported that the Woman’s Club of Newhall put on a show on Armistice Day. “Clubbing A Husband” was staged and played by twelve Club ladies of Garden Grove. They had been well advertised, and judging by the applause given, were welI received. A crowded house indicated that the Woman’s Club had been very active in boosting the three-act comedy. Every lady in the cast played her part well, and after listening to the leading lady her followers all decided that they wanted to be free, too, from under their husband’s dominating hand.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1800, the United States Congress met for the first time in Washington, D.C., in the unfinished Capitol building. In 1869, the Suez Canal was

officially opened. In 1871, the National Rifle Association was granted a charter by the state of New York. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy dedicated Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.

Today’s fact: Congress passed the Height of Buildings Act in 1899, stating that no building in Washington, D.C., could be built taller than the Capitol. It was amended in 1910, allowing buildings to be as tall as the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet.

Today’s sports: In 1968, with about a minute on the clock and the New York Jets leading the Oakland Raiders 32-29, NBC switched to a scheduled broadcast of “Heidi.” Oakland then scored two touchdowns in nine seconds, winning 43-32, as thousands of angry football fans overloaded NBC’s switchboard.

Today’s number: 59,000 – average number of airline passengers traveling through Washington Dulles International Airport per day.

Today’s moon: Between last quarter moon (Nov. 10) and new moon (Nov. 18).