Today in history

1846 The first issue of the “Daily News,” edited by Charles Dickens, was published.

1853 Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine.

1861 The future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, resigned from the U.S. Senate. Four other Southerners also resigned.

1865 An oil well was drilled by torpedoes for the first time.

1908 In New York City, the Sullivan Ordinance was passed. It made smoking in public places by women illegal. The measure was vetoed by Mayor George B. McClellan Jr. two weeks later.

1911 The first Monte Carlo car rally was held. Seven days later it was won by Henri Rougier.

1915 The first Kiwanis club was formed in Detroit, MI. 1924 Soviet leader Vladimir Ilyich Lenin died. Joseph Stalin began a purge of his rivals for the leadership of the Soviet Union.

1927 The first opera broadcast over a national radio network was presented in Chicago, IL. The opera was “Faust”.

1941 The British communist newspaper, the “Daily Worker,” was banned due to wartime restrictions. 1946 “The Fat Man” debuted on ABC radio.

1954 The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. U.S. First Lady Mamie Eisenhower broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow.

1954 The gas turbine automobile was introduced in New York City.

1970 The Boeing 747 made its first commercial flight from New York to London for Pan American. 1970 ABC-TV presented “The Johnny Cash Show” in prime time.

1977 U.S. President Carter pardoned almost all Vietnam War draft evaders.

1980 Gold was valued at $850 an ounce.