ON THIS DAY
1871: The Great Fire of Chicago started. According to popular belief, it started in Irish immigrant Catherine O’Leary’s barn in DeKoven Street, when a cow kicked over a lantern. Some historians believe it was actually set off by Daniel “Pegleg” Sullivan, who first reported the fire. The fire burned until October 11, killing more than 250 people and making 95,000 homeless.
1905: Charles Nessler first used a permanent waving machine on a woman’s hair.
1908: The Wind In The Willows, Kenneth Grahame’s children’s book, was published. It has never been out of print. 1953: One of Britain’s best-loved singers, the contralto Kathleen Ferrier, died of cancer at 41. 1965: The Post Office Tower in London became operational. It was opened by prime minister Harold Wilson.
1967: The first breathalyser test in Britain was administered.
1973: The first commercial radio station in Britain opened when LBC (London Broadcasting) went on the air.
ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR: Demand for rail travel had sunk to mid-19th century levels following the coronavirus outbreak, figures showed.