TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT May 21, 1881

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.

ON THIS DATE 1924

In a case that drew much notoriety, 14year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a “thrill killing” carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby’s cousin).

1941

A German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship’s passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.

1955

Chuck Berry recorded his first single, “Maybellene,” for Chess Records in Chicago.

1979

Former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)