Today in history
Today is Friday, May 5, the 125th day of 2017 and the 47th day of spring.
On this date in the SCV: In 1927, The Signal reported that Charles Harbey, in charge of the state highway work here, conducted an interesting test to travel through the Newhall tunnel. Beginning at 6 o’clock a.m. and running till 6 p.m. Monday morning, an accurate count of cars of all descriptions passing through was made. The total count for the time was 23,306, or a little less than two thousand an hour. These figures furnish some interesting comparisons. The travel averaged a car a little less than every 4 seconds, and in the busiest time went to each 1.5 seconds. This was reported to be too little a margin for either safety or economy in travel, and surely indicated something might be done to relieve the situation.
Today’s Highlights in History:
In 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent, for a weaving technique.
In 1821, exiled former French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte died in British custody on the island of Saint Helena.
In 1862, the Mexican army halted the invading French army in the Battle of Puebla. This day would later be celebrated as the “Cinco de Mayo” holiday.
In 1961, Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into outer space.
In 1994, 18-year-old American Michael P. Fay was caned in Singapore as punishment for theft and vandalism.
Today’s fact: Tchaikovsky was the guest conductor at the grand opening of New York’s Carnegie Hall (then called the Music Hall) on this day in 1891.
Today’s sports: In 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59:40, a record that still stands.
Today’s number: 21 – perfect games (as of April 2017) thrown by major league pitchers in baseball’s modern era. A perfect game is one in which no opposing player reaches base. Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox became the first pitcher to accomplish the feat on this day in 1904.
Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (May 2) and full moon (May 10).