Today in history

Today is Wednesday, October 11, the 284th day of 2017 and the 20th day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1945, The Signal reported that a series of hard showers started the 1945-1946 rainy season off with .24 inches of precipitation, bringing a providential stop to the worst state of fire hazard existing in many years. The fire peril was not concluded without one final try by the fire demon in Wildwood Canyon, where a hay barn and contents was destroyed. The fire was believed due to spontaneous combustion, with total damage place at $500. The 1944-1945 season, which closed on September 30, had been one of the driest of recent years with total precipitation on the flood control gauge at 12.64 inches for the year – about seven inches short of normal.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1779, Polish nobleman Casimir Pulaski died from wounds he suffered while fighting for American independence in the Revolutionary War. In 1890, the Daughters of the American

Revolution formed. In 1975, “Saturday Night Live” debuted

on NBC. In 2002, former president Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Today’s fact: In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt became the first president (he was a former president at the time) to fly in an airplane, at Kinloch Field in St. Louis. He rode as a passenger for a four-minute flight in a plane built by the Wright Brothers.

Today’s sports: In 1890, John Owen ran the first recorded 100-yard dash that broke 10 seconds.

Today’s number: 17 – age of Anthony Michael Hall when he was hired as a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” in 1985, making him the show’s youngest cast member ever.

Today’s moon: Between full moon (Oct. 5) and last quarter moon (Oct. 12).