May 11, 2010

290 years ago
1720

Born on this date
H.K.F. von Münchhausen. German military officer and nobleman. Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen served as a cavalry officer with the Brunswick-Cuirassiers from 1739-1760 before living as a Freiherr on his estates in Bodenwerder. He entertained guests with exaggerated accounts of his adventures, thus inspiring the fictional Baron Munchausen created by Rudolf Erich Raspe. The real Baron Münchhausen died on February 22, 1897 at the age of 76.

140 years ago
1870

Canadiana
Canada's agent in London, Sir John Rose, delivered a bank draft for £300,000 (the equivalent of $11 million) to the Hudson's Bay Company in full payment for the title to Rupert's Land. The land included all territories drained by rivers flowing into Hudson Bay (most of today's Prairie provinces, northern Ontario, northwestern Québec, and portions of the Northwest Territories.) The HBC kept blocks of land around its trading posts and 1/20 of the fertile belt (2.8 million hectares).

130 years ago
1880

Diplomacy
Former Canadian Finance Minister Alexander Tilloch Galt was appointed the first Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, replacing Sir John Rose as Canada's agent; the new office gave Canada full representation in Britain. Sir Alexander served until May 30, 1883.

World events
A land dispute between the Southern Pacific Railroad and settlers in Hanford, California, turned deadly when a gun battle broke out, leaving seven dead.

125 years ago
1885

Died on this date
Ferdinand Hiller, 73. German composer and conductor. Mr. Hiller was a pianist who was a friend of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, and succeeded Felix as director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1843. He was appointed municipal kapellmeister of Düsseldorf (1847) and Cologne (1850), founding the Cologne Conservatoire and remaining its kapellmeister until 1884. Mr. Hiller wrote four symphonies, six operas, three piano concertos, a violin concerto, and numerous chamber works; his music is largely forgotten today.

120 years ago
1890

Born on this date
Willie Applegarth. U.K.-born runner. Mr. Applegarth was a sprinter who won several British championships in the 1910s. He won a gold medal as the anchor of the men's 4 x 100-metre relay team and a bronze medal in the men's 200-metre run at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. Mr. Applegarth moved to the United States in 1922, coaching soccer and track at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. He played with Brooklyn in the American Soccer League for several years in the 1920s, and worked as a welder with General Electric Company until his retirement in 1955. Mr. Applegarth died in Schenectady, New York on December 5, 1958 at the age of 68.

Woodall Rodgers. U.S. politician. Mr. Woodall was Mayor of Dallas (1939-1947), presiding over the city's economic expansion. He died on July 6, 1961 at the age of 71, after a long illness.

Helge Løvland. Norwegian decathlete. Mr. Løvland won the gold medal at the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. He died on April 26, 1984, 15 days before his 94th birthday.

110 years ago
1900

Boxing
James J. Jeffries (18-0-2) retained his world heavyweight title with a knockout of former champion "Gentleman Jim" Corbett (10-3-3) at 2:11 of the 23rd round before 8,000 fans at Seaside Athletic Club, Coney Island, New York. Mr. Corbett, the fan favourite, was reportedly outboxing the champion and may well have won if the fight had gone the 25-round distance, but Mr. Jeffries brought a sudden end to the bout with a short left to the jaw.

Baseball
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Cincinnati Reds 20-11 at Redland Field. The teams combined for 35 hits and 14 errors.

100 years ago
1910

Canadiana
The city of Trail, British Columbia was incorporated.

Environment
Glacier National Park, located in Montana and bordering the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, was designated a national park by an act of the U.S. Congress. Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada; the two parks are known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and were designated as the world’s first International Peace Park in 1932.

90 years ago
1920

Died on this date
William Dean Howells, 83. U.S. writer. Mr. Howells wrote fiction, poetry, plays, and literary criticism, and was influential during his time with Atlantic Monthly, where he was assistant editor (1866-1871) and editor (1871-1881). He was a "Christian" socialist who expressed his views in novels such as The Rise of Silas Lapham (1885) and A Traveler from Altruria (1894). Mr. Howells died in his sleep.

James Colosimo, 42. Italian-born U.S. gangster. "Big Jim" Colosimo emigrated to Chicago in 1895, and built a crime empire based on prostitution and gambling. From about 1902 he led a gang that eventually became known as the Chicago Outfit. when Prohibition went into the effect in the United States in 1920, Mr. Colosimo resisted encouragement from his second-in-command, Johny Torrio, to enter into bootlegging. Mr. Colosimo was gunned down at his restaurant after going there in response to a telephone call from Mr. Torrio. The gunman was never specifically identified, but Al Capone was among those suggested as the culprit.

80 years ago
1930

Baseball
The Cleveland Indians amassed 27 hits without hitting a home run as they whipped the Philadelphia Athletics 25-7 before an overflow crowd at League Park in Cleveland. Cleveland right fielder Bibb Falk batted 5 for 5 with 3 doubles, a base on balls, 5 runs, and 5 runs batted in. Al Mahon, the third of four Philadelphia pitchers, allowed 9 hits and 8 runs--all earned--with 2 bases on balls and no strikeouts, batting 0 for 1 with a base on balls and a run in his third and last major league game.

75 years ago
1935

Hit parade
#1 single in the U.S.A.: I Won't Dance--Eddy Duchin and his Orchestra

70 years ago
1940

War
German Panzers drove Belgian forces back from the Albert Canal to the Dyle Line, where British and French units had advanced to form a new defense line. German forces continued to advance almost unopposed through the Ardennes toward Sedan and Dinant. British and French forces landed on the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curacao and Aruba at the request of the Dutch government to avert any attempted German takeover. Netherlands East Indies authorities interned Germans of military age and seized German ships in port.

Diplomacy
Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the Jewish Agency for Palestine, conferred in London with British officials on the future of Palestine.

The U.S. State Department announced application of the Neutrality Laws to Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Politics and government
Japanese Foreign Minister Hachirō Arita said that Japan would not permit the Netherlands East Indies to change hands.

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill named newspaper tycoon Max Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook as Minister of Aircraft Production.

Americana
The New York World's Fair opened for the 1940 season.

Horse racing
Bimelech, with F.A. Smith up, won the 65th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore in a time of 1:58 3/5. Mioland placed second.

60 years ago
1950

Space
A U.S. Navy Viking launched from a seaplane south of Hawaii set an altitude record for an American-built single stage rocket of 106.4 miles.

Diplomacy
United Nations Secretary-General Trygve Lie arrived in Moscow in an effort to start new Cold War peace negotiations.

Howard Kennedy, director of the United Nations Work and Relief Organization for Palestine Refugees, said that 25,000 Arab refugees were refusing to cooperate in the operation of refugee camps, demanding immediate repatriation to their former homes in what was now Israel.

Politics and government
Poland's United Workers Party announced the election of Soviet Marshal and Polish Defense Minister Konstantin Rokossovsky to its Politburo.

The U.S. Senate rejected President Truman's plans to reorganize the Treasury Department and abolish the post of National Labor Relations Board general counsel, held by Robert Denham.

Energy
U.S. President Truman dedicated the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State, denouncing the "private power lobby" and "special interests," and urging more public power and conservation works. Also present for the ceremony were Washington Governor Arthur Langlie and U.S. Senator Warren Magnuson.





Americana
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt received the second annual Four Freedoms award in New York.

Economics and finance
U.S. President Truman sent Congress a plea for prompt action on the foreign aid authorization bill.

Disasters
30,000 residents evacuated Winnipeg as a result of the Red River Flood.



50 years ago
1960

Died on this date
John D. Rockefeller Jr., 86. U.S. financier and philanthropist. Mr. Rockefeller, the son of Standard Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, Sr., initially worked with his father's company, but also had his own interests. He held controlling interest in Colorado Fuel and Iron when a miners' strike turned deadly in 1914, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, including women and children, at the hands of anti-union militia. Mr. Rockefeller personally visited the miners, listened to their grievances, and became involved in their community, leading to improved relations between labour and management. He was involved with the development of Rockefeller Center in New York City in the 1930s, and moved the family business headquarters there. Mr. Rockefeller used income from banking interests to finance philanthropic causes, including liberal religion, internationalism, birth control, conservation, archaeology, and art. His children included politicians Nelson and Winthrop Rockefeller and financiers Laurance and David Rockefeller. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. died of pneumonia.

World events
Israeli agents captured Nazi fugitive Adolf Eichmann in Argentina.

40 years ago
1970

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Let it Be--The Beatles (6th week at #1)

#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Onna no Blues--Keiko Fuji (7th week at #1)

#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Gwendolyne--Julio Iglesias (6th week at #1)

On the radio
The Challenge of Space, on Springbok Radio
Tonight’s episode: Screwball Satellite

Politics and government
Premier Alex Campbell led his governing Liberal Party to an increased majority of seats in the House of Assembly in the Prince Edward Island provincial election. The Liberals won 27 of 32 seats, an increase of 10 from their total in the most recent election in 1966. The Progressive Conservatives, led by George Key, dropped from 15 to 5 seats. Jean Canfield the first woman elected to the P.E.I. House of Assembly, winning for the Liberals in 1st Queens.

Protest
A pro-abortion group staged a demonstration in the public galleries of the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa, interrupting House business.

Disasters
A tornado ripped through Lubbock, Texas, resulting in 26 deaths, at least 1,000 injured, and $250 million in damages.

30 years ago
1980

Hit parade
#1 single in New Zealand (RIANZ): Cruisin'--Smokey Robinson (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Switzerland: Boat on the River--Styx (3rd week at #1)

World events
Ugandan President Godfrey Binaisa was ousted by a military coup of soldiers loyal to the Army Chief of Staff, Brigadier David Oyite Ojok, the day after Mr. Binaisa had dismissed Brig. Ojok from the National Consultative Council, the country’s interim ruling body. The military commission that took over the government criticized Mr. Binaisa for corruption and incompetence. Brig. Ojok had reportedly been dismissed because of his close ties to former President Milton Obote, who had been ousted by Idi Amin in 1971. Brig. Ojok and Mr. Obote were from the Lango tribe in northern Uganda, while Mr. Binaisa was a Baganda from southern Uganda.

Labour
A labour dispute in Sweden that had begun on May 2 ended with unions agreeing to a 7% wage increase, and 800,000 workers returning to their jobs. The dispute involved about 20% of the nation’s labour force.

Basketball
NBA
Finals
Los Angeles 102 @ Philadelphia 105 (Best-of-seven series tied 2-2)

Julius Erving's "baseline move" in the 4th quarter was the highlight of the 76ers' win over the Lakers before 18,726 fans at the Spectrum. Mr. Erving scored 23 points, while Darryl Dawkins led Philadelphia with 26 points. Magic Johnson of the Lakers led all scorers with 28 points, and added 9 assists.





Baseball
39-year-old Pete Rose stole second base, third base, and home plate in the 7th inning as he helped the Philadelphia Phillies defeat his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, 7-3 before 25,920 fans at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati.

The Oakland Athletics scored 3 runs in the 1st inning and coasted to a 12-1 rout of the Toronto Blue Jays before 7,843 fans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mike Norris (5-0) pitched a 7-hit complete game victory, without allowing an earned run.

25 years ago
1985

Hit parade
#1 single in Italy (FIMI): We are the World--USA for Africa (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Flanders (Ultratop 50): We are the World--USA for Africa (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (De Nederlandse Top 40): We are the World--USA for Africa (4th week at #1)

#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): The Unforgettable Fire--U2

#1 single in the U.K.: 19--Paul Hardcastle

#1 single in the U.S.A. (Billboard): Crazy for You--Madonna

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 We are the World--USA for Africa (5th week at #1)
2 Crazy for You--Madonna
3 Don't You (Forget About Me)--Simple Minds
4 One Night in Bangkok--Murray Head
5 Rhythm of the Night--Debarge
6 Some Like it Hot--Power Station
7 Smooth Operator--Sade
8 Everything She Wants--Wham!
9 All She Wants to Do is Dance--Don Henley
10 That was Yesterday--Foreigner

Singles entering the chart were Sussudio by Phil Collins (#35); Tough All Over by John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band (#65); Crazy in the Night (Barking at Airplanes) by Kim Carnes (#71); Everytime You Go Away by Paul Young (#78); You Give Good Love by Whitney Houston (#82); Black Cars by Gino Vannelli (#83); Hold Me by Menudo (#84); Save the Night for Me by Maureen Steele (#85); Ways to Be Wicked by Lone Justice (#86); Satisfaction Guaranteed by the Firm (#87); Reggae Rock 'N Roll by the B.E. Taylor Group (#88); (Come On) Shout by Alex Brown (#89); and Meeting in the Ladies Room by Klymaxx (#90).

Canada's Top 10 (RPM)
1 We are the World--USA for Africa (2nd week at #1)
2 Tears are Not Enough--Northern Lights
3 Crazy for You--Madonna
4 Rhythm of the Night--DeBarge
5 One Night in Bangkok--Murray Head
6 Don't You (Forget About Me)--Simple Minds
7 Nightshift--Commodores
8 Obsession--Animotion
9 Shout--Tears for Fears
10 Some Like it Hot--Power Station

Singles entering the chart were (You're a) Strange Animal by Gowan (#72); Raspberry Beret by Prince and the Revolution (#74); Heaven by Bryan Adams (#77); Lucky in Love by Mick Jagger (#83); The Search is Over by Survivor (#91); In My House by Mary Jane Girls (#94); and Fresh by Kool & The Gang (#95).

Died on this date
Chester Gould, 84. U.S. cartoonist. Mr. Gould created the comic strip Dick Tracy, which he wrote and drew from 1931-1977. He won the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award in 1959 and 1977.

Disasters
56 people were killed and 265 injured when fire engulfed the Bradford City football stadium in England (see video).



20 years ago
1990

Scandal
Principal Group founder Don Cormie was sued for $235 million by the Alberta Government.

Economics and finance
The United States Labor Department reported that producer prices for finished goods had declined 0.3% in April.

Disasters
A cyclone finished three days of battering the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, killing at least 220 people and leaving about three million homeless.

10 years ago
2000

War
Chechen separatists ambushed Russian paramilitary forces in the Republic of Ingushetia.

Politics and government
The Nisga'a Treaty went into effect, after passage of the Nisga'a Final Agreement Act on April 13, giving the Nisga'a people in northwestern British Columbia the right to self-government, 2,000 square kilometres of land in the Nass River valley in northwestern B.C., and $253 million in return for agreement to pay taxes and relinquish future claims. The Nisga'a Treaty was negotiated and signed by the Nisga'a Nation, the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, on August 4, 1999.

The Alberta Legislative Assembly passed the Health Care Protection Act (Bill 11); its aim was to preserve the provincial health care system by expanding the role of private sector surgery facilities.

Baseball
The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 14-8 before 21,995 fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago in the longest 9-inning game in National League history to date. The game lasted 4 hours, 22 minutes, and featured 35 hits and 19 bases on balls. Mark Loretta of the Brewers batted 5 for 5 with a base on balls and a run.

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 11-9 before 24,825 fans at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati as Aaron Boone hit a 2-run home run off the foul pole with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the game. Aaron’s brother Bret hit 2 home runs for the Padres, one of them inside-the-park.

The Florida Marlins edged the Atlanta Braves 5-4 before 14,587 fans at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. Jason Grilli (1-0) allowed 11 hits and 4 earned runs in 6.2 innings in his first major league game, walking 2 batters and striking out 3 in getting the win, while batting 1 for 2 with a run batted in. He was relieved by Joe Strong, who made his major league debut at the age of 37, pitching 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings, walking 1 batter and striking out none.

Fred McGriff's home run with 1 out in the top of the 7th inning accounted for the only run as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays edged the New York Yankees 1-0 before 14,292 fans at Yankee Stadium. Steve Trachsel (3-2) and Albie Lopez combined to pitch a 4-hitter, while losing pitcher Orlando Hernandez (4-2) pitched a 7-hit complete game.

Manny Ramirez hit a grand slam in the 1st inning and added a 2-run homer in the 6th to help the Cleveland Indians rout the Kansas City Royals 16-0 before 41,905 fans at Jacobs Field in Cleveland. The Indians amassed 22 hits, with Sandy Alomar, Jr. and Miguel Cabrera each batting 4 for 5. Jaret Wright (3-2) and Steve Reed combined to pitch a 5-hit shutout. Mark Whiten played the last 2 innings in center field for Cleveland, batting 0 for 1 and making 1 putout in the 940th and last game of his 11-year major league career.