July 15, 2011

720 years ago
1291

Died on this date
Rudolf I, 73. King of Germany, 1273-1291. Rudolf I, the son of Count Albert IV of Habsburg, was elected as the first king from the House of Habsburg, ending the Great Interregnum following the death of Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II in 1250. He defeated King Ottokar II of Bohemia in the Battle of Marchfeld in 1278, acquiring the duchies of Austria and Styria, which remained under Habsburg rule for more than 600 years. Rudolf I was succeeded on the throne by Adolf.

630 years ago
1381

Died on this date
John Ball, 43 (?). English clergyman. Mr. Ball was a Roman Catholic priest whose opposition to certain church teachings led him to be associated with the pre-Reformation reformers known as the Lollards. He spoke in support of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, but was hanged, drawn and quartered in the presence of King Richard II. Mr. Ball's head was displayed stuck on a pike on London Bridge, and the quarters of his body were displayed at four different towns.

540 years ago
1471

Born on this date
Kwestantinos II. Emperor of Ethiopia, 1478-1494. Kwestantinos II, born Eskender, acceded to the throne upon the death of his father Baeda Maryam I. The empire was ruled by a regency during Kwestantinos II's early years on the throne. He died on May 7, 1494 at the age of 22; accounts differ as to whether he was killed in battle or assassinated. Emperor Kwestantinos II was succeeded by his infant son Amda Seyon II.

400 years ago
1611

Born on this date
Jai Singh I. Raja of Amber, 1621-1667. Maharaja Jai Singh acceded to the throne after the death of his great uncle Bhau Singh, and became a successful general, with a military careeer spanning 40 years. He died on August 28, 1667 at the age of 56 under mysterious circumstances--perhaps poisoning--and was succeeded by his son Ram Singh I as Raja of Amber (later known as Jaipur).

270 years ago
1741

Exploration
Aleksei Chirikov sighted land in southeastern Alaska. He sent men ashore in a longboat, making them the first Europeans to visit Alaska.

160 years ago
1851

Died on this date
Juan Felipe Ibarra, 64. Argentinian general and politician. Brigadier Ibarra was one of the caudillos who dominated the interior of Argentina during the formation of the national state, as Governor of Santiago del Estero (1820-1830, 1832-1851). He had to deal with civil wars for much of his time in power, but succeeded in putting them down in 1841, and enjoyed a decade of peace until his death after a long battle with gout.

120 years ago
1891

Transportation
James Ross drove the last spike on the Calgary and Edmonton Railway (C&E) at Strathcona, Alberta on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River opposite Edmonton.

110 years ago
1901

Baseball
Christy Mathewson (15-7) pitched a no-hitter for the New York Giants as they shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0 before 5,000 fans at Robison Field in St. Louis.

100 years ago
1911

Born on this date
Edward Shackleton, Baron Shackleton. U.K. politician. Lord Shackleton, the youngest son of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, explored Indonesia and the Canadian Arctic before entering politics as a member of the Labour Party. He represented Preston (1946-1950) and Preston South (1950-1955) in the House of Commons, and was elevated to the House of Lords in 1955. Lord Shackleton held several cabinet posts in the government of Prime Minister Harold Wilson, including Minister of State for the Air Force (1964-1967). He was Leader of the House of Lords (1968-1970) and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords (1970-1974). Lord Shackleton died on September 22, 1994 at the age of 83.

90 years ago
1921

Transportation
The U.S.A. cancelled wartime legislation giving Canadian vessels free access to American ports.

70 years ago
1941

War
The government of Ecuador claimed that Peruvian Army units had twice crossed the Zaramilla River that day along the disputed boundary, but had been beaten back.

Chinese War Minister General Ho Ying-chin said that China now had an army of 15.8 million men.

Defense
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt warned that unless Congress extended the one-year service of draftees, National Guardsmen, and reserve officers, two-thirds of the Army would have to be disbanded in the next few months.

Diplomacy
A U.S. federal grand jury in Brooklyn indicted 33 people on charges of violating the espionage laws by sending defense information to the German government.

Politics and government
A U.S. federal grand jury in St. Paul, Minnesota indicted 29 officers and members of the Socialist Workers Party on charges of advocating the overthrow of the United States government by revolution.

Oil
Canadian oil controller G.R. Cottrelle issued an order banning the sale of gasoline and lubricants from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M. weekdays and thoughout Sunday for all of Canada.

Labour
Republic Steel Corporation ended its 4½-year fight with the Congress of Industrial Organizations Steel Workers Organizing Committee and the U.S. National Labor Relations Board by agreeing to sign a CIO contract if the NLRB certified that the CIO had a majority.

60 years ago
1951

On the radio
Mr. Moto, starring James Monks, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Escape

War
A three-day interruption in the Korean truce conference ended when the Communists accepted General Matthew Ridgway's demands to withdraw armed guards and open the meeting site to newsmen.

Diplomacy
The U.S.A. expelled two members of Hungary's legation staff in Washington, in response to Hungary's expulsion of two U.S. diplomats from Budapest.

Politics and government
Italian Prime Minister Alcide de Gasperi resigned with his cabinet due to opposition within the Christian Democratic Party to budgetary restrictions imposed by Treasury and Finance Minister Giuseppe Pella.

Protest
10,000 Tudeh Party demonstrators staged an anti-American riot in Tehran's Parliament Square, protesting the arrival of Averell Harriman as U.S. President Harry Truman's special envoy to seek an Anglo-Iranian oil settlement.

Swimming
Evelyn Henry of Keppoch, Prince Edward Island became the first person to swim the Northumberland Strait, entering the water at Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick and emerging at Borden, P.E.I. almost 9 hours later.

50 years ago
1961

Hit parade
#1 single in Australia (Kent Music Report): Travelin' Man/Hello Mary Lou--Ricky Nelson (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in Italy: Legata a un granello di sabbia--Nico Fidenco (3rd week at #1)

#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Wheels (Vier Schimmel, ein Wagen)--Billy Vaughn and his Orchestra (8th week at #1)

#1 single in the Netherlands (Dutch Top 40): Wheels--The String-A-Longs (9th week at #1)

#1 single in the U.K. (Record Mirror): Temptation--The Everly Brothers (2nd week at #1)

U.S.A. Top 10 (Cash Box)
1 Quarter to Three--U.S. Bonds (3rd week at #1)
2 The Boll Weevil Song--Brook Benton
3 Tossin' and Turnin'--Bobby Lewis
4 Moody River--Pat Boone
5 Raindrops--Dee Clark
6 Hats Off to Larry--Del Shannon
7 Yellow Bird--Arthur Lyman Group
--[Lawrence Welk and his Orchestra]
8 Travelin' Man--Ricky Nelson
9 Dum Dum--Brenda Lee
10 I Like it Like That (Part 1)--Chris Kenner

Singles entering the chart were I'll Be There by Damita Jo (#70); Runaround by the Regents (#75); No Substitute for Love by Roy Hamilton (#90); My Claire de Lune (#92)/In Time (#100) by Steve Lawrence; No, No, No by the Chanters (#93); Peanuts by Rick and the Keens (#94); Hold Back the Tears by the Delacardos (#97); There was a Fungus Among Us by Hugh Barrett and the Victors (#99); and My True Story by the Jive Five with Joe Rene and Orchestra (also #100).

Vancouver's Top 10 (CFUN)
1 Quarter to Three--U.S. Bonds (2nd week at #1)
2 Hats Off to Larry--Del Shannon
3 Last Night--The Mar-Keys
4 Dum Dum--Brenda Lee
5 Don't Be Cruel--Elvis Presley
6 Bobby--Neil Scott
7 Classmate--The Beau-Marks
8 Tossin' and Turnin'--Bobby Lewis
9 Judy (LP track)--Elvis Presley
10 Michael--The Highwaymen

Singles entering the chart were Shake Shake Sherry by the Flairs (#22); Pretty Little Angel Eyes by Curtis Lee (#33); Drivin' Home by Duane Eddy and the Rebels (#36); Girls by Johnny Burnette (#42); How Can We Tell Him by Marv Johnson (#45); Raining in My Heart by Slim Harpo (#46); Runaround by the Regents (#49); and Preacher Boy by Les Vogt (#50).

Vancouver's Top 10 (CKWX)
1 Quarter to Three--U.S. Bonds
2 Hats Off to Larry--Del Shannon
3 Dum Dum--Brenda Lee
4 Classmate--The Beau-Marks
5 Daydreams--Johnny Crawford
6 Sea of Heartbreak--Don Gibson
7 Don't You Sweetheart Me--Bobby Curtola
8 Never on Sunday--The Chordettes
9 Bobby--Neil Scott
10 Something for Everyone (LP)--Elvis Presley

Singles entering the chart were Missing You by Ray Peterson (#21); Have a Drink on Me by Lonnie Donegan (#29); Drivin' Home by Duane Eddy and the Rebels (#30); Preacher Boy by Les Vogt (#31); Johnny Willow by Fred Darian (#33); Somebody Nobody Wants by Dion (#36); In Time/My Claire de Lune by Steve Lawrence (#38); and Piano Boy by Joanie Sommers (#39).

Married on this date
Happy Anniversary, Trish and Bill Stevenson!

Died on this date
John Edward Brownlee, 77. Canadian politician. Mr. Brownlee, a native of Port Ryerse, Ontario, became a teacher and then a lawyer, eventually settling in Calgary, where he was closely associated with future Canadian Prime Minister R.B. Bennett. Mr. Brownlee's rural upbringing led him to sympathize with farmers, and he represented the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) and United Grain Growers (UGG). He served as Attorney General in the Alberta government of Premier Herbert Greenfield (1921-1925), and succeeded him as Premier, leading the UFA to re-election in 1926. Mr. Brownlee succeeded in obtaining provincial ownerhip of natural resources in 1930, but, like leaders of many other governments, had difficulty in dealing with the Depression. A young female family friend named Vivian MacMillan sued Mr. Brownlee for seduction in 1934; a sensational trial resulted in jury ruling in favour of Miss MacMillan. The judge overturned the verdict, but his ruling was in turn overruled on appeal. Mr. Brownlee resigned as Premier, but remained as a member of the Legislative Assembly for Ponoka until the 1935 provincial election, when he and the UFA were wiped out. Mr. Brownlee left electoral politics after his defeat, returning to his law practice. He was president of UGG from 1948 until declining health led him to resign on June 21, 1961, 24 days before his death.

Willie Little Bear, 25. Canadian rodeo cowboy. Mr. Little Bear, a native of Cardston, Alberta, was killed when he was kicked by a horse during a bronc-riding event at the Calgary Stampede.

Golf
Arnold Palmer won the British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, shooting an even par 72 in the final round to finish with a 4-under par score of 284, 1 stroke better than Dai Rees of Wales. First prize money was £1,400 ($3,920). Mr. Palmer was one of just four American golfers participating in the tournament, and the only one who was well-known. The second-best American performance was turned in by Paul Runyan, who finished tied for 18th, 15 strokes behind Mr. Palmer.





Jacky Cupit won the Canadian Open at Niakwa Country Club in Winnipeg. First prize money was $4,300; total prize money was $30,000.

40 years ago
1971

Hit parade
#1 single in France (IFOP): Pour un flirt--Michel Delpech (2nd week at #1)

Died on this date
Bill Thompson, 58. U.S. actor. Mr. Thompson was a voice actor who played several characters in the Fibber McGee & Molly radio show in the 1930’s and 40’s, and voiced the cartoon character Droopy (1943-1958). He died of septic shock, a week after his 58th birthday.

Diplomacy
U.S. President Richard Nixon disclosed that he would make an unprecedented visit to confer in Peking in 1972 to confer with leaders of the People's Republic of China. His action followed a secret visit made to Peking on July 9-11 by national security adviser Henry Kissinger.

Terrorism
The United Red Army was founded in Japan.

Environment
The British government endorsed a cull of baby seals off the Lincolnshire coast.

30 years ago
1981

Hit parade
Austria's Top 10 (Ö3)
1 Stars on 45--Stars on 45 (3rd week at #1)
2 Bette Davis Eyes--Kim Carnes
3 Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)--Ottawan
4 Making Your Mind Up--Bucks Fizz
5 Agadou--Saragossa Band
6 Video Life--Bilgeri
7 If You Want to Be Happy--Joe Dolce Music Theatre
8 The Farmer's Daughter--Fleetwood Mac
9 Jealous Guy--Roxy Music
10 Per Elisa--Alice

Singles entering the chart were If You Want to Be Happy; Consuela Biaz by Boney M. (#11); This Ole House by Shakin' Stevens (#13); Kids in America by Kim Wilde (#14); and Oh No No by Bernie Paul (#20).

Vancouver's Top 10 (CKLG)
1 Medley--Stars on 45 (7th week at #1)
2 Sukiyaki--A Taste of Honey
3 The One that You Love--Air Supply
4 Bette Davis Eyes--Kim Carnes
5 Boy from New York City--The Manhattan Transfer
6 Hearts--Marty Balin
7 Queen of Hearts--Juice Newton
8 Elvira--The Oak Ridge Boys
9 Gemini Dream--The Moody Blues
10 Modern Girl--Sheena Easton

Singles entering the chart were I Don't Need You by Kenny Rogers (#19); and You Don't Know by Jim Byrnes (#20).

25 years ago
1986

Baseball
Major League All-Star Game @ Astrodome, Houston
American League 3 @ National League 2

Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox pitched 3 perfect innings and was named the game's Most Valuable Player as the AL edged the NL before 45,774 fans. Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers struck out Don Mattingly, Cal Ripken, Jr., Jesse Barfield, Lou Whitaker, and Teddy Higuera in order to tie the All-Star Game record set by Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants in 1934. Frank White of the Kansas City Royals pinch hit for Mr. Whitaker in the 7th inning and hit a home run, which proved to be the deciding run. For AL manager Dick Howser of the Kansas City Royals, it was his final game; he was feeling ill before the game, and was soon diagnosed with a brain tumour, which caused his death 11 months later.



20 years ago
1991

Hit parade
#1 single in Japan (Oricon Singles Chart): Anata ni aete yokatta (あなたに会えてよかった)--Kyōko Koizumi (5th week at #1)

#1 single in Finland (Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland): Lensin matalalla--Eppu Normaali (2nd week at #1)

#1 single in Germany (Media Control): Wind of Change--Scorpions (7th week at #1)

Died on this date
Bert Convy, 57. U.S. actor and television personality. Mr. Convy was best known for appearing as a host and panelist on numerous television game shows. He died of a brain tumour eight days before his 58th birthday.

Politics and government
Harry LaForme, Indian Commissioner of Ontario, was appointed head of the newly-created Indian Claims Commission, a Canadian federal commission to settle land claims from breaches of treaty.

10 years ago
2001

Died on this date
Bruce Swango, 64. U.S. baseball pitcher. Mr. Swango, a native of Welch, Oklahoma, was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in May 1955 and was immediately added to their roster, but was released two months later without appearing in a game because of wildness, as he was apparently nervous performing in front of large crowds, although he denied it. He was signed by the New York Yankees and played in the minor leagues, initially as an outfielder, from 1956-1963, compiling a career record of 43-41 in 238 games, batting .231 with at least 12 home runs and at least 74 runs batted in in 392 games. Mr. Swango’s best season was 1958, when he was 10-4 with the Fargo-Moorhead Twins of the Class C Northern League. The closest he got to the major leagues was when he compiled a 4-1 record with the AAA Vancouver Mounties of the Pacific Coast League in 1962, and was 2-2 with the PCL’s Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers in 1963. Mr. Swango died in Miami, Oklahoma.