Wed, July 15

1995—A derecho sends hurricane force winds through New York and New England, toppling thousands of trees and killing three people.

1979—President Carter delivers his infamous “malaise” speech, which does not include the word “malaise.”

1974—In Florida, on live TV, newsreader Christine Chubbuck pulls a loaded pistol from a shopping bag and shoots herself dead.

1971—Nixon says he’ll go to China.

1964—The Republican Party saddles itself with Barry Goldwater as a presidential candidate.

1954—“Operation Wetback” begins throwing “Mexican-looking” people out of the U.S.

1919—The then-honestly-named War Department calls 337,000 Americans draft dodgers.

1877—John W. Garrett, President of the B & O Railroad, gives his shareholders a 10% dividend and his workers a 10% pay cut.

1865—In Rye, N.H. an optical illusion causes the Isles of Shoals to appear to be only a mile or two offshore.

1779—General “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s troops take 700 prisoners with a bayonet charge at Stony Point.

1685—Executioner Jack Ketch eventually beheads the Duke of Monmouth, after eight ax blows.

1381—Lollard preacher John Ball, for inspiring the Peasants’ Revolt, is hanged, drawn, and quartered as Richard II looks on with approval.

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