BABE RUTH

January 5, 1920

The New York Yankees Baseball Club announces the purchase of George Herman "Babe" Ruth from the Boston Red Sox for $125,000.

Ruth would go on to become the most famous "slugger" in history.  "The Bambino" hit 54 home runs in 1920, 59 in 1921, & a record 60 in 1927.

The historic "trade" would later be called "The Curse of the Bambino" as the Red Sox victory in the 1918 World Series would be their last until 2004.

January 5, 1949

President Harry S Truman says:

"Every American has a right to expect from our government a fair deal."

Truman's "Fair Deal" proposals included national health insurance, public housing, federal aid to education & farmers, an increase in the minimum wage, & extending social security.

January 5, 1957

President Dwight D. Eisenhower proposes US aid to the Middle East.

The "Eisenhower Doctrine" included new programs of economic & military aid to countries under threat of communism.

January 5, 1933

In San Francisco, California, construction on the Golden Gate Bridge begins. The Bridge officially opened in 1937 as the longest span in the world.

This morning I received a Happy New Year email from the Sixth Floor Museum.  It included this quote:

"It's the day when we remind ourselves that man can and must live in peace with his neighbors and that it is the peacemakers who are truly blessed."

John F. Kennedy