January 27 1804 James Marshall was born in Maryland. He settled with his brother John on Manchester Road near Rock Hill Road and they began a mercantile business. In 1859, he created a subdivision called Webster Groves. 1908 Harry Houdini introduced his famous “Milk Can Trick” at the Columbia Theatre in St. Louis. The handcuffed 5’ 5” magician escaped from a padlocked oversized milk can filled with water. The trick made him an international star when he took it on tour across the U.S. and Europe. Houdini later admitted that he could escape quickly from the cuffs, but waited a few minutes to increase the suspense. 1954 The Cardinals sent four players and more than $100,000 to San Diego of the Pacific Coast League. In return, the Birds picked up Tom Alston. Alston would become the Cardinals first black player. 1959 The Globe-Democrat reported that the Chain of Rocks Bridge was headed for the junk heap. The Missouri and Illinois Highway Departments had announced plans for a free bridge north of the old span. The article said the Village of Madison would probably find it cheaper to tear the bridge down than maintain it. 1962 A barrage of protests greeted the news that the 73-year-old Red Water Tower in North St. Louis would have to be torn down. Recent freezing and thawing had caused some bricks to come loose. The tower was saved when the city found out it would cost as much to tear it down as it would to restore it. 1963 Zoo officials announced plans for a $300,000 miniature railroad to shuttle visitors between four stations on the grounds. A private corporation would build the railroad, with part of the profits going to the zoo. 1981 The American Hostages arrived at Andrews Air Force Base. Jill Ditch, greeted her fiancée, former hostage Marine Sergeant Rocky Sickmann of Krakow, Missouri. Her anxiety and joy became the focus of the network cameras covering the homecoming. 1983 Bernie Federko scored his 500th career point. It came in a 3-3 tie against the North Stars in Minnesota. In 1984, Federko would become the Blue’s all-time leading scorer, breaking Garry Unger’s record of 575 points. 1999 It was billed as the largest indoor gathering ever in the United States. Over 100,000 attended a Mass led by Pope John Paul II at the Trans World Dome. He urged wayward Catholics to return to the faith. The Pope then wrapped up his 30-hour visit with a service at the Cathedral Basilica, attended by Vice President Al Gore. He also met with civil rights leader Rosa Parks. John Paul II boarded a plane dubbed “Shepherd One” by TWA for the trip back to Rome.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:10:00 +0000
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