Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the rich tapestry of history and genealogy.
In this edition, we'll delve into the treasure trove of historical news articles dated September 17, unearthing stories that resonate with genealogists and history enthusiasts alike.
From local happenings to global events, we'll uncover the stories that shaped the lives of our ancestors, providing valuable insights for those on a quest to discover their roots.
So, grab your magnifying glass and step into the past as we unravel the September 17 historical headlines that may hold the missing pieces of your family's history puzzle.
1787 - U.S. Constitution ratified (September 17)
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation. The United States Constitution that emerged from the convention established a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting relations with foreign governments. Under the reformed federal system, many of the responsibilities for foreign affairs fell under the authority of... Read MORE...
history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/convention-and-ratification
September 17, 1787
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
AT MILWAUKEE.
MILWAUKEE, Wis., Sept. 16.- Rindskopt's distillery and the surrounding sheds were destroyed by fire this morning. The distillery is situated two miles south of the city limits, and has been idle for some time, but was being fitted up for resumption of business. Owing to the scarcity of water the firemen were unable to render any assistance. The building cost $60,000; present value, $30,000; insured for $16,000 in the following companies: American, New York Insurance Company of... Read MORE...
The Inter Ocean - Chicago, Illinois - September 17, 1879
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1879 - Burning of a Distillery Near Milwaukee
AT MILWAUKEE.
MILWAUKEE, Wis., Sept. 16.- Rindskopt's distillery and the surrounding sheds were destroyed by fire this morning. The distillery is situated two miles south of the city limits, and has been idle for some time, but was being fitted up for resumption of business. Owing to the scarcity of water the firemen were unable to render any assistance. The building cost $60,000; present value, $30,000; insured for $16,000 in the following companies: American, New York Insurance Company of... Read MORE...
The Inter Ocean - Chicago, Illinois - September 17, 1879
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San Antonio, Texas, USA
San Antonio (AP) - HemisFair and mini-monorail officials declined official comment Monday while an investigation began into Sunday's monorail train smashup that killed one person and injured 48 others.
Thirteen of the victims hospitalized overnight Sunday were still being treated late Monday.
William Jackson, director of operations at HemisFair, said only that a preliminary report by an insurance company investigative team may be forethcoming in two to three days.
Until the report is... Read MORE...
Galveston Daily News - Galveston, Texas - September 17, 1968
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1968 - MONORAIL AT FAIR STOPPED.
San Antonio (AP) - HemisFair and mini-monorail officials declined official comment Monday while an investigation began into Sunday's monorail train smashup that killed one person and injured 48 others.
Thirteen of the victims hospitalized overnight Sunday were still being treated late Monday.
William Jackson, director of operations at HemisFair, said only that a preliminary report by an insurance company investigative team may be forethcoming in two to three days.
Until the report is... Read MORE...
Galveston Daily News - Galveston, Texas - September 17, 1968
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1800s Cooking Tips and Recipes
Cream of Artichoke Soup - Take four medium-sized fresh artichokes; wash, boil until tender, and remove the skins; chop the artichokes very fine, then mash them through a colander. Put two tablespoonfuls of butter into a saucepan; add one...Read MORE...
The Ladies' Home Journal, June 1898
1908 - September 17 – At Fort Myer, Virginia, U.S.A., Thomas Selfridge becomes the first person to die in an airplane crash. The pilot, Orville Wright, is severely injured in the crash but recovers.
On September 17, 1908, a significant moment in aviation history unfolded at Fort Myer, Virginia, when tragedy struck during a demonstration flight conducted by Orville Wright, one half of the pioneering Wright brothers. Wright was piloting a new aircraft for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, accompanied by Thomas Selfridge, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. As the flight progressed, an unforeseen mechanical failure occurred, leading to the aircraft crashing from an altitude of about 75 feet.
The... Read MORE...
September 17, 1908
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Arcadia, California, USA
Balloon Used at Training Field Is the Highest Aerial in the World.
Eagle Bureau, 901 Colorado Building
Washington, September 17 - The wireless station at Arcadia, Cal, by using for aerial the cable of a balloon, put aloft from the training field, has intercepted messages sent by the Brooklyn Navy Yard wireless stations, according to an announcement by the War Department today. This balloon cable probably makes the highest aerial in the world.
This announcement was made by the Division of ... Read MORE...
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Brooklyn, New York - September 17, 1918
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1918 - WIRELESS MESSAGES REACH ARCADIA, CAL., FROM BROOKLYNYARD
Balloon Used at Training Field Is the Highest Aerial in the World.
Eagle Bureau, 901 Colorado Building
Washington, September 17 - The wireless station at Arcadia, Cal, by using for aerial the cable of a balloon, put aloft from the training field, has intercepted messages sent by the Brooklyn Navy Yard wireless stations, according to an announcement by the War Department today. This balloon cable probably makes the highest aerial in the world.
This announcement was made by the Division of ... Read MORE...
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Brooklyn, New York - September 17, 1918
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1800s Advice and Etiquette for Men
Pleasure is the rock which most young people split upon ; they launch out with crowded sails in quest of it, but without a compass to direct their course, or reason sufficient to steer the vessel ;
therefore pain and shame, instead of pleasure, are ...Read MORE...
Practical Morality, Or, A Guide to Men and Manners... (1813). United Kingdom: J. Walker.
Port Arthur, Texas, USA
Port Arthur, Tex., Sept. 13 - A tornado, terrible in its intensity, struck this city at an early hour last evening. Six people are known to have been killed, while many others were injured. Buildings were blown down and great damage was wrought by the cyclone.
The dead:
FRANK ALBRIGHT, Kansas City, employed by electric light company.
FRITZ MICHAEL, laborer, residence unknown.
GEORGE MARTINS, bricklayer, residence unknown.
UNKNOWN MAN, aged 38.
MAY AINSWORTH, 13-year-old daughter of... Read MORE...
New Castle News - Colorado - September 17, 1897
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1897 - TERRIBLE TORNADO. THE GULF COAST SUFFERS. The New Town of Port Arthur Nearly Wiped Out of Existence Sabine Pass Also Suffers.
Port Arthur, Tex., Sept. 13 - A tornado, terrible in its intensity, struck this city at an early hour last evening. Six people are known to have been killed, while many others were injured. Buildings were blown down and great damage was wrought by the cyclone.
The dead:
FRANK ALBRIGHT, Kansas City, employed by electric light company.
FRITZ MICHAEL, laborer, residence unknown.
GEORGE MARTINS, bricklayer, residence unknown.
UNKNOWN MAN, aged 38.
MAY AINSWORTH, 13-year-old daughter of... Read MORE...
New Castle News - Colorado - September 17, 1897
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Springfield, Illinois, USA
Oscar Burge, 54 years old, of Springfield, was instantly killed, his wife was fatally hurt and their four months old child was seriously injured late Thursday night when the buggy in which they were riding was struck by a C. H. & D. passenger train at the Eighteenth Street crossing in the Capital City. Mrs. Burge died in the Springfield hospital two hours after the accident which occurred at 11 p. m.
The victims of the accident were on their way to visit their son and reached the private... Read MORE...
The Decatur Review - Decatur, Illinois - Friday Evening, September 17, 1915
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1915 - Struck and Killed by C. H. and D. Train. Oscar Burge and Wife of Springfield Meet Sudden Death.
Oscar Burge, 54 years old, of Springfield, was instantly killed, his wife was fatally hurt and their four months old child was seriously injured late Thursday night when the buggy in which they were riding was struck by a C. H. & D. passenger train at the Eighteenth Street crossing in the Capital City. Mrs. Burge died in the Springfield hospital two hours after the accident which occurred at 11 p. m.
The victims of the accident were on their way to visit their son and reached the private... Read MORE...
The Decatur Review - Decatur, Illinois - Friday Evening, September 17, 1915
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Shelton, Connecticut, USA (Huntington)
Path Swept Through Huntington Village - One Man Fatally Hurt.
Special to The New York Times.
ANSONIA, Conn. Sept. 16. - A tornado that swept in a fifty-foot patch through the farming community of Huntington last evening tore the three-story house of John Frawley from its foundations and turned it completely over. Mr. and Mrs. Frawley, who were at tea, were caught in a mass of debris and Mr. Frawley was fatally hurt.
The wind came with a roar like an express train. Trees were snapped... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - September 17, 1901
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1901 - TORNADO IN CONNECTICUT
Path Swept Through Huntington Village - One Man Fatally Hurt.
Special to The New York Times.
ANSONIA, Conn. Sept. 16. - A tornado that swept in a fifty-foot patch through the farming community of Huntington last evening tore the three-story house of John Frawley from its foundations and turned it completely over. Mr. and Mrs. Frawley, who were at tea, were caught in a mass of debris and Mr. Frawley was fatally hurt.
The wind came with a roar like an express train. Trees were snapped... Read MORE...
The New York Times - New York, New York - September 17, 1901
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Buffalo, New York, USA
Buffalo, Sept. 17.- Fire which broke out in the plant of Dirnberger Popcorn company, No. 135 Seneca street this morning spread to the Hotel Broezel and within a few minutes the third, fourth and fifth floor of the hotel were ablaze.
No one was killed, but six men were injured. They are:
John J. Ryan, Boston, bruises on right ankle.
M. H. Day, New Manchester, O., bruised back and body.
Captain Nerchel, engine company No. 7, fractured left leg.
E. J. Voye, Boston, bruises on right... Read MORE...
Syracuse Herald - Syracuse, New York - September 17, 1913
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1913 - Six Men Injured in $100,000 Fire at Buffalo Hotel
Buffalo, Sept. 17.- Fire which broke out in the plant of Dirnberger Popcorn company, No. 135 Seneca street this morning spread to the Hotel Broezel and within a few minutes the third, fourth and fifth floor of the hotel were ablaze.
No one was killed, but six men were injured. They are:
John J. Ryan, Boston, bruises on right ankle.
M. H. Day, New Manchester, O., bruised back and body.
Captain Nerchel, engine company No. 7, fractured left leg.
E. J. Voye, Boston, bruises on right... Read MORE...
Syracuse Herald - Syracuse, New York - September 17, 1913
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1937 September 17 – Abraham Lincoln is dedicated at Mount Rushmore
On September 17, 1937, Mount Rushmore National Memorial saw a significant event with the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln sculpture. This monumental occasion marked the completion of the Lincoln sculpture, one of the four iconic presidential faces carved into the granite face of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The dedication ceremony was a momentous affair, attended by dignitaries, politicians, and thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the unveiling and celebrate the addition of...
Read MORE...
September 17, 1937
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1923 September 17 – Berkeley Fire: A major fire in Berkeley, California, erupts, consuming some 640 structures, including 584 homes in the densely built neighborhoods north of the campus of the University of California.
On September 17, 1923, a devastating fire broke out in Berkeley, California, wreaking havoc on the city. The fire quickly spread through the densely populated neighborhoods north of the University of California campus, consuming a total of 640 structures. Among these were 584 homes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire's intensity was fueled by the densely built nature of the area, with structures packed closely together, providing ample fuel for the flames to spread...
Read MORE...
September 17, 1923
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1932 September 16-17 - Concord NH was drenched with 5.97 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a record for that location.
The Weather Channel
September 17, 1932
Visit Concord, New Hampshire, USA!
On September 17, 1937, Mount Rushmore National Memorial saw a significant event with the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln sculpture. This monumental occasion marked the completion of the Lincoln sculpture, one of the four iconic presidential faces carved into the granite face of the Black Hills in South Dakota. The dedication ceremony was a momentous affair, attended by dignitaries, politicians, and thousands of spectators who gathered to witness the unveiling and celebrate the addition of...
Read MORE...
September 17, 1937
Visit , South Dakota, USA!
1923 September 17 – Berkeley Fire: A major fire in Berkeley, California, erupts, consuming some 640 structures, including 584 homes in the densely built neighborhoods north of the campus of the University of California.
On September 17, 1923, a devastating fire broke out in Berkeley, California, wreaking havoc on the city. The fire quickly spread through the densely populated neighborhoods north of the University of California campus, consuming a total of 640 structures. Among these were 584 homes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire's intensity was fueled by the densely built nature of the area, with structures packed closely together, providing ample fuel for the flames to spread...
Read MORE...
September 17, 1923
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1932 September 16-17 - Concord NH was drenched with 5.97 inches of rain in 24 hours to establish a record for that location.
The Weather Channel
September 17, 1932
Visit Concord, New Hampshire, USA!
1870 The Catholics of Flushing, Long Island, have resolved to send their children to public schools. Heretofore they have supported a school of their own of about 450 pupils.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 17, 1870
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1787 September 17 - US constitution adopted by Philadelphia convention
historyorb.com
September 17, 1787
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1850 September 17 - Great fire in San Francisco
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September 17, 1850
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St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 17, 1870
Visit Flushing, New York, USA!
1787 September 17 - US constitution adopted by Philadelphia convention
historyorb.com
September 17, 1787
Visit Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA!
1850 September 17 - Great fire in San Francisco
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September 17, 1850
Visit San Francisco, California, USA!
1976 September 17 - NASA publicly unveils space shuttle Enterprise in Palmdale, Calif
historyorb.com
September 17, 1976
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1910 ACCIDENT AT CIRCUS - Two Sells-Floto Performers Badly Injured at Tulsa.
TULSA, Okla., Sept. 17. - Mrs. Arthur Nelson of the Nelson family of acrobats and John Carroll, driver in a chariot race, were both fatally injured during the performances of the Selles-Floto circus here yesterday. Mrs. Nelson was thrown against the platform by the fall of little Zenia Nelson, who was uninjured. Carroll was trampled under foot by the horses.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth, Texas
September 17, 1910
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historyorb.com
September 17, 1976
Visit Palmdale, California, USA!
1910 ACCIDENT AT CIRCUS - Two Sells-Floto Performers Badly Injured at Tulsa.
TULSA, Okla., Sept. 17. - Mrs. Arthur Nelson of the Nelson family of acrobats and John Carroll, driver in a chariot race, were both fatally injured during the performances of the Selles-Floto circus here yesterday. Mrs. Nelson was thrown against the platform by the fall of little Zenia Nelson, who was uninjured. Carroll was trampled under foot by the horses.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth, Texas
September 17, 1910
Visit Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA!
America - Did you know?
June 18, 1812 - War of 1812: U.S. declares war on Britain over British interference with American maritime shipping and westward expansion.
Quebec - Did you know?
In the seventeenth century most of the world went to bed at nightfall because there was nothing else to do, and no easy or inexpensive artificial light. Candles were in use, to be sure, but a great many more of them were burned on the altars of the...Read MORE...Daily Life in New France (www.chroniclesofamerica.com/ french/ daily_life_in_new_france.htm)
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Visit Millis, Massachusetts, USA!
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.
