On this day...
1888-First ballpoint pen patented
1905-"October Manifesto" Russian Tsar Nicholas II grants civil liberties
1930-Turkey & Greece sign a treaty of friendship
1938-Orson Welles panics a nation with broadcast of "War of the Worlds"
1945-U.S. government announces end of shoe rationing
1954-Defense Department announces elimination of all segregated regiments
1961-Soviet Party Congress unanimously approves a resolution removing Josef Stalin's body from Lenin's tomb in Red Square
1972-Worst US rail accident in 14 years; 45 die in Chicago
1975-Juan Carlos assumes power in Spain
1979-NASA launches space vehicle S-203
1988-Jim Elliott (US) completes 24-hr paced outdoor race for 548.9 mi
1991-Mideast peace conference begins in Madrid Spain