Today in history: May 21
In 2017, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.
1881: American Red Cross
On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.
1924: Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb
In 1924, in a case that drew much notoriety, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a “thrill killing” carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby’s cousin).
1955: Chuck Berry
In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, “Maybellene,” for Chess Records in Chicago.
1979: Supervisor Harvey Milk
In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone (mahs-KOH’-nee) and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk; outrage over the verdict sparked rioting. (White was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison; he ended up serving five years and took his own life in 1985.)
1991: Rajiv Gandhi
In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated during national elections by a suicide bomber.
2000: Sir John Gielgud
In 2000, death claimed actor Sir John Gielgud at age 96 and author Dame Barbara Cartland at age 98.
2012: Dharun Ravi
Former Rutgers University student Dharun Ravi (dah-ROON’ RAH’-vee), who used a webcam to spy on his gay roommate, Tyler Clementi, who then committed suicide, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (he served 20).
2017: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus received its final standing ovation as it performed its last show at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, ending a 146-year run.
2020: Gretchen Whitmer
A Michigan judge sided with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a challenge by Republican lawmakers to her authority to order sweeping restrictions during the coronavirus outbreak.