25 YEARS AGO

October 2, 1978 After coming back from a 14-game deficit in August, the New York Yankees capture the American League’s Eastern Division by winning a one-game playoff from the Boston Red Sox, 5-4, on a home run by Bucky Dent.

October 6, 1978 Congress extends the deadline for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment by three years, to June 30, 1982. Opponents contest the legality of the move, but the question becomes moot when no more states ratify the amendment.

50 YEARS AGO

October 5, 1953 The New York Yankees win their fifth straight World Series, a record, by beating Brooklyn 4 games to 2.

100 YEARS AGO

October 20, 1903 An international commission decides a boundary dispute over the Alaska Territory in favor of the United States, giving the U.S. valuable ports in Alaska’s Panhandle.

125 YEARS AGO

October 15, 1878 The world’s first lighting firm, Edison Electric Light Company, the forerunner of today’s General Electric, is incorporated in New York City.

150 YEARS AGO

October 12, 1853 During the heavyweight championship bout between John C. Morrissey and Yankee Sullivan, Sullivan leaves the ring to throw a few punches at a group of Morrissey supporters who had been heckling him. He fails to get back in the ring in time to answer the bell for the next round, and Morrissey is awarded the decision.

200 YEARS AGO

October 20, 1803 The Louisiana territory officially becomes part of the United States as the Senate ratifies the purchase treaty with France.

October 31, 1803 The frigate USS Philadelphia , trying to enforce a blockade against the Barbary Coast, runs aground off Tripoli and is captured.