Oct. 21, 1934, in The Star: Im-provements to the nurses' home of Garner Hospital in Anniston have been completed at a cost of $2,000, part of which represents work done by persons who owed the hospital money. Four new bedrooms were built, as was a living room and a library. A steam heat system has replaced the former air heat that was inadequate in the basement area. Also this date: A Star editorial, citing the rising number of burglaries and automobile thefts in the city, states that "many thoughtful citizens" are now calling for the employment of a "trained city detective" and the "installation of a fingerprint system at the City Hall here."

Oct. 21, 1984, in The Star: A thorough look at the curriculums and standards of church-affiliated schools in the area finds seven in operation: Lighthouse Christian Academy (16 students enrolled in kindergarten through high school), Faith Christian School (140 enrolled, K-8), Trinity Christian Academy (300, K-high school), Oxford Christian Academy (50, K-high school), Faith Temple Christian Center Academy (103, K-high school), Sacred Heart Catholic School (190, K-8) and All Saints Catholic School (99, K-8). Also this date: Anniston businessman John Owens wants to tear down an old house at 1226 Christine Ave. and build a professional office. Block residents are OK with the idea, saying they'd rather have an office than an empty fire hazard. But other nearby residents oppose the change, as did the Anniston City Planning Commission two months ago; that's why Owens will make his case to the Anniston City Council at its next meeting.

On October 21 in
1797 — The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," was christened in Boston's harbor.
1879 — Thomas Edison perfected a workable electric light at his laboratory in Menlo Park, N.J.

Wednesday's birthdays: Rock singer Manfred Mann is 69. Musician Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the MG's) is 68. TV's Judge Judy Sheindlin is 67. Actor Everett McGill is 64. Musician Lee Loughnane (Chicago) is 63. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is 60. Musician Charlotte Caffey (The Go-Go's) is 56. Actress-author Carrie Fisher is 53. Actor Ken Watanabe is 50. Rock singer-musician Nick Oliveri (Mondo Generator) is 38. Christian rock musician Charlie Lowell (Jars of Clay) is 36. Actor Matt Dallas is 27.