Feb. 23, 1934, in The Star: Anniston's ordinance against instigating strikes, issuing boycotts or picketing, passed in 1916 during a moulders' strike, has been repealed. The Anniston City Council's action last night now gives labor full power to gain what benefits might be derived from collective bargaining. Violation of the old ordinance was classified a misdemeanor. Also this date: "Firemen were called to Fourth and Noble Streets [yesterday] afternoon — but when they got there, they found that the smoke was being used for curing meat so they didn't put out the fire." Additionally: Anniston retail merchants are finding one problem in their increased volume of business on Saturday afternoons: Because the banks close at noon on that day of the week, the businesses are inconvenienced in the process of making change.

Feb. 23, 1984, in The Star: Two investigators in the Anniston Police Department were recently promoted to the rank of sergeant. They are Charles Brackett, with APD since 1975, and Fred Acker, with APD since 1976. In other "People in the News" items, we learn that Elizabeth Edwards of Anniston was elected president of the Cottaquilla Council of Girl Scouts at the council's recent meeting in Sylacauga. Marion Craun of Jacksonville was elected first vice president.

On May 18 in

1633 — English diarist Samuel Pepys was born in London.

1861 — President-elect Abraham Lincoln arrived secretly in Washington to take office, following word of a possible assassination plot in Baltimore.

1927 — President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill creating the Federal Radio Commission, forerunner of the Federal Communications Commission.

1934 — Renowned composer Sir Edward Elgar died at age 76. He had essentially been retired the final 13 years of his life, mourning the death of his wife.

Monday's birthdays: Actor Bill Macy is 87. Hall-of-Fame sportscaster Jack Whitaker is 85. Actor Pernell Roberts is 81. Actor Robert Morse is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson is 72. Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is 63. Rock musician Rick Wakeman (Yes) is 60. Country singer George Strait is 57. Contemporary Christian musician Barry Graul (MercyMe) is 48. Comedian-writer Tina Fey is 39.