January 17

January 17 in the history of the Birmingham District:

• 2015: The Gardendale Historical Society opened their museum.
• 2013: A rare thundersnow brought 2" to the Birmingham area.
• 2011: Robert Bentley was inaugurated as the 53rd Governor of Alabama.
• 2008: Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce voted to add "Area" to its name.
• 2001: After 8 years and 77 exhibitions, Agnes gallery closed it doors.
• 1966: The trial of Mel Powers and his aunt and lover Candace Mossler for the murder of her husband began in Miami, Florida.
• 1911: Emmet O'Neal succeeded B. B. Comer as Governor of Alabama.
• 1851: Samuel Ullman and his family arrived in America after a 56-day voyage from France.

Births

• 1920: Pitcher Jay Heard was born in Athens, Georgia.
• 1915: Pitcher Lum Harris was born in New Castle.
• 1855: Bottler Al Hochstadter was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
• 1831: Relay House proprietor George R. Ward was born in Culpeper County, Virginia.
• 1811: Governor George Houston was born.

Deaths

• 2013: James Hood, who helped integrate the University of Alabama, died at home in Gadsden.

Sports

• 2015: Boxer Deontay Wilder defeated Bermane Stiverne by unanimous decision, claiming the WBC world heavyweight title.
• 2008: Carlos Subero was named manager of the Barons.
• 2002: The Alabama Slammers lost 36-0 to Indianapolis.
• 1988: Jeremiah Castille, playing for the Denver Broncos caused "The Fumble" that kept the Cleveland Browns from playing in the Super Bowl.
• 1984: Rafael Santana was released by the St Louis Cardinals and signed with the New York Mets.