Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in History for Nov. 4: In 1809, the steamer "Accommodation," the first on the St. Lawrence, arrived at Quebec from Montreal. The trip took 66 hours at a speed of five knots but 30 hours were spent at anchor. The fare was $8.

Today in History for Nov. 7: On this date: In 1659, the Pyrenees were designated as the boundary between France and Spain, thus ending a 24-year war between the two countries. In 1665, the "London Gazette" was published for the first time.

Today in History for Nov. 3: In 1580, English explorer Sir Francis Drake returned from his voyage around the world. In 1640, England's Long Parliament -- the name given to the fifth and last parliament of Charles I -- assembled.

Today in History for Nov. 5: In 1605, Guy Fawkes was found in the basement of Britain's Parliament Buildings, along with 36 barrels of gunpowder.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 25: Actress Marion Ross is 96. Author Anne Tyler is 83. Roy Lynes, organist and vocalist with Status Quo, is 81. Singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 80. Singer Taffy Danoff of Starland Vocal Band is 80.

Today in Music History for Oct. 26: In 1813, English organist Henry Smart was born.

Today in Music History for Oct. 25: In 1918, Canadian trumpeter and songwriter Bobby Gimby was born in Cabri, Sask. Known as "The Pied Piper of Canada," he composed "Canada," the most popular song of the country's centennial celebration in 1967.

Today in History for Oct. 25: In 1147, the armies of the Second Crusade were destroyed by the Saracens at Dorylaeum in modern Turkey. The Crusaders went on with fruitless campaigns against Damascus, Syria.

Celebrity Birthdays for Oct. 24: Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman is 88. Steel guitarist Santo Farina, of the duo Santo and Johnny, is 87. Actor F. Murray Abraham is 85.

Today in Music History for Oct. 24: In 1911, blues singer and harmonica player Sonny Terry, best known for his more than 30-year partnership with Brownie McGhee, was born in Greensboro, N.C. He died in 1987.