IT HAPPENED IN…1987

Unemployment fell to 5.7%, the Gross National Product grew 3.8%, marking the sixth consecutive yearly increase, and the $171 billion trade deficit hit a record high for the fifth straight year. 

The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 508 points October 19th, a 22.6% drop nearly twice the 1929 stock market decline heralding the Great Depression.  Computerized trading was partially blamed.  Even so, the Dow Jones average closed the year up 2.26%.

The U.S. Hispanic population grew to 18.8 million, a 30% increase since 1980.

The Supreme Court ruled the previously all male Rotary Club must admit women.  Lions Club International and Kiwanis International soon followed suit.