Polly Klaas is abducted at knifepoint by an intruder in her Petaluma, California, home during a slumber party with two friends.

Having forced the resignation of Soviet leader Andrei Gromyko, Mikhail Gorbachev names himself head of the Supreme Soviet.

An earthquake in Whittier, California, kills 6 people and injures 100 more on October 1, 1987.

On October 1, 1977, despite a downpour, 75,646 fans pack Giants Stadium in New Jersey for soccer star Pelé’s farewell game.

On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson takes over from Jack Paar as host of the late-night talk program The Tonight Show.

On October 1, 1961, in New York’s final game of the regular season, Yankees slugger Roger Maris hits his 61st home run, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to hit more than 60 in a season.

On October 1, 1958, the American Express Company issues its first charge card in the U.

Naming himself head of state, communist revolutionary Mao Zedong officially proclaims the existence of the People’s Republic of China; Zhou Enlai is named premier.

On October 1, 1924, future President James Earl Carter is born in Plains, Georgia.

On October 1, 1920, Scientific American magazine reports that the rapidly developing medium of radio would soon be used to broadcast music.