Historical Events
- Illinois State Constitution is adopted at a special election
- Robert Wilson and Alan Lloyd's musical theatre work "Deafman Glance" first performance at Center for New Performing Arts in Iowa City, Iowa
- South Korean ferry Namyong-Ho sinks in Strait of Korea, 308 killed
- Soviet Venera 7 is 1st spacecraft to land on another planet (Venus)
Smith Wins Inaugural Season
Stan Smith and Rod Laver finish with 4-1 records atop inaugural season ending ATP Masters Grand Prix tennis standings in Tokyo, Japan; Smith wins event after beating Laver 4–6, 6–3, 6–4 in the rounds
- Striking shipyard workers in Gdańsk, Poland set ablaze the ruling Provincial Committee's building; responding soldiers kill 8
Famous Birthdays
- Frankie Dettori, Italian jockey (20 x English classics; 3 x GB flat racing champion jockey; rode all 7 winners British Champions' Day Ascot 1996; 6 x Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe), born in Milan, Italy
- Michael Shanks, Canadian actor and director (Stargate), born in Vancouver, British Columbia
About December 15, 1970
Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 53 years, 4 months and 10 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Music Charts
#1 Song: The Tears Of A Clown - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
#1 Song: I Hear You Knocking - Dave Edmunds
