20 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK: Major aerospace companies scrambled to find engineers and other skilled workers in the midst of a boom fueled by huge orders for commercial aircraft Several thrifts continued to offer home mortgages at 11.25 percent while some executives predicted that rate would soon increase because of the strength of the market.

THE NEWSMAKER

Charles J. Henry abruptly resigned as president of the Pacific Stock Exchange to accept the presidency of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The PSE board appointed Charles E. Rickershauser Jr., its longtime outside counsel, as an interim replacement, but he said he had no interest in taking over the position permanently.

THE NUMBERS

JULY 26, 1979

Dow Jones Industrial Average 840.78

London gold $304/oz.

Instant Krazy Glue 99 cents

Exercise bike $80