Today In History
Historical Events
1296 – Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated by Edward I of England
1877 – Rutherford B. Hayes removes Federal troops from Louisiana, Reconstruction ends
1905 – World Exposition opens in Liège
1976 – Stan Daniels’ musical “So Long 174th Street”, starring Robert Morse, opens at Harkness Theater, NYC; runs for 16 performances
1992 – NY Mets trade David Cone to Toronto Blue Jays for Jeff Kent
Famous Birthdays
1875 – André Baillon, Belgian-French author (Un homme si simple), born in Antwerp, Belgium (d. 1932)
1905 – Julian Stryjkowski, Polish journalist and writer known for his radical leftist leanings, born in Stryi, Austro-Hungarian Empire (d. 1996)
1963 – Schae Harrison, American actress (Darla Forrester in “The Bold and the Beautiful”), born in Anaheim Hills, California
1969 – Grahame Cheney, Australian boxer, born in Lithgow, Australia
1995 – Nick Kyrgios, Australian tennis player (Australian Open doubles [Thanasi Kokkinakis] 2022; Wimbledon 2022 runner-up; Hopman Cup 2016), born in Canberra, Australia
Famous Deaths
1876 – George Aiken, American playwright and actor famous for writing the most popular stage adaptation of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, dies at 45
1996 – William Colby, American C.I.A. director (1973-76), dies at 76
1997 – Paul Lambert, American character actor (Executive Suite, Spartacus), dies at 74
1999 – Cyril Washbrook, English cricket batsman (37 Tests, 6 x 100, HS 195; Lancashire CCC), dies at 84
2002 – Ruth Handler, American toy manufacturer (invented the Barbie doll), dies of cancer at 85
Historical Events
1565 – First Spanish settlement in the Philippines is founded in Cebu City
1908 – IV Summer (Modern) Olympic Games open in London
1912 – Relief laws in Netherlands replace those of 1854
1940 – Himmler orders establishment of Auschwitz Concentration Camp
1952 – Revival of Virgil Thomson and Gertrude Stein’s operetta “Four Saints in Three Acts” closes at Broadway Theater, NYC, after 15 performances
1968 – Congress of Political Party Radicals (PPR) forms in Netherlands
1982 – Trial of John Hinckley, Jr begins for the attempted assassination of US President Ronald Reagan
2023 – NFL Draft: Alabama quarterback Bryce Young first pick by the Carolina Panthers
Famous Birthdays
1767 – Andreas Romberg, German violinist and composer (Song of the Clock), born in Vechta, Electorate of Saxony (d. 1821)
1875 – André Baillon, Belgian-French author (Un homme si simple), born in Antwerp, Belgium (d. 1932)
1906 – Yórgos Theotokás, Greek novelist (Leonís), born in Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (d. 1966)
1932 – Gian-Carlo Rota, Italian-born American mathematician and philosopher, born in Vigevano, Italy (d. 1999)
1944 – Cuba Gooding Sr., American pop and soul singer (The Main Ingredient – “Everybody Plays the Fool”), born in New York City (d. 2017)
1963 – Russell T. Davies, Welsh TV writer and executive producer (Doctor Who, Queer as Folk), born in Swansea, Wales
1970 – Tim Hanshaw, NFL guard (SF 49ers), born in Spokane, Washington
1975 – Michael Booker, American football cornerback (Atlanta Falcons), born in Cincinnati, Ohio
1980 – Talitha Cummins, Australian journalist (Seven News Brisbane), born in Gold Coast, Australia
1981 – Drew Elliott, American creative director and judge on “America’s Next Top Model”, born in Bloomington, Indiana
Famous Deaths
1599 – Maeda Toshiie, Japanese general, dies at 61
1702 – Jean Bart, French naval captain, privateer, and sea hero (Escape from Plymouth), dies at 51
1876 – George Aiken, American playwright and actor famous for writing the most popular stage adaptation of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, dies at 45
1927 – Albert J. Beveridge, American politician and historian (Progressive leader, Senator Indiana 1899-1911), dies at 64
1982 – Tom Tully, American radio, stage, and screen actor (The Caine Mutiny; Shane), dies at 73
1992 – Olivier Messiaen, French composer (L’Ame en Bourgeon; St Francois d’Assise), dies at 83
1996 – William Colby, American C.I.A. director (1973-76), dies at 76
1996 – Joan Sterndale-Bennett, British actress (Brighton Rock, Those Fantastic Flying Fools), dies at 82
1998 – John Bassett, Canadian publisher and media baron, dies at 47
1998 – Godfrey Kenton, English actor (The Tempest, Well’s Theater), dies at 96