Historical Events
1511 – Italian city Mirandola surrenders to the French
1806 – United Kingdom re-occupies the Cape of Good Hope following victory in the Battle of Blaauwberg over French vassal, the Batavian Republic. Establishes British rule in South Africa.
1949 – Cuba recognises Israel.
1966 – British composer Michael Tippett’s cantata “Vision of St Augustine” premieres in London
1994 – -36°F (-38°C) in New Whiteland, Indiana (state record)
2001 – Cult film “Donnie Darko” written and directed by Richard Kelly, starring Jake Gyllenhaal premieres at the Sundance Film Festival
Famous Birthdays
1848 – Matthew Webb, English long distance swimmer who was first to swim unassisted across the English Channel, born in Dawley, England (d. 1883)
1924 – Jean Francois Revel, French philosopher and author (Ni Marx ni Jesus), born in Marseille, France (d. 2006)
1931 – Ron Packard, American politician (Rep-R-CA, 1983-2001), born in Meridian, Idaho
1936 – Elliott Schwartz, composer, born in New York City
1936 – Ziaur Rahman, Bangladeshi military officer and President of Bangladesh (1977-81), born in Bagbari, Bengal Presidency, British India (d. 1981)
1974 – Walter Jones, American football offensive tackle (Seattle Seahawks), born in Aliceville, Alabama
Famous Deaths
1647 – Johan van Beverwijck, Dutch physician (Treas of Ongesontheyt), dies at 52
1956 – Charles Dingle, American actor (The Little Foxes), dies at 68
1969 – Alcide “Slow Drag” Pavageau, American jazz guitarist and double-bassist, dies at 80
1970 – Hal March [Harold Mendelson], American comedian, actor and TV host ($64,000 Question; Outrage), dies of lung cancer at 49
1997 – Adriana Caselotti, voice of Snow White in Disney’s animated film, dies at 70
2008 – Suzanne Pleshette, American actress (The Birds; The Bob Newhart Show – “Emily”), dies at 70