Today in History for 15th December 2024
Historical Events
1792 – 1st life insurance policy issued in US (Philadelphia)
1874 – Henry Bergh, Eldgridge Gerry, and philanthropist John D. Wright found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in NYC, the world’s first anti-child abuse agency. Later known as The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC).
1922 – IVVV (association) peace congress on war forms in Hague
1978 – German label Ariola Records releases eponymous debut album “Rosanne Cash”, produced by future husband Rodney Crowell
1986 – Carnegie Hall reopens after a $50 million facelift
2017 – Pakistani teenager Ahed Tamimi filmed slapping Israeli officers during protest, arrested 4 days later
Famous Birthdays
37 – Nero, Emperor of Rome (54-68), born in Antium, Italy (d. 68)
1567 – Christoph Demantius, German composer, born in Reichenberg, Duchy of Bavaria (d. 1643)
1903 – Tamanishiki San’emon, Japanese sumo wrestler (32nd yokozuna; winner 9 top division yūshō), born in Kōchi, Japan (d. 1938)
1910 – John H. Hammond, American music producer, talent scout, promoter, and activist, “discovered” Billie Holiday, Teddy Wilson, Count Basie, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen, born in New York City (d. 1987)
1913 – Muriel Rukeyser, American poet (The Book of the Dead), born in New York City (d. 1980)
1988 – Emily Head, English actress (The Inbetweeners; Emmerdale, 2016-18), born in Fulham, London, England
Famous Deaths
1861 – Gualtiero Sanelli, Italian composer, dies at 45
1934 – Maggie L. Walker, African-American teacher and businesswoman (1st female Bank President), dies at 69
1939 – Tom McKibbin, Australian cricket spin bowler (5 Tests, 17 wickets; NSW CA), dies at 69
1953 – Kishio Hirao, Japanese composer, dies at 46
1980 – Ben Travers, British playwright known for his farces and “The Bed Before Yesterday”, dies at 94
2005 – William Proxmire, American politician (Sen-D-WI, 1957-88), dies at 90
