Today in History for 19th January 2024

[CoM Moderators]

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

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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

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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

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