Gerald Ford
American politician and 38th President
Served as the 38th President of the United States from 1974 to 1977. Assumed office following Richard Nixon's resignation amid the Watergate scandal. Prior to the presidency, held positions in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 25 years, including roles as Minority Leader. Implemented policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and addressed the Vietnam War's aftermath. Granting a controversial pardon to Nixon became a defining moment of the presidency. His administration focused on promoting peace and advocating for economic recovery, culminating in initiatives such as the Whip Inflation Now (WIN) campaign.
Assumed presidency after Watergate scandal
Pardoned Richard Nixon
Served in the U.S. House of Representatives
Other People Born on July 14th
Donald Meek
Stage and film actor in 1930s cinema
Born
July 14th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 68 years old
A Scottish-American stage and film actor, Meek made significant contributions to the film industry in the 1930s. He appeared in a range of films, gaining recognition for his performances. Meek's career included extensive work on stage before transitioning to cinema, where he portrayed various characters that showcased his acting abilities. His roles in classic films played an essential part in the development of character acting in Hollywood. He established a reputation as a reliable actor and was often cast in supporting roles. His work during this era left a notable imprint on the industry.
Continue ReadingCrawford Vaughan
Australian politician, 27th Premier
Born
July 14th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
December 15th, 1947 78 years ago — 73 years old
Served as the 27th Premier of South Australia from 1930 to 1933. Held various positions in government including Minister for Education and Minister for Industry. Contributed to the development of public education policies and worked towards improving infrastructure in the state. Engaged in active politics throughout the early to mid-20th century, shaping the legislative landscape of South Australia.
Continue ReadingRobin Olds
General and fighter pilot, WWII veteran
Born
July 14th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
June 14th, 2007 18 years ago — 84 years old
A general and fighter pilot, served in the United States Air Force. Played a pivotal role during World War II and the Vietnam War. Commanded the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and significantly contributed to air combat strategies. Participated in several notable missions, including the engagement known as the 'Wild Weasel' operations that supported bombing campaigns. Instrumental in shaping air power tactics and developing pilot training programs.
Continue ReadingClarence J. Brown
Ohio Lieutenant Governor and publisher
Born
July 14th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 72 years old
Served as the 36th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio from 1945 to 1947. Worked as a publisher and was involved in the newspaper industry for several decades. Played a significant role in state politics and contributed to the growth and development of the Republican Party in Ohio.
Continue ReadingArthur Capper
American politician and journalist
Born
July 14th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 86 years old
Served as the 20th Governor of Kansas from 1919 to 1923, implementing progressive reforms. Worked as a journalist, establishing a significant presence in Kansas media. Contributed to national politics through a tenure in the United States Senate from 1919 to 1949. Advocated for farmer rights and rural development, particularly during the Great Depression. Played a role in the founding of the Kansas Republican Party and influenced state policy in education and infrastructure.
Continue ReadingScipio Slataper
Italian author and literary critic
Born
July 14th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1915 110 years ago — 27 years old
Born in Italy in 1888, Slataper was an influential author and critic. His literary contributions illustrated the complexities of the human experience and explored themes of identity and existence. Slataper's works often reflected the socio-political context of his time. The novel 'Il Libro dei Miei Inni' showcased his poetic style and philosophical insights. Aside from his fiction, he contributed significantly to literary criticism, offering insights into contemporary Italian literature and criticizing various authors and movements. His early death in 1914 curtailed a promising literary career, but his writings continued to be studied and appreciated posthumously.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 26th
Elsa Lanchester
Actress in 'Bride of Frankenstein'
Born
October 28th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1986 38 years ago — 84 years old
Active in film and theater, this English-American actress and singer gained recognition for her role as the Bride in 'Bride of Frankenstein'. Her career spanned several decades, featuring appearances in both films and Broadway productions. Lanchester's unique persona and distinctive voice contributed to her success in various musical and dramatic roles, demonstrating versatility throughout her performances. She also lent her talents to voice acting, contributing to animated features, thereby broadening her artistic reach.
Continue ReadingTed Ditchburn
English footballer and coach
Born
October 24th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2005 19 years ago — 84 years old
A professional footballer and manager. Played as a goalkeeper and spent the majority of his playing career at Tottenham Hotspur from 1939 to 1959. Won the FA Cup in 1961 with Tottenham and later served as a coach. Managed several clubs, including a short stint at Wycombe Wanderers.
Continue ReadingGlenn McCarthy
Businessman and Shamrock Hotel founder
Born
December 25th, 1907 117 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1988 36 years ago — 81 years old
Founded the Shamrock Hotel in Houston, which became a landmark in the city. Played a significant role in the development of Houston’s hospitality industry during the mid-20th century. The hotel opened in 1949 and was one of the first luxury hotels in the area, attracting many prominent guests. In addition to hospitality, involved in real estate and other business ventures throughout Texas.
Continue ReadingMary Hartwell Catherwood
American author and poet, wrote Indian novels
Born
December 16th, 1849 176 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1902 122 years ago — 53 years old
An American author and poet, produced numerous works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Focused primarily on themes related to Native American life and experiences. Gained recognition for a series of novels set in the American West, which depicted the interactions between settlers and Indigenous peoples. Contributed articles and poetry to various magazines, enhancing the literary landscape of the time. Her writing is characterized by rich descriptions and explorations of cultural conflict.
Continue ReadingAnatoly Lunacharsky
Russian politician and journalist
Born
November 23rd, 1875 150 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1933 91 years ago — 58 years old
A prominent Russian politician and journalist, played a significant role in the early Soviet government. Served as the People’s Commissar for Education from 1917 to 1929, overseeing the development of the education system during a tumultuous period. Contributed to the promotion of revolutionary culture and the arts. Advocated for the incorporation of Marxist theories into educational reforms. Also contributed to literary and cultural debates, publishing numerous articles and works on education, culture, and ideology.
Continue ReadingStanisław Barańczak
Polish-American poet and literary critic
Born
November 13th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
December 26th, 2014 10 years ago — 68 years old
A Polish-American poet, critic, and scholar, contributed significantly to the world of literature. His work highlighted the struggles for freedom and artistic expression in Poland during the Communist regime. Barańczak played a crucial role in the Solidarity movement, using poetry as a means of resistance. He translated numerous works of American poetry into Polish, fostering a cross-cultural literary exchange. Later, he became a professor at various American universities, enriching the academic landscape with insights from both Polish and American literatures.
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