What Happened This Year 1884

Born in 1884

Nils Olaf Chrisander

Swedish actor and film director
Born
February 14th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1947 77 years ago — 63 years old

Born in Sweden, this actor and director gained recognition in the early 20th century. Chrisander directed several films and performed in various roles. Notably, he worked in the silent film era and transitioned to sound films while continuing to engage in theater productions. His contributions to the film industry in Sweden helped shape the evolving landscape of cinema during a transformative period.

Continue Reading

Robert J. Flaherty

Documentary filmmaker and director
Born
February 16th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 1951 73 years ago — 67 years old

Flaherty was a documentary filmmaker recognized for pioneering the genre. In 1922, he released the film 'Nanook of the North,' which is considered one of the first feature-length documentaries. The film depicted the life of an Inuk man and his family as they navigated the challenges of living in the Arctic. Flaherty's approach emphasized visual storytelling and authenticity, influencing the future of documentary filmmaking.

Continue Reading

Casimir Funk

Polish biochemist who discovered vitamins
Born
February 23rd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 83 years old

A Polish biochemist contributed to the study of vitamins and their essential role in human health. Identified and named the term 'vitamin' in 1912, proposing that certain dietary substances were vital for preventing diseases. Conducted significant research on nutritional deficiencies and their effects, particularly in relation to beriberi and pellagra. His work laid foundational concepts in biochemistry and nutrition, enhancing understanding of dietary needs.

Continue Reading

Ants Piip

Estonian lawyer and politician
Born
February 28th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1942 82 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1884, this individual served as the 7th Prime Minister of Estonia during a critical period of the nation's early independence. A lawyer by profession, he was involved in legal and political affairs that shaped Estonia's trajectory in the early 20th century. His tenure coincided with significant national challenges, and he engaged in efforts to stabilize the governmental framework. The contributions within the political sphere were marked by a focus on legislative processes and national interests.

Continue Reading

Richard S. Aldrich

American lawyer and politician.
Born
February 29th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1941 83 years ago — 57 years old

Served as a prominent lawyer and politician in the early to mid-20th century. Elected to the U.S. Congress as a Representative from New York, serving from 1933 to 1935. His legislative career included involvement in various committees and support for initiatives aimed at economic recovery during the Great Depression. In addition to political service, contributed to legal affairs in different capacities throughout his career.

Continue Reading

Red Murray

Professional Baseball Player with Giants
Born
March 4th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 74 years old

Played Major League Baseball from 1908 to 1926. Primarily played for the New York Giants as an outfielder. Contributed to the team's success and helped secure the National League pennant in 1911. Had a career batting average of .291, showcasing strong hitting skills throughout his tenure in the league.

Continue Reading

Lee Shumway

American actor in silent films
Born
March 4th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 75 years old

An actor prominently featured in silent films, Shumway appeared in numerous productions during the early 20th century. His career included performances in films like 'The Call of the Wild' and 'The Silver Screen', contributing to the silent film era's unique storytelling. Shumway's work spanned over two decades, reflecting the transition to sound in the film industry. By the late 1920s, the advent of talkies began to reshape Hollywood, and Shumway's roles became less frequent as a result. The legacy of silent cinema is preserved in part through his contributions to this significant period in film history.

Continue Reading

María Collazo

Uruguayan journalist and activist
Born
March 6th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
March 22nd, 1942 82 years ago — 58 years old

This individual contributed to journalism and activism in Uruguay throughout the early to mid-20th century. Important works included writing for various newspapers and advocating for labor rights and women's rights. Participation in feminist movements underscored a commitment to social issues. Focus remained on informing the public and challenging the status quo surrounding social justice.

Continue Reading

Molla Mallory

Tennis player; six-time US National Champion
Born
March 6th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1959 66 years ago — 75 years old

Molla Mallory was a Norwegian-American tennis player who achieved considerable success in the early 20th century. She immigrated to the United States in 1903 and quickly established herself as a dominant force in women's tennis. Mallory played in the US National Championships, where she secured six singles titles between 1915 and 1926. In addition to her singles success, she was also a skilled doubles player, capturing multiple championship titles alongside various partners. Her aggressive playing style and strong baseline game were hallmarks of her competition. Over the course of her career, Mallory contributed significantly to the growth of women's tennis and remained an influential figure in the sport until her retirement.

Continue Reading