What Happened This Year 1887

Born in 1887

Amber Reeves

Author and scholar of New Zealand-English literature
Born
July 1st, 1887 137 years ago
Died
December 26th, 1981 43 years ago — 94 years old

Born in New Zealand, this individual became a prominent author and scholar. The writings focused on feminist literature, exploring themes of gender and society. Contributions to the fields of academia and literature included works that analyzed the role of women in society. Involved in the suffragette movement, efforts supported women's rights and education. The individual also worked to promote literature that challenged societal norms.

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Annette Kellermann

Swimmer and actress in 'A Daughter of the Gods'
Born
July 6th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1975 50 years ago — 88 years old

Contributed significantly to swimming as a performer and actress. Pioneered the women's swimwear movement with a fitted one-piece bathing suit. Starred in the silent film 'A Daughter of the Gods', recognized as the first feature film to showcase a woman's swimming. Competed successfully in swimming events and advocated for women's participation in the sport.

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Marc Chagall

Painter of colorful modernist works
Born
July 6th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1985 39 years ago — 97 years old

Born in Belarus, Chagall was a prominent painter whose career spanned over seven decades. He moved to Paris in 1910, where he became associated with the Surrealist movement. His art combined elements of Eastern European Jewish folklore, biblical themes, and vibrant colors. Notable works include 'I and the Village', 'The Birthday', and stained glass windows in various cathedrals, including the Metz Cathedral. Chagall's unique style fused cubism and fauvism, making significant contributions to modern art. He also worked in stage design and created illustrations for literature.

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Saturnino Herrán

Mexican painter of notable murals
Born
July 9th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 31 years old

A prominent Mexican painter born in 1887, contributed significantly to the Mexican art scene in the early 20th century. Herrán's style merged realism and symbolism, often reflecting Mexican culture and identity. He studied at the Academy of San Carlos and became an important figure in the Mexican muralism movement. Herrán's work often showcased themes of indigenous life and traditions, and he was influenced by both European and Mexican artistic movements. His career was cut short by his untimely death in 1918, but several murals and paintings remain impactful and celebrated in Mexican heritage.

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Samuel Eliot Morison

American historian and naval officer
Born
July 9th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 89 years old

A Naval officer and historian, contributions focused on American naval history. Authored numerous influential works, including 'The Two Ocean War' and 'History of the American Navy.' Instrumental in creating the official history of the United States Navy during World War II. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1942 for 'Admiral of the Ocean Sea,' a biography of Christopher Columbus. Held the title of Harvard University professor and was a prominent figure in maritime history studies.

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Wharton Esherick

American sculptor and furniture designer
Born
July 15th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1970 55 years ago — 83 years old

An American sculptor and furniture designer contributed significantly to the American modernist movement in the 20th century. Originally trained as a painter, transitioned to sculpture and became influential in the development of studio furniture. Established a unique style that merged functional design with artistic expression. The Esherick House, designed by Louis Kahn, reflects the integration of his works and environment.

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Shoeless Joe Jackson

Baseball player with Chicago White Sox
Born
July 16th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
December 5th, 1951 73 years ago — 64 years old

An American baseball player played primarily for the Chicago White Sox in the early 20th century. Jackson gained notoriety for his exceptional hitting skills and was a key player in the 1919 World Series. Controversy surrounded his career due to his involvement in the Black Sox Scandal, which led to his ban from Major League Baseball. Despite this, he maintained a reputation for being one of the best hitters of his time. After his playing career, he briefly managed a minor league team. His life and career have been the subject of various analyses regarding ethics in sports.

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Vidkun Quisling

Norwegian military officer and politician
Born
July 18th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1945 79 years ago — 58 years old

A military officer and politician, held the position of Minister President of Norway during World War II. Collaborated with Nazi Germany after the invasion in 1940. Established a provisional government under German control, enacting policies aligned with the occupiers. Quisling's regime was marked by significant repression and collaboration with the Nazis, leading to his notoriety as a traitor in Norway. After the war, faced trial for treason and was executed in 1945.

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Gustav Ludwig Hertz

Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physics winner
Born
July 22nd, 1887 137 years ago
Died
October 30th, 1975 49 years ago — 88 years old

A physicist and academic, contributions focused on quantum mechanics and experimental physics. Conducted significant research on the electron diffraction and the interaction of electrons with atoms. Shared the 1925 Nobel Prize in Physics with James Franck for their work on the impact of electrons on atoms, demonstrating the quantum nature of atomic interactions. Held academic positions at universities in Germany and contributed to scientific education and research until retirement.

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