What Happened This Year 1888

Born in 1888

Thea von Harbou

German screenwriter and director
Born
December 27th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1954 71 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent figure in the German film industry, contributed significantly to cinema as a screenwriter and director. Collaborated with director Fritz Lang on several important works. Notably wrote the screenplay for the landmark silent film "Metropolis" in 1927, which explored themes of industrialization and class struggle. Directed the film "The Indian Tomb" alongside Lang, showcasing an innovative approach to storytelling. Later transitioned to sound films, continuing to influence the German film landscape during the 1930s.

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F. W. Murnau

Silent Film Director and 'Nosferatu' Creator
Born
December 28th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
March 11th, 1931 94 years ago — 42 years old

Born in Germany and later became a naturalized American, the individual was a groundbreaking filmmaker during the silent film era. Renowned for innovative techniques in cinematography and storytelling, this director significantly influenced the horror genre with the film 'Nosferatu' in 1922. Other notable works include 'Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans', which received critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Unique and Artistic Picture. Murnau's collaboration with prominent actors and his unique visual style left a lasting legacy in film history. His career, although cut short by an untimely death, established a foundation for future filmmakers in both Germany and Hollywood.

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Duffy Lewis

Baseball outfielder; World Series champion
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1979 45 years ago — 91 years old

An American baseball player and manager, spent most of his career playing as an outfielder with the Boston Red Sox. Contributed to the team's success in winning the World Series in 1918. Later transitioned into coaching and management roles within the sport. Played in various Major League Baseball seasons from 1910 to 1925, establishing a notable presence in American baseball history.

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Adolfo Orsi

Italian businessman and industrialist
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1972 52 years ago — 84 years old

Founded a successful automotive company, specializing in manufacturing and innovating in the automotive sector. Established a reputation for high-quality products and significant contributions to the automotive industry in Italy. Played a crucial role in expanding the company into international markets, thus enhancing Italy's presence in the global automotive scene. Emphasized quality and craftsmanship in vehicle production, contributing to the growth of the automotive sector in the post-war era.

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Kaarlo Koskelo

Wrestler and businessman, Olympic medalist
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1953 71 years ago — 65 years old

A Finnish-American wrestler achieved notable success in amateur wrestling. Competed in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the lightweight category. Transitioned to a successful career in business after retiring from wrestling, contributing to the local community and promoting the sport.

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Harald Sverdrup

Meteorologist and oceanographer
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1957 67 years ago — 69 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of meteorology and oceanography. Developed the concept of Sverdrup transport, which describes the movement of water in the ocean. Worked with the U.S. Navy during World War II on oceanographic research and its applications for submarine warfare. Served as the director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, influencing ocean research. Authored numerous scientific papers that laid the foundation for future studies in physical oceanography.

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John Wilce

Football coach, physician, and player
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1963 62 years ago — 75 years old

Played college football at Ohio State University as a quarterback and later served as head coach from 1913 to 1920. Achieved considerable success as a coach, leading the team to several winning seasons and establishing a strong football program. Transitioned into a medical career, earning a medical degree and practicing as a physician while remaining involved in sports. Also contributed to the development of football tactics and training methods during his coaching tenure.

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Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog

Polish-born Irish rabbi and author
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
July 25th, 1959 65 years ago — 71 years old

Born in Poland, one of the prominent rabbis of the 20th century served as the Chief Rabbi of Ireland and later as the Chief Rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine. Advocated for Jewish education and community building in Ireland and Palestine. Wrote extensively on Jewish law, philosophy, and ethics, contributing to the understanding of Judaism in modern contexts. He played a significant role in the establishment of institutions that supported Jewish life in Palestine, particularly during the tumultuous periods leading up to the statehood of Israel.

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Birger Nerman

Swedish archaeologist and historian
Born
1888 137 years ago
Died
August 22nd, 1971 53 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of archaeology in Sweden, focusing on the Iron Age and early Viking Age. Conducted extensive research and excavations, leading to a better understanding of Nordic prehistory. Nerman held a position as a professor at Uppsala University, where much of his scholarly work was published. He also served as the director of the Swedish National Antiquities Office and played a role in cultural preservation efforts in Sweden.

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