What Happened This Year 1897

Born in 1897

Gene Tunney

Professional boxer, Heavyweight Champion
Born
May 25th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
November 7th, 1978 46 years ago — 81 years old

A celebrated boxer, achieved prominence in the 1920s. Secured the heavyweight title after defeating Jack Dempsey in 1926. Defended the championship successfully against Dempsey in a rematch. Intermittently served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I. Also participated in the 1920 Olympic Games as a boxer.

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Alan Kippax

Australian cricketer with Test cap
Born
May 25th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1972 52 years ago — 75 years old

Debuted in Test cricket for Australia in 1925. Participated in 11 Test matches and scored 1,174 runs with an average of 51.78. Played domestic cricket for New South Wales, achieving consistent performances that contributed to team successes. Retired from cricket after a notable career in the sport.

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John Cockcroft

Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 27th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1967 57 years ago — 70 years old

An English physicist contributed significantly to nuclear physics and particle acceleration. Developed the Cockcroft-Walton generator, which was the first device to accelerate protons to high energies. Led a team that achieved the first artificial nuclear reaction by bombarding lithium with protons, resulting in the release of alpha particles. Served as a professor and held leadership positions in various academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge.

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Dink Templeton

American rugby player and coach
Born
May 27th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 65 years old

Competed in rugby as a player and served as a coach. Played for the United States national rugby team during the early 20th century. Contributed significantly to the development of the sport in America through coaching and mentoring aspiring players. Influenced rugby's growth at the grassroots level, emphasizing skill development and teamwork.

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Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Composer of film scores and operas
Born
May 29th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1957 67 years ago — 60 years old

A composer, pianist, and conductor, he gained prominence in the early 20th century for significant contributions to classical music and film scoring. Active in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, he became a leading figure in the creation of symphonic film scores. His operas, such as 'Die tote Stadt', showcased a blend of lush melodies and rich harmonies, reflecting the influences of his early training in Vienna. The Academy Award was received for Best Original Score for the film 'Adventure.' He collaborated with prominent figures in the film industry, solidifying his legacy in both concert music and popular culture.

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Frank Wise

Australian politician and Premier of WA
Born
May 30th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
June 29th, 1986 38 years ago — 89 years old

Served as the 16th Premier of Western Australia from 1947 to 1948. Played a significant role in state politics during a time of post-war recovery. Initiated policies for housing and education to support the growth of the state. Contributed to the development of infrastructure and public services.

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Memphis Minnie

American blues singer-songwriter
Born
June 3rd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1897, a significant figure in the blues genre, contributed as both a singer and guitarist. Played a crucial role in the development of the Chicago blues scene in the 1930s. Recorded numerous tracks, which showcased both vocal and instrumental proficiency. Collaborated with prominent musicians and recorded for major labels. Continued to perform and influence the music landscape until the 1950s.

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Joel Rinne

Finnish actor in film and theater
Born
June 6th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
December 3rd, 1981 43 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1897, a prominent Finnish actor contributed significantly to Finnish film and theater. After studying at the Helsinki Theatre School, began a notable career in the 1920s. Gained recognition for roles in classic films such as 'Kielitohtori' and 'Siltalan Pehtoori'. Also performed in numerous theatrical productions, showcasing versatile acting skills.

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George Szell

Conductor and composer, orchestral leader
Born
June 7th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
July 30th, 1970 54 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Hungary, a prominent conductor and composer, Szell led the Cleveland Orchestra for over two decades. His tenure significantly elevated the orchestra's reputation, establishing it as one of the finest in the United States. Szell's interpretations of classical music, particularly works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms, were noted for their precision and clarity. Szell also made numerous recordings, which contributed to his legacy in the classical music world.

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