What Happened This Year 1897

Born in 1897

Lefty O'Doul

Baseball player and manager
Born
March 4th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
December 7th, 1969 55 years ago — 72 years old

Participated in Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher and later as an outfielder. Served as a player for the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Brooklyn Dodgers. Managed the San Francisco Seals, leading the team to success in the Pacific Coast League. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for contributions to the sport.

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Henry Cowell

American pianist and composer of modern music
Born
March 11th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1965 60 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1897, this American pianist and composer contributed significantly to 20th-century music. In the 1920s, he developed a unique style that incorporated unconventional techniques, such as tone clusters, into piano music. He founded New Music Society of California and published numerous influential works. His connections with other composers and performers helped shape the course of American music during his time. Additionally, he taught music at various institutions and wrote extensively about musical theory and composition.

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Yeghishe Charents

Armenian poet and social activist
Born
March 13th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1937 88 years ago — 40 years old

Born in 1897, this individual emerged as a prominent figure in Armenian literature during the early 20th century. Known for passionate poetry reflecting social and national themes, significant works include 'The Burning Bush' and 'The Last Poem.' The poet's career was marked by a deep commitment to Armenian identity and culture, particularly during challenging historical periods. Engagement in revolutionary activities aligned with early socialist movements resulted in periods of imprisonment. Eventually, the individual faced political repression by the Soviet regime, leading to tragic consequences. Despite this, the poetry remains influential in Armenian culture.

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Jackson Scholz

American Olympic runner, Gold medalist
Born
March 15th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1986 38 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1897, achieved prominence as a competitive runner in the early 20th century. Excelled in the 200-meter sprint, winning a gold medal at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Contributed to the development of American track and field through subsequent coaching roles and mentorship of young athletes. Competed successfully in national championships, establishing a legacy in the sport of athletics.

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Conrad Nagel

American actor in silent films
Born
March 16th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
February 24th, 1970 55 years ago — 72 years old

Acclaimed American actor emerged in the silent film era, transitioning successfully to talkies. Achieved significant success with roles in films such as 'The Love Trap' and 'The Last of Mrs. Cheyney'. Contributed to the entertainment industry as a film director and producer in later years. Worked extensively in both film and radio, showcasing versatility across media. Recognized for talent in various roles that captivated audiences during the early to mid-20th century.

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Sim Gokkes

Dutch composer and conductor of operas
Born
March 21st, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1943 82 years ago — 46 years old

Born in 1897, a Dutch composer and conductor contributed significantly to the music scene in the Netherlands. Focus on operatic works defined the career, with compositions performed by various orchestras and opera companies. Leadership roles included conducting numerous performances across Europe. Gokkes' style blended traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing versatility in orchestration and composition. Works also reflected the cultural landscape of the 20th century.

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Salvador Lutteroth

Wrestling promoter, founded CMLL
Born
March 21st, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 90 years old

A wrestling promoter established an influential wrestling promotion in Mexico. The organization became the oldest professional wrestling promotion in the country, significantly contributing to the popularity of lucha libre. Collaboration with various wrestlers and the promotion of unique wrestling styles led to the establishment of a robust wrestling culture. After founding the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, the organization gained a reputation for high-profile events and training talented wrestlers who would become household names in the sport. Efforts in promoting wrestling have been recognized as a pivotal moment in Mexican sports culture.

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Wilhelm Reich

Psychotherapist and academic researcher
Born
March 24th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 1957 67 years ago — 60 years old

Austrian-American psychotherapist and academic contributed significantly to psychoanalysis, particularly in exploring the relationship between emotions and physical health. Developed the concept of orgone energy, positing that a universal life force affects human behavior and health. Authored several influential texts, including 'The Function of the Orgasm' and 'Character Analysis', which discussed the impact of character structures on mental health. Engaged in therapeutic practices aimed at resolving emotional blockages and established the Orgone Institute in the United States. His controversial theories led to scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly regarding orgone therapy and its applications.

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Douglas Hartree

Mathematician and physicist, Hartree method
Born
March 27th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1958 67 years ago — 60 years old

Contributed significantly to applied mathematics and physics. Developed the Hartree method, a pioneering approach in quantum mechanics for solving many-body problems. Held a position as a professor of applied mathematics at the University of Manchester. His work laid the groundwork for advancements in computational methods in physics and chemistry. Published numerous papers and collaborated with several notable scientists throughout his career.

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