What Happened This Year 1904

Born in 1904

Arnold Gartmann

Swiss bobsledder Olympic medalist
Born
November 20th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1980 45 years ago — 76 years old

A Swiss bobsledder competed in the 1920s and 1930s. Achieved considerable success in the sport, particularly during the 1928 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, where secured a gold medal in the four-man bobsleigh event. Also participated in the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, where earned a bronze medal. Contributed to the development and popularity of bobsledding in Switzerland.

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Coleman Hawkins

American jazz saxophonist and bandleader
Born
November 21st, 1904 120 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1969 55 years ago — 64 years old

A prominent figure in jazz music, contributions to the genre included pioneering the tenor saxophone as a solo instrument. Initially played with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in the 1920s and became a central figure in the jazz scene. Recorded the landmark album 'Body and Soul' in 1939, which is considered one of the defining works of jazz improvisation. Collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and participated in the bebop movement in the 1940s.

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Miguel Covarrubias

Mexican painter and illustrator
Born
November 22nd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent painter and illustrator, contributions included detailed illustrations for magazines and books. Covarrubias’s work encompassed a variety of subjects, with a focus on cultural depictions of Mexico and scenes from everyday life. Emphasized the vibrant and rich traditions of Mexican life through art. In addition to painting, engaged in writing and worked on theatrical productions, providing a unique blend of visual art and storytelling. Covarrubias gained recognition for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

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Fumio Niwa

Japanese journalist and author
Born
November 22nd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
April 20th, 2005 19 years ago — 100 years old

A prominent journalist and author in Japan, contributed to the field of journalism through insightful analyses and reporting. Wrote extensively on various social and political topics, influencing public opinion and discourse. Served as a significant voice in media, tackling issues of relevance to Japanese society. His works included a variety of essays and articles that reflected contemporary challenges faced by the nation.

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Louis Néel

French physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
November 22nd, 1904 120 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2000 24 years ago — 95 years old

Contributions to physics included research in magnetism, particularly in the area of ferrimagnetism and antiferromagnetism. Conducted significant studies that led to the discovery and understanding of magnetic domains. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1970 for discoveries regarding spontaneous magnetic ordering in matter. Had a long academic career, serving as a professor and director of research at the CNRS in France.

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Albert Ross Tilley

Canadian captain and surgeon
Born
November 24th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 84 years old

A Canadian captain and surgeon served during World War II. Tilley played a crucial role in the medical care of soldiers on the battlefield. After the war, Tilley continued to contribute to the medical field as a dedicated surgeon. His efforts in wartime medicine had a lasting influence on surgical practices in the Canadian military.

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Lillian Copeland

Discus thrower and shot putter
Born
November 25th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
July 7th, 1964 60 years ago — 59 years old

Competed in track and field, specializing in discus throw and shot put. Achieved significant recognition in the 1920s and 1930s. Won a silver medal in the discus at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Set multiple national records in both discus and shot put throughout her athletic career.

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Armand Frappier

Canadian microbiologist with notable research
Born
November 26th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
1991 34 years ago — 87 years old

One of the key figures in microbiology, conducted vital research on vaccines and infectious diseases. Established the Research Institute of McGill University in Montreal, focusing on virology and immunology. Contributed significantly to the development of the vaccine against typhoid fever and studied various viruses. Advocated for public health improvement and advanced scientific education in Canada.

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Nancy Mitford

English journalist and novelist
Born
November 28th, 1904 120 years ago
Died
June 30th, 1973 51 years ago — 68 years old

Born in England, one of the most prominent British novelists of the 20th century, excelled in both journalism and literature. Mitford wrote several influential novels and was part of the Bloomsbury Group. Her works often examined themes of social class and British aristocracy. The novel 'The Pursuit of Love' became particularly well-regarded, demonstrating sharp wit and insightful characterization. In addition to her fiction, she contributed essays and articles to various publications, showcasing her talents as a journalist. Her writing style and humor gained a lasting reputation among literary circles.

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