What Happened This Year 1905

Born in 1905

Gertrude Ederle

American swimmer Olympic gold medalist
Born
October 23rd, 1905 119 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2003 21 years ago — 98 years old

First woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926. Participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, winning a gold medal in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay and a bronze medal in the 100 meter freestyle. Ederle's record time for the English Channel crossing remained unbroken for nearly 100 years. She became a national celebrity following her achievements, contributing to the rising popularity of women's swimming in the United States.

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Fran Zwitter

Historian and academic with key publications
Born
October 24th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent historian and academic contributed significantly to Slovene history and historiography. Focused on modern history and its implications for Slovene society. Served as a professor and published several works that analyzed the historical context of Slovenia's development. Played a crucial role in shaping historical narratives in the region during the 20th century.

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Bob McPhail

Scottish footballer, Glasgow Rangers legend
Born
October 25th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
2000 25 years ago — 95 years old

A Scottish footballer excelled as a center-forward during the 1920s and 1930s. McPhail spent a significant part of his career at Glasgow Rangers, where he became one of the club's most prolific scorers. His tenure at the club included several league titles and Scottish Cup victories. After leaving Rangers, played for Ipswich Town, contributing to the team's early successes in the English Football League. McPhail also represented the national team and participated in international competition. His goal-scoring prowess established him as a noteworthy player in Scottish football history.

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Tatyana Ehrenfest

Mathematician and theorist
Born
October 28th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1984 41 years ago — 79 years old

Born in the Netherlands, significant contributions were made in the field of mathematics and physics. Focused on functional analysis and the theory of dynamical systems. Received recognition for work on statistical mechanics and contributions to the Ehrenfest equations. Worked collaboratively with prominent scientists and laid foundations for further research in mathematical physics.

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Henry Green

English author of 'Party Going'
Born
October 29th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1973 51 years ago — 68 years old

An English author, celebrated for a unique style that blends modernism with a focus on everyday life. Achieved prominence in the literary scene during the mid-20th century, with a series of novels that delved into the intricacies of British society. Works such as 'Party Going', 'Living', and 'Concluding' explored themes of class and social interactions, showcasing a distinct narrative technique. Contributions to literature included rich character development and innovative use of language, which established a lasting legacy within literary circles.

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Johnny Miles

English-Canadian marathon runner and champion
Born
October 30th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
2003 22 years ago — 98 years old

Born in 1905, this athlete became a prominent figure in long-distance running, particularly in the marathon. He achieved significant success in the 1926 Boston Marathon, securing a victory with a time of 2:25:39, which set a new course record. This achievement marked a high point in his running career and established him as a leading competitor in the sport. In addition to his Boston win, he competed in various other races and earned recognition within the Canadian athletic community, contributing to the sport's development in the region. His accomplishments in the late 1920s solidified his legacy in marathon running, as he remained a respected name well beyond his active years.

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Paul-Émile Borduas

Painter and critic of abstract art
Born
November 1st, 1905 119 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1960 65 years ago — 54 years old

Originated from Canada, this painter and critic contributed significantly to the development of abstract art. In 1948, authored the manifesto 'Refus Global', which rejected traditional artistic practices and advocated for freedom in creating art. Participated in the Automatistes movement, which emphasized spontaneous, free creation, like the works created during the 1940s and 50s. Work reflects a strong influence of surrealism and lyrical abstraction.

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Isobel Andrews

New Zealand writer and author
Born
November 2nd, 1905 119 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1990 34 years ago — 84 years old

Born in New Zealand, one of the prominent writers contributed significantly to literature with a focus on themes relating to the Pacific and New Zealand culture. Published several works that explored intricate narratives and character relationships. Involved in the literary community and participated in various writing organizations, fostering a supportive environment for emerging writers. Acknowledged for contributions to the literary field, receiving accolades that highlighted her storytelling abilities.

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Georges Schehadé

Lebanese poet and playwright
Born
November 2nd, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1989 36 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1905, a significant figure in Lebanese literature, contribution included poetry and plays that explored themes of identity and belonging. Schehadé's works were primarily written in French, reflecting the cultural milieu of Lebanon during the early to mid-20th century. The playwright showcased versatility across genres, including traditional and modern forms. His poignant expressions of the human experience in poignant contexts resonated with audiences, leading to a lasting legacy in Arabic and Francophone literature.

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