What Happened This Year 1905
Born in 1905
Maria von Trapp
Born in Austria, a career as a singer began in the early 20th century. Joined the Trapp Family Singers in the 1930s, performing in various venues across Europe and later in the United States. This group gained fame for its performances of traditional Austrian music and for contributing to the American folk music revival. Their story was adapted into the Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music' and the 1965 film of the same name, which increased their international recognition. Later years involved philanthropic efforts and a focus on music education, emphasizing the importance of singing and musicianship.
Continue ReadingHoward McNear
An actor active primarily in radio and television. Gained prominence for portraying the character Floyd Lawson on the long-running radio program and television series 'The Andy Griffith Show.' Started career in radio with roles in various programs before transitioning to television. Participated in the Hollywood theater scene and worked on several other notable television series throughout the 1960s.
Continue ReadingBarnett Newman
Significant figure in abstract expressionism, focused on color and line in art. Developed a distinct style characterized by large fields of color and simple forms. Pioneered the use of the 'zip', a vertical line that divides color fields. Created works that explored themes of space and scale. Influenced the direction of modern art.
Continue ReadingJohn O'Hara
Born in 1905, an American author and playwright gained recognition for literary works that captured American life and society. Wrote 'Appointment in Samarra' in 1934, a novel that explores themes of social class and fate. Also wrote plays, short stories, and screenplays, with significant contributions to the New Yorker magazine. His writing style influenced American literature and the portrayal of urban America in fiction.
Continue ReadingEmilio Segrè
Born in Italy, this physicist contributed significantly to the field of nuclear physics. Segrè's early work included the discovery of the element technetium alongside Carlo Perrier. He moved to the United States in 1938, where his research at institutions like the Manhattan Project and Berkeley lab advanced the understanding of antimatter. Segrè's prominent achievement was receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1959 for the discovery of the antiproton, a fundamental component of matter. His academic career included teaching positions at several prestigious universities.
Continue ReadingAyn Rand
Born in Russia, later moved to the United States, where significant contributions to literature and philosophy occurred. Wrote novels such as 'Atlas Shrugged' and 'The Fountainhead', which promote the philosophy of Objectivism, emphasizing reason, individualism, and capitalism. Developed a distinctive narrative style that combined fiction with philosophical discourse, influencing many readers and thinkers in the 20th century.
Continue ReadingArne Beurling
Born in Sweden, a mathematician and academic specialized in complex analysis and functional analysis. Developed the Beurling transform, contributing significantly to harmonic analysis. Worked at the University of Uppsala and later at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Offered insights into various areas of mathematics, including operator theory and analytic number theory. His work influenced both theoretical mathematics and its applications. Beurling's academic career spanned several decades, during which he published numerous papers and mentored future mathematicians.
Continue ReadingHylda Baker
Born in England, one of the prominent figures in British comedy and music hall performance, achieved widespread recognition for a unique style that blended humor with song. Gained popularity through performances in variety shows and television, notably starring in the sitcom 'Neptune's Daughter'. Achievements spanned a long career, entertaining audiences with quick wit and distinctive delivery. Continued to perform into later life, maintaining a presence in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingWładysław Gomułka
A Polish politician and member of the Polish United Workers' Party. Gomułka participated in the Second World War and joined the Communist Party after the war. In 1945, he became the first Secretary of the Central Committee of the Polish Workers' Party. From 1956 to 1970, he served as the First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party, leading the country during a time of economic reform and political turbulence. Gomułka's leadership was marked by the 'Gomułka thaw', a period of liberalization in contrast to earlier Stalinist policies. His tenure ended with his removal from office due to economic difficulties and civil unrest.
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