What Happened This Year 1906

Born in 1906

Enrique Laguerre

Author and critic of Puerto Rican literature
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
June 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 99 years old

An influential Puerto Rican-American author and critic, contributed significantly to literature and cultural discussions surrounding Puerto Rico. Founded the literary magazine 'Río de la Plata' and served as an editor for 'The San Juan Star'. Authored novels including 'Los dos lados de la cama' and played a significant role in promoting Puerto Rican writers and literature. Served as a professor at various universities, influencing generations of students through teaching and mentorship. Received recognition for literary contributions and critiques throughout a career dedicated to exploring Puerto Rican identity and culture.

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Evald Tipner

Estonian footballer and ice hockey player
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
July 18th, 1947 78 years ago — 41 years old

Played for the Estonian national football team and participated in the first Baltic football championship. Competed in ice hockey for Estonia in international events. Contributed to the development of both sports in Estonia during the early 20th century.

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Catherine Cookson

English author of historical novels
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1998 27 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1906 in Tyne and Wear, this author gained prominence for a series of novels set in the North of England. Brought up in a working-class family, early life experiences fueled storytelling. The first significant work, 'The Girl', published in 1950, received critical acclaim and established a successful writing career. Over the following decades, more than 100 novels were published, many of which were adapted into television dramas. Cookson's stories often featured themes of resilience and human experience, resonating with a wide audience. In 1995, an honorary degree from the University of Sunderland acknowledged literary contributions.

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James Hadley Chase

Author of crime fiction novels
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
February 6th, 1985 40 years ago — 79 years old

An English-Swiss author and soldier, famous for writing crime fiction novels from the mid-20th century. He published over 90 works, many of which became bestsellers. His first novel, 'No Orchids for Miss Blandish,' released in 1939, gained significant popularity and contributed to his reputation as a key figure in the genre. Chase's style combined intrigue with complex plotting, leading to a dedicated following among readers of suspense literature. Despite a tumultuous early life, he transitioned into writing, drawing from his experiences and observations. His works have been translated into multiple languages, appealing to audiences worldwide.

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Josef Kramer

Concentration camp commandant
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1945 79 years ago — 39 years old

Commanded the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp during World War II. Oversaw the operations of the camp from 1944 to 1945. Played a key role in the administration of Nazi concentration camp policies. Captured by British forces after the camp's liberation and tried for war crimes in 1945.

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David Smith

Sculptor; known for large steel sculptures
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1965 60 years ago — 59 years old

An influential American sculptor focused on large-scale works created from steel. Worked in the abstract expressionist style, combining industrial materials with artistic vision. Utilized welding techniques to construct geometric shapes and intricate forms, challenging traditional notions of sculpture. Established a distinctive voice in 20th-century art through innovative use of materials and forms. Contributed significantly to the development of modern sculpture through numerous exhibitions, particularly in the late 1940s and 1950s. Recognized as a pivotal figure in American sculpture, with works hosted in major art institutions.

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