What Happened This Year 1908

Born in 1908

Noemí Gerstein

Argentinian Sculptor and Illustrator
Born
November 10th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
June 14th, 1996 28 years ago — 87 years old

Born in 1908, an influential Argentinian sculptor and illustrator contributed significantly to the world of contemporary art. Gerstein studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires and later traveled to Europe, where exposure to international artistic movements enhanced her work. She became a prominent figure in the Argentine art scene, known for her unique sculptures that blend organic shapes and modernist elements. Gerstein's work is often characterized by a focus on materiality and texture, using stone, metal, and wood to explore form and space. Many of her pieces reflect a deep connection to nature and the human experience. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous exhibitions, both in Argentina and abroad, which showcased her artistic vision and position within the modern art movement.

Continue Reading

Harry Blackmun

U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Roe v. Wade
Born
November 12th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1999 26 years ago — 90 years old

Served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1970 to 1994. Appointed by President Richard Nixon, contributed significantly to the Court's deliberations on various constitutional issues. Authored the majority opinion in Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's legal right to abortion. His tenure included involvement in landmark cases pertaining to civil rights, capital punishment, and the First Amendment. Retired from the Court in 1994, leaving a lasting legacy on American law.

Continue Reading

C. Vann Woodward

Historian and author of The Burden of Southern History
Born
November 13th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1999 25 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent historian and academic, contributed significantly to the study of the American South. Authored several influential works, including "The Burden of Southern History," which examined the complexities of Southern identity and culture. Held academic positions at prestigious institutions and participated in various historical organizations. Engaged with the historiography of issues such as race, class, and sectionalism in American history.

Continue Reading

Joseph McCarthy

American politician and lawyer
Born
November 14th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1957 67 years ago — 48 years old

Served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1947 to 1957. Gained prominence during the Red Scare for asserting that numerous communists were infiltrating the U.S. government and other institutions. His aggressive investigations and hearings, known as McCarthyism, were marked by accusations without proper evidence, leading to widespread fear and controversy. McCarthy faced opposition from various political figures and media. Eventually, the Senate conducted a censure against him in 1954, which significantly diminished his influence. Died on May 2, 1957.

Continue Reading

Carlo Abarth

Motorsport engineer and businessman, Abarth
Born
November 15th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 71 years old

An engineer and businessman, created the Abarth company, specializing in performance cars and tuning. Established the brand in 1949, focusing on racing cars and high-performance modifications for Fiat models. Abarth vehicles gained recognition for their performance in motorsport, contributing significantly to automotive engineering in Italy. The company became synonymous with speed and innovation in the automotive industry, continuously pushing the limits of performance. Contributed to the evolution of European motorsport during the 1950s and 1960s by developing competitive racing vehicles.

Continue Reading

Imogene Coca

American actress, comedian, and singer
Born
November 18th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 2001 23 years ago — 92 years old

Born in 1908, this American actress, comedian, and singer gained fame for performances in the entertainment industry. Made a significant impact in television with her work on the sketch comedy show 'Your Show of Shows', where she appeared alongside Sid Caesar. Coca also showcased her talents in films, including 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. Throughout her career, she received recognition for her contributions to both television and film entertainment, earning several awards, including an Emmy Award in 1954.

Continue Reading

Alistair Cooke

Journalist and author, 'Masterpiece Theatre'
Born
November 20th, 1908 116 years ago
Died
March 30th, 2004 20 years ago — 95 years old

This English-American journalist and author gained prominence through a long career in journalism, particularly in broadcasting. Notably hosted the television series 'Masterpiece Theatre' for over three decades, introducing American audiences to classic literature adaptations. Contributed to writing and broadcasting with his insightful essays and commentaries. Served as a cultural correspondent, providing reflections on American life from a British perspective. Authored several books, with significant works covering history and culture.

Continue Reading

Leo Politi

Italian-American author and illustrator
Born
November 21st, 1908 116 years ago
Died
1996 29 years ago — 88 years old

An author and illustrator specialized in children's literature and illustration. Created stories that reflected the culture and experiences of Mexican Americans in California. Gained recognition for capturing the vibrant life of Los Angeles through art and storytelling. Worked extensively with both text and illustrations, often drawing from personal experiences and heritage. Published numerous books that offered insights into the lives of children from diverse backgrounds.

Continue Reading

Nelson S. Bond

American author and playwright
Born
November 23rd, 1908 116 years ago
Died
2006 19 years ago — 98 years old

An American author and playwright whose works spanned multiple genres including fantasy, science fiction, and drama. Bond's writing career began in the 1930s, and he became recognized for his contributions to both literature and theater. His plays gained attention for their innovation and richness in character. Bond also published numerous short stories and novels, establishing a significant presence in the pulp fiction market. His work continued to influence aspiring writers and playwrights for decades.

Continue Reading