What Happened This Year 1916

Born in 1916

Walt Whitman Rostow

American economist; National Security Advisor
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2003 22 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 7th United States National Security Advisor from 1966 to 1969. Contributed to the formulation of U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War era. Authored the book 'The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto', which introduced the concept of stages of economic development. Engaged in academic work at prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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Ron Middleton

Australian Bomber Pilot, VC Recipient
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1942 82 years ago — 26 years old

Served as a bomber pilot during World War II. Attained the Victoria Cross for gallantry in action. Demonstrated exceptional bravery during a dangerous mission against enemy forces. His actions contributed to significant military efforts and sacrifices made during the war.

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Movita Castaneda

Actress and singer in early cinema
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
February 12th, 2015 10 years ago — 99 years old

An actress and singer, gained recognition for performances in films during the early 20th century. Featured in notable works including 'The Hurricane' and 'The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band'. Also contributed to soundtracks, merging singing with acting. Spent significant time in the entertainment industry, showcasing talents both on screen and in music. Active through the 1940s to 1960s, left a legacy of performances that resonated with audiences.

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Louise Day Hicks

American politician and school committee member
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
October 21st, 2003 21 years ago — 87 years old

Served as a member of the Boston School Committee from 1960 to 1967 and became its chairwoman. Advocated for policies affecting public schools during a time of significant desegregation efforts. Represented Massachusetts's 9th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1971 to 1975. Focused on education and community issues during her political tenure.

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Maxene Andrews

American singer with The Andrews Sisters
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1995 29 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent American singer, celebrated as part of the vocal group The Andrews Sisters, which gained popularity during the 1930s and 1940s. The group, consisting of Maxene, Patty, and LaVerne Andrews, is recognized for their close harmonies and swing music style. They achieved numerous successes on both radio and records, becoming a significant part of the Big Band era. The Andrews Sisters performed with famous orchestras and were featured in various films, including 'Buck Privates' and 'In the Navy'. Their contributions to music made them iconic figures of their time.

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Andrée Malebranche

Haitian artist and painter
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
February 13th, 2013 12 years ago — 97 years old

An influential Haitian artist, focused on painting and sculpture. Worked with themes of identity and heritage in art, reflecting the rich culture of Haiti. Contributed to the Haitian art movement through exhibitions in various galleries. Involved in promoting Haitian artists and culture across international platforms. Supported educational initiatives for aspiring artists in Haiti.

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Tito Canepa

Dominican-American painter
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
February 11th, 2014 11 years ago — 98 years old

Born in the Dominican Republic, significant contributions were made to the art world after relocating to the United States. Canepa specialized in vibrant, colorful paintings that often drew on cultural themes and personal experiences. His work reflects the fusion of Caribbean and American influences. Active in various galleries, participated in numerous exhibitions showcasing his artwork. Canepa's work is often celebrated for its unique style and emotional depth, making a lasting impression in the art community.

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John M. Johansen

Architect, designed Morris A. Mechanic Theatre
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
October 26th, 2012 12 years ago — 96 years old

An American architect contributed significantly to modern architecture with a focus on innovative design and functional spaces. Built the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, showcasing a blend of contemporary style and performance needs. Developed a unique design philosophy that emphasized the relationship between structure and environment, influencing future architectural endeavors. Held teaching positions that nurtured a new generation of architects.

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Arno Peters

German cartographer and historian
Born
1916 109 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2002 22 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed to the field of cartography through the development of the Peters Projection, a world map that portrays countries in their true size relative to one another. This projection was designed to challenge the Eurocentric bias of traditional maps. Peters also engaged in historical research and published works on various subjects related to geography and visual representation. His approach emphasized the importance of accurate geographical representation and became a topic of discussion among cartographers and educators.

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