What Happened This Year 1917
Born in 1917
Obdulio Varela
A prominent Uruguayan footballer, played as a midfielder. Captained the national team during the 1950 FIFA World Cup, leading Uruguay to victory over Brazil in the final, a match known as the 'Maracanazo'. Played most of his club career at Club Nacional de Football, contributing to numerous domestic titles. Recognized for strong leadership and tactical intelligence on the field.
Continue ReadingRed Auerbach
Auerbach served as a coach and executive in professional basketball, primarily with the Boston Celtics. Coach tenure spanned from 1950 to 1966, leading the team to nine NBA championships. Transitioned to a front office role, contributing to the Celtics' legacy. Auerbach's influence extended into team management and player development, establishing the franchise as a dominant force in the league.
Continue ReadingOlga Dahl
Born in Sweden in 1917, a prominent genealogist who significantly contributed to genealogy through research and writing. Authored several influential books on Swedish ancestry and family history, helping many individuals trace their lineage. Involved in various genealogical societies, providing guidance and expertise in historical records and research methods. Her work addressed the importance of preserving historical documents and understanding family histories within a broader social context.
Continue ReadingPhyllis Nicolson
Contributions included research in mathematics and work in mathematical education. Served as a senior editor for a major mathematical journal, influencing the field significantly. Held a professorship and played a key role in shaping mathematical curricula at the university level. Contributed to various mathematical conferences and publications, enhancing collaboration among mathematicians.
Continue ReadingEl Santo
A professional wrestler and actor from Mexico, gained popularity in the 1940s. Became a legendary figure in lucha libre, known for wearing a silver mask. Starred in numerous films that combined wrestling with adventure and fantasy themes. Helped bring lucha libre into the mainstream, becoming a cultural icon. Continued to perform until death in 1984.
Continue ReadingAsima Chatterjee
Contributions to the field of organic chemistry included research on alkaloids and medicinal plants. Developed anti-epileptic drugs from natural sources, which advanced pharmaceutical science in India. Authored numerous research papers and was instrumental in bridging traditional medicine with modern science. Held positions in various academia and research institutions, playing a significant role in the scientific community.
Continue ReadingPhil Rizzuto
A baseball player and sportscaster, achieved recognition primarily through a successful career with the New York Yankees from 1941 to 1956. Played as a shortstop and contributed to five World Series championships. After retiring from professional play, transitioned to broadcasting, where provided commentary for Yankees games for over three decades. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977 as a player.
Continue ReadingRéal Caouette
Contributed to Canadian politics and media during the 20th century. Elected as the leader of the Social Credit Party of Canada in 1965 and served as a Member of Parliament. Advocated for the rights of Francophones across Canada while managing various social issues. Worked as a journalist prior to his political career, which provided a foundation for his communication skills and public engagement.
Continue ReadingTran Duc Thao
A prominent Vietnamese philosopher, theorist, and Marxist thinker contributed to the philosophical discourse in Vietnam. Worked extensively on the principles of dialectical materialism and critically engaged with various philosophical traditions. Authored significant works that combined Marxist theory with traditional Vietnamese thought, particularly in relation to ethics and social philosophy. Influenced the development of leftist intellectual movements in Vietnam. Spent part of life advocating for Marxist-Leninist ideologies and participated in the intellectual development of political discourse in a changing Vietnam.
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