What Happened This Year 1919

Born in 1919

David Willcocks

English organist and choir conductor
Born
December 30th, 1919 105 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2015 9 years ago — 95 years old

An esteemed organist, composer, and conductor, had a significant influence on church music and choral performance in England. Served as director of music at King's College, Cambridge, where contributions included the establishment of the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Worked extensively with various choirs and composed a range of choral works, enhancing the repertoire with arrangements of traditional carols and hymns. Held positions with renowned institutions and contributed to numerous recordings that showcased choral music.

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Carmen Contreras-Bozak

Puerto Rican-American soldier and veteran
Born
December 31st, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 98 years old

Born in Puerto Rico, served in the United States Army during World War II. Joined the Women's Army Corps and participated in key military operations. Contributed to the war effort while facing challenges as a Latina in a predominantly male environment. After military service, became an advocate for veterans’ rights and worked to improve benefits for women in the military. Retired with recognition for her service and dedication to the Army.

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Tommy Byrne

Baseball player and coach
Born
December 31st, 1919 105 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 88 years old

A former professional baseball player and coach, achieved significant success as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. Transitioned to coaching after retiring from playing, contributing to the development of future players in the sport. Additionally involved in politics, serving in the New York State Assembly. His multifaceted career included athletic achievement and public service.

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Dayton Allen

Comedian and voice actor of cartoons
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
November 11th, 2004 20 years ago — 85 years old

A comedic performer and voice actor, contributed to the field of animation and comedy from the mid-20th century. Voiced characters in prominent cartoons, including 'The Howdy Doody Show' and 'The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle'. Worked as a comedian in radio and television, blending humor with various media formats. Later years included performances on stage and in television shows, showcasing versatility in comedic styles.

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Tim Babcock

Soldier and 16th Governor of Montana
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
April 7th, 2015 9 years ago — 96 years old

Served as the 16th Governor of Montana from 1961 to 1969. Joined the United States Army during World War II and rose to the rank of Major. Initiated several educational and infrastructure programs during governorship. After leaving office, remained active in politics and public affairs in Montana.

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Gerhard Ringel

Mathematician known for graph theory contributions
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
June 24th, 2008 16 years ago — 89 years old

Austrian mathematician contributed significantly to the fields of graph theory and topology. Held a position at the University of Vienna and published numerous papers advancing the understanding of combinatorial structures. Conducted research on the Ringel-Kotzig conjecture and worked on topics related to map colorings. Played a key role in the development of the mathematical theories related to these areas, influencing subsequent studies and applications in mathematics.

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Jean Vander Pyl

Voice actress from The Flintstones
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1999 25 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent voice actress and actress, contributed to character voices in animated television series and films. Gained recognition for voicing Wilma Flintstone in the classic animated series The Flintstones. Provided voice work for several other animated shows including portraying characters in The Jetsons and The Smurfs. Also had a career in live-action television and film, making appearances in series such as I Love Lucy and The Brady Bunch.

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Reed Whittemore

American poet and literary critic
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
April 6th, 2012 12 years ago — 93 years old

Contributed significantly to American poetry and literary criticism. Served as the poetry editor for the American Review. Published numerous collections of poetry, reflecting a modernist style. Held academic positions, teaching at universities and influencing students in literature. Worked as a critic, reviewing and analyzing the works of contemporaries and established poets. Authored a biography of Robert Frost, further enriching the field of literary analysis.

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Lowell Steward

American Army Captain
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2014 10 years ago — 95 years old

Served as an Army captain in the United States during the Vietnam War. Steward was captured as a prisoner of war in 1965 and endured over seven years of captivity. He participated in the Tet Offensive and was instrumental in intelligence and strategic operations within his unit. Upon release, Steward became an advocate for veterans' rights and shared his experiences during captivity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by former prisoners of war.

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