What Happened This Year 1920

Born in 1920

Russell E. Train

American civil servant and conservationist
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
September 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 92 years old

A soldier and civil servant with a focus on environmental conservation, played a significant role in shaping U.S. environmental policy. Served as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency from 1973 to 1977, appointed by President Richard Nixon. Worked to strengthen regulations regarding air and water quality, and promoted the establishment of important environmental legislation. Contributed to the foundation of the World Wildlife Fund, advocating for global conservation efforts and biodiversity protection.

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Merlyn Rees

Welsh politician, Home Secretary
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2006 20 years ago — 86 years old

Served as a member of the British Labour Party and held various political positions, including Home Secretary from 1974 to 1976. Played a significant role during a challenging period in British politics, overseeing significant issues related to public safety and immigration. Participated in discussions and policies regarding social justice and community relations during the 1970s.

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Maciej Aleksy Dawidowski

Polish WWII resistance fighter
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1943 83 years ago — 23 years old

Served as a sergeant during World War II and became a member of the Polish resistance. Participated in significant operations against occupying forces. His efforts were part of the broader resistance movement that sought to undermine German rule in Poland. Demonstrated leadership qualities and commitment to the cause until his death in 1943.

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Charles Daudelin

Sculptor and painter, notable for sculptures
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2001 25 years ago — 81 years old

A Canadian sculptor and painter, recognized for contributions to contemporary art. Worked in various mediums including stone, bronze, and plaster. Created notable public art installations and received acclaim for enhancing urban spaces with large-scale sculptures. Contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Canada through art exhibitions and permanent installations. His works often explore themes of nature and human emotion, reflecting a unique artistic vision.

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Frank Perdue

Poultry businessman and brand icon
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
March 31st, 2005 21 years ago — 85 years old

An influential businessman in the poultry industry, he established a successful chicken brand in the United States. Under leadership, the company focused on quality chicken production and introduced innovative marketing strategies. Created a memorable advertising campaign featuring himself which helped increase brand recognition. The brand became synonymous with quality poultry products and led to significant growth in market share. The company expanded its operations and became one of the largest producers of poultry in the nation, offering a variety of products that appealed to consumers.

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Fred Kida

Illustrator, modernist artwork creator
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 2014 12 years ago — 94 years old

An illustrator and painter, recognized for contributions to modernist art. Developed a distinctive style combining bold colors and shapes. Worked with prominent publishing houses, creating illustrations for books and magazines. Engaged in various exhibitions showcasing artworks that reflected cultural themes. Influences included Japanese art and American pop culture.

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Zaim Topčić

Yugoslav and Bosnian writer
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
July 15th, 1990 35 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent Yugoslav and Bosnian writer, contributed significantly to literature in the 20th century. Engaged in storytelling that captured the complexities of life in Bosnia. Wrote numerous works exploring themes of identity, cultural heritage, and human experience. Served as a literary figure during a time of great social change in Yugoslavia, weaving narratives that reflected the historical and cultural contexts of the region. His works displayed a unique blend of tradition and modernity, emphasizing the rich tapestry of Bosnian culture.

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Alf Kjellin

Swedish actor and director of 'The Magician'
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1988 38 years ago — 68 years old

An actor and director distinguished in Swedish cinema and television. Directed the popular film 'The Magician' in 1958, contributing significantly to the film's success. Developed a successful career in television, appearing in numerous Swedish TV series throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His work featured a mix of classic theatre and screen adaptations, showcasing significant talent in both acting and directing.

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Rayson Huang

Chemist and academic from Hong Kong
Born
1920 106 years ago
Died
April 8th, 2015 11 years ago — 95 years old

Contributions included research in polymer chemistry and senior academic roles. Served as a professor at the University of Hong Kong, influencing many students. Led various research initiatives and published numerous scientific papers in the field of chemistry, particularly focusing on the properties of polymers and their applications. Played a significant role in promoting scientific research in Hong Kong and enhancing its educational framework.

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