What Happened This Year 1946

People Who Died in 1946

Harley Granville-Barker

British actor, director and playwright
Born
November 25th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 69 years old

Significant contributions made to the theatre as a playwright, director, and actor. Authored influential plays, including 'The Madras House' and 'The Voysey Inheritance'. Served as a director at the Lyric Hammersmith, helping to shape modern theatre. Also recognized for advocating for the importance of theatrical art and education. Worked in the early 20th century, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of playwrights and directors.

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Charles F. Hurley

54th Governor of Massachusetts
Born
November 24th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 53 years old

Served as an American soldier before entering politics. Held the position of the 54th Governor of Massachusetts from 1935 to 1937. Played a significant role in various state initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the economic challenges of the Great Depression. Prior to his governorship, served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate. Advocated for public works projects and improvements in infrastructure during his tenure as governor, contributing to the development of the state.

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Antoinette Perry

Actress and director of 'Mary Poppins'
Born
June 27th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 58 years old

An influential actress and director in American theater, contributed to the Broadway scene from the 1920s until the 1940s. Directed several productions, including the original Broadway production of 'Mary Poppins'. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Tony Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in American theater. Also worked as an actress in various stage productions, showcasing talent and creativity.

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Charles Wakefield Cadman

American composer and music critic
Born
December 24th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1881, a composer recognized for contributions to American classical music, particularly in the early 20th century. Specialized in writing operas and orchestral works that often incorporated Native American themes and melodies. Composed the opera "Shanewis," which premiered in 1918 and played a significant role in showcasing American cultural narratives. Worked as a music critic, providing insights into the classical music scene during his era.

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James Thomas Milton Anderson

Canadian politician, 5th Premier of Saskatchewan
Born
July 23rd, 1878 147 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1878, a prominent lawyer and politician in Canada served as the 5th Premier of Saskatchewan from 1921 to 1922. Focused on progressive education reform and public health initiatives during the tenure. Efforts contributed to the establishment of various social services in the province. Played a significant role in Saskatchewan's early political landscape, influencing provincial policies for future administrators.

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John L. Bates

American Lawyer and Governor of Massachusetts
Born
September 18th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 87 years old

Served as the 41st Governor of Massachusetts from 1925 to 1929. Graduated from Harvard Law School, beginning a career in law and politics. Worked as a lawyer before entering public service. Focused on economic development and infrastructure during gubernatorial tenure. Promoted initiatives aimed at improving education and public welfare.

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Julius Streicher

German publisher of Der Stürmer
Born
February 12th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent German publisher, founded and edited the anti-Semitic newspaper Der Stürmer. Actively participated in the Nazi Party, promoting its ideology through print media. Streicher was a key figure in disseminating propaganda that fostered anti-Semitic sentiments in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. The newspaper played a significant role in shaping public perception and attitudes towards Jews leading up to and during World War II.

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Logan Pearsall Smith

Critic and author of 'On Reading' and essays
Born
October 18th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1865, an American-English author and critic, contributed to literary culture through essays and critiques. Focused on themes of reading, literature, and the nuances of language. Engaged with the Bloomsbury Group and influenced contemporary thought through detailed analysis and commentary. Demonstrated a particular affinity for essays that explored the art of reading and the importance of literature in society. Left a legacy as a literary critic with a profound understanding of the written word and its impact on life.

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Mamie Smith

American singer and actress of 'Crazy Blues'
Born
May 26th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1883, this artist gained fame as a singer, actress, dancer, and pianist. Smith's recording of 'Crazy Blues' in 1920 marked a pivotal moment in music history, being one of the first records to feature a Black woman as a lead artist. This work helped to popularize the blues genre and opened doors for African American artists in the music industry. In addition to her music career, Smith performed in vaudeville and appeared in several films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing her talents as an entertainer. Smith's influence extended beyond her era, laying the groundwork for future generations of musicians and performers.

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