What Happened This Year 1957

People Who Died in 1957

Leslie Hore-Belisha

English politician, Secretary of State for War
Born
September 7th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 64 years old

Served as a British politician actively involved in the government during the late 1930s. Took on the role of Secretary of State for War from 1940 to 1941, overseeing military organization and reforms in preparation for World War II. Introduced the concept of the 'Belisha Beacon,' street safety measures for pedestrians, enhancing road safety across the UK. His term was characterized by efforts to modernize the British Army and improve facilities for troops.

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Eugenio Castellotti

Italian race car driver, Mille Miglia winner
Born
October 10th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 27 years old

Active in the 1950s, this race car driver achieved notable success in the sport, particularly with Ferrari. Competing in the Mille Miglia, won the event in 1954, showcasing speed and skill. Participated in several Formula One races during the early years of the championship, driving for Ferrari and Maserati. Tragically, a fatal accident occurred during a race in 1957, ending a promising career at a young age.

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Ralph Benatzky

Czech-Swiss composer of operettas
Born
June 5th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1884, a composer contributed significantly to the operetta genre. Studied in Prague, established a career in Vienna, and composed numerous works that gained popularity across Europe. His operettas were characterized by catchy melodies and engaging narratives. The work, 'Im weißen Rössl,' was particularly successful and remains a classic example of the genre, performed frequently in theaters. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, produced several compositions that showcased the fusion of traditional operetta with modern musical elements, leading to widespread acclaim. Later years involved a move to Switzerland during World War II, where continued to compose until passing in 1957.

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Dudley Benjafield

English racing driver and Le Mans winner
Born
August 6th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent racing driver, excelled in the early 20th century. Competed successfully in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving for Bentley. Contributed to the popularity of endurance racing in the UK during that time. Participated in various racing events and gained recognition for skill and speed on the track.

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John Middleton Murry

English poet and author of literary essays
Born
August 6th, 1889 135 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 68 years old

An English poet and author, contributions span poetry and literary criticism. Published several volumes of poetry, including 'The New Poems.' Served as editor of 'The Athenaeum' and wrote extensively on various literary topics. Known for essays that explored the works of prominent writers and philosophers. Offered insights into the lives of contemporaries such as D.H. Lawrence, with whom he had a close relationship. Also contributed to the establishment of important literary journals, promoting new writers and ideas. Engaged actively in discussions on culture and society through writing and lectures.

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Henry Norris Russell

American astronomer and star classification
Born
October 25th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 80 years old

An astronomer significantly contributed to the understanding of stellar evolution and classification of stars. Developed the Russell-Vogt theorem, which relates a star's mass and evolutionary stage. Explored the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, aiding in the classification and understanding of stellar properties. Served as the director of Princeton University Observatory and published numerous papers in the field. His research laid foundational aspects of modern astrophysics.

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Christopher Morley

Journalist and author of 'Parnassus on Wheels'
Born
May 5th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 67 years old

A journalist and author contributed significantly to American literature in the early 20th century. Best recognized for the novel 'Parnassus on Wheels', which humorously explored the life of a traveling bookseller, this writer gained prominence through a series of popular works and essays. In addition to fiction, significant contributions to journalism were made, particularly through the establishment of the literary magazine 'The Bookman'. This figure also played a crucial role in the promotion of literary culture during the 1920s and 1930s, with many writings reflecting a deep appreciation for literature and books.

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Bill Meanix

American Hurdler and Coach
Born
January 18th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 65 years old

An accomplished hurdler, achievements included competing in the 1920 Summer Olympics. Served as a coach for track and field, contributing to the development of future athletes. Helped elevate the profile of the hurdles through coaching and mentoring.

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Tomitaro Makino

Japanese botanist and plant taxonomist
Born
April 24th, 1862 162 years ago
Died
1957 68 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent Japanese botanist contributed significantly to the field of plant taxonomy and botany. Engaged in extensive research of Japan's flora, identified and described numerous plant species, many of which are endemic to Japan. His work on plant classification laid foundational contributions to botany in the country. Established the Makino Botanical Garden in Kōchi, which showcases native plants and serves as a center for botanical studies.

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