What Happened This Year 1961

People Who Died in 1961

Sumner Welles

American diplomat, Under Secretary of State
Born
October 14th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent American diplomat served as the 11th Under Secretary of State from 1937 to 1943. Played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during World War II. Participated in various diplomatic negotiations, particularly regarding Latin America and European allies. His tenure involved efforts in advancing the Roosevelt administration’s strategies and international relations.

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Maria of Yugoslavia

Queen of Yugoslavia, royal consort
Born
January 6th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 61 years old

Born into the royal family of Greece, served as Queen consort of Yugoslavia from 1922 until the monarchy's abolition in 1945. Engaged in charitable work and supported various cultural initiatives during her reign. After World War II, lived in exile, maintaining ties with her family and the Yugoslav diaspora.

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Oskar Loorits

Estonian author and academic
Born
November 9th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 61 years old

An author and academic specialized in Estonian folklore and cultural history. Contributed significantly to the documentation and study of Estonian mythology. Served as a professor at the University of Tartu. Engaged in the writing of essays and scholarly works that focused on the preservation of Estonian national identity through folklore. Actively participated in various cultural organizations and societies, influencing the academic landscape of Estonia during the 20th century.

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Ping Bodie

Baseball player and outfielder
Born
October 8th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 74 years old

An American baseball player played primarily as an outfielder in Major League Baseball from 1909 to 1913. Teams included the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Recorded a career batting average of .265 with 1,252 hits and 626 runs. Contributed to several teams with both defensive skills and bat prowess during the early 20th century.

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Powel Crosley Jr.

Entrepreneur and radio/automobile innovator
Born
September 18th, 1886 138 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 75 years old

An entrepreneur had significant success in the early 20th century with inventions and business ventures. Founded Crosley Radio Corporation, which revolutionized radio technology and made radio accessible to the masses. Developed the Crosley automobile line, which catered to the affordable car market during the 1920s and 1930s. Also invested in various industries, including air conditioning and refrigerators, contributing to advancements in consumer appliances. His work in radio included influencing broadcasting standards and promoting technological advancements. Engaged in minor league baseball ownership, emphasizing interests in both entertainment and sports.

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Augustus John

Welsh painter and illustrator of landscapes
Born
January 4th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1878, a prominent painter and illustrator emerged in the early 20th century in Wales. This individual studied at the Royal Academy Schools and became known for portraiture and depictions of the Welsh countryside. The artist's style combined elements of impressionism and symbolism, leading to a distinctive personal aesthetic. Numerous exhibitions showcased this individual's work, including those at the Leicester Galleries in London. Engagements in the art community included associations with the New English Art Club and contributions to various art publications. This artist's contributions extended to illustrations for literature, with notable works for the poetry of W.B. Yeats and the novels of Thomas Hardy. The artist's influence persisted in the promotion of Welsh culture through art.

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Jessie Redmon Fauset

Author and poet emphasizing African American culture
Born
April 27th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance through literature. Authored several novels and poetry collections that explored themes of race, identity, and culture within the African American community. Works include 'There Is Confusion', 'Plum Bun', and 'The Chinaberry Tree', which received critical acclaim during the early 20th century. Served as the literary editor for 'The Crisis', the official magazine of the NAACP, helping to promote new African American voices in literature. Fauset's writing demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of her characters' struggles and aspirations.

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Kate Carew

Illustrator and journalist, political cartoons
Born
June 27th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 92 years old

An American illustrator and journalist, contributed significantly to visual journalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Specialized in political and social commentary through caricatures. Worked with periodicals such as The New York Times and The New York Evening World. Captured prominent political figures and major events through distinct artistic style. Her career included producing illustrations that reflected the political climate of the time, showcasing ingenuity in combining art and journalism.

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