What Happened This Year 1962

People Who Died in 1962

Guy C. Wiggins

American painter with winter landscapes
Born
February 23rd, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1883, this artist specialized in American Impressionism, particularly capturing winter scenes of New England. He was an active member of the National Academy of Design and the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts. The artist's work often depicted serene snow-covered landscapes, reflecting the beauty of winter. His technique involved the use of vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork that characterized the Impressionist style. Over the years, his paintings earned recognition in various exhibitions, highlighting his commitment to the craft.

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Sylvia Beach

Bookseller and publisher, Shakespeare and Company founder
Born
March 14th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 75 years old

An American-French bookseller and publisher founded a notable bookstore in Paris that became a meeting place for expatriate writers and intellectuals during the 1920s. Established Shakespeare and Company in 1919, which specialized in English-language books and offered an influential space for authors. The bookstore hosted writers such as James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein. Closed during the German occupation in World War II, the shop reestablished itself after the war, continuing to support literary culture. Contributed significantly to the modernist literary movement through advocacy and support of emerging authors.

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Rosalie Edge

Environmentalist and wildlife advocate
Born
November 3rd, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 85 years old

An American environmentalist, contributed significantly to wildlife conservation and the establishment of protected areas. Founded the Emergency Conservation Committee in 1929, which advocated for the preservation of endangered species and conservation policy reforms. Played a key role in the establishment of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, the first refuge for birds of prey in the United States. Actively campaigned against the shooting of hawks and other raptors, raising awareness about the importance of ecological balance.

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Pierre Gilliard

Swiss author and academic with a focus on Russia
Born
May 16th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 83 years old

Born in Switzerland, an author and academic focused on Russian history and culture. Spent time in Russia, where he became a private tutor to the children of Tsar Nicholas II. His experiences during this period influenced his later writings. After the fall of the Russian Empire, Gilliard dedicated his work to documenting the life of the Romanovs and the socio-political changes in Russia. Authored several works concerning the history of Russia, its royal family, and the political circumstances leading to the revolution. His writings contributed to the understanding of Russian history.

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Felicjan Sławoj Składkowski

Polish General and Prime Minister
Born
June 9th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the 27th Prime Minister of Poland from 1936 to 1939 during a critical period leading up to World War II. Previously worked in the Polish military, reaching the rank of general. Involved in the defense of Poland during the initial stages of the war and played a role in the political landscape of the Second Polish Republic. His tenure was marked by the challenges posed by the escalating tensions in Europe prior to the conflict. After the invasion of Poland, he emigrated and continued to be involved in Polish affairs from abroad.

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Leroy Shield

American composer and conductor of music
Born
October 2nd, 1893 132 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 69 years old

Leroy Shield was a composer and conductor active in the early to mid-20th century. He is primarily associated with writing music for silent films and later, the early sound era. Shield composed scores for numerous films produced by Hal Roach Studios, contributing significantly to the soundtracks of many Laurel and Hardy comedies. His work blended orchestral elements with playful themes that enhanced the visual comedy on screen. Additionally, Shield conducted orchestras, showcasing his versatility in music performance and arrangement.

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Edward Francis Hutton

American businessman and financier
Born
September 7th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 87 years old

Co-founded E. F. Hutton & Co., a prominent brokerage firm that became one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. Pioneered customer-focused services in investment during the early 20th century. The firm became known for its innovative marketing strategies and successful financial products, which contributed to the growth of individual investing. Hutton was instrumental in expanding the firm's operations and was a key figure in the financial industry during his career.

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Eiji Yoshikawa

Japanese author with historical novels
Born
August 11th, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 70 years old

An author from Japan, widely recognized for historical novels, particularly for the expansive works that explore samurai tales. One of the most significant contributions includes the epic novel 'Musashi', which delves into the life of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. The narrative combines historical fiction with elements of philosophy and martial arts, bringing to life the complexities of its characters and the era they inhabit. Yoshikawa's writing style and depth of historical research influenced many readers and writers alike, cementing a legacy in Japanese literature.

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Hermann Wlach

Austrian-Swiss actor in theater and film
Born
August 11th, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 78 years old

Born in Austria, Wlach had a significant career in both theatre and film. In the early 20th century, he became recognized for performances in various stage productions and moved into cinema with a focus on German-language films. Wlach's dedication to acting allowed for a versatile career across multiple platforms, contributing substantially to the performing arts in German-speaking countries. His work in the theater was especially prominent during the interwar period, where he displayed a range of emotional depth in character representation.

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