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Today in 1952, the first hockey game was televised on CBC.
It featured the Montreal Canadiens versus the Detroit Red Wings at the Montreal Forum. Montreal won the game 2-1.
Click below to learn more about HNIC 👇
Today in 1907, Fay Wray was born in Cardston, Alberta.
She began her acting career in 1923 and in 1933 landed her most famous role, as Ann Darrow in King Kong.
She continued to act in dozens of films and television shows until 1980 when she retired.
She died in 2004.
Today in 2011, Frances Bay died.
Born in Mannville, AB in 1919, she began acting in the 1930s.
She played Fonzie's grandmother in Happy Days, Adam Sandler's grandmother in Happy Gilmore & a famous role in Seinfeld.
A Gemini Award winner, she has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.
Today in 1916, the Battle of Courcelette began.
It would rage for a week, and saw the first use of tanks in battle along with the creeping barrage.
Private John Chipman Kerr won the Victoria Cross in the battle.
Learn more 👇
https://canadaehx.com/2022/02/22/the-battle-of-courcelette-2/
Today in 1956, Dr. John Carter Callaghan performs Canada's first successful open-heart surgery on 10-year-old Susan Beattie.
Dr. Callaghan is also noted for being a co-developer of the artificial pacemaker.
Forgot to share this on Tuesday. My history segment, all about the sensational murder trial of Charlie King in 1905 in Edmonton!
Radio Active with Jessica Ng, Min Dhariwal - Sep. 11, 2023: Murder most foul https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52/clip/16008711
I'm continuing to plan my 2024 Canadian history tour.
The plan is to spend May-June making videos at historical spots.
The plan is to camp in my car, or a camper van if I can swing it.
You can support Canadian History Ehx and the tour with a donation at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/craigU
Today in 1952, Neil Peart was born in Hamilton.
In 1974, he joined RUSH, becoming the drummer and primary lyricist for the group.
Considered one of, if not the best, rock drummer, Peart was known for his technical proficiency and stamina as a drummer.
He died in 2020.
Today in 2020, Aline Chretien died.
Born in 1936, she and Jean Chretien were married for 63 years. She died only two days after their anniversary.
A gifted pianist, she also spoke four languages.
Her husband Jean called her his key advisor & often sought her advice.
Today in 1924, Rudolf Vbra was born.
In 1942, he was sent to Auschwitz but escaped in 1944. He co-wrote the Vbra-Wetzler Report on The Holocaust in Nov. 1944.
The report halted the deportation of Hungarian Jews, saving 200,000 lives.
He moved to Canada in 1967 & died in 2006.
Happy birthday to Oliver Jones, born today in 1934 in Montreal!
Trained by Oscar Peterson's sister Daisy, Oliver became a celebrated jazz musician himself.
He won two Junos, the Oscar Peterson Award, the Governor General's Performing Arts Award & the Order of Canada.
Today in 1956, Billy Bishop died in Florida.
Born in Owen Sound in 1894, he was a pilot in WW1. The Germans called him Hell's Handmaiden as he had 72 air victories.
A Victoria Cross recipient, he also helped set up the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in WW2.
Today in 1958, Robert Service died in France.
Born in England in 1874, he became known as the Bard of the Yukon for his poems such as The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee.
His book of poetry, Songs of a Sourdough, was a massive success.
Today in 1885, the trial of Big Bear began.
Charged with treason, most of the evidence showed Big Bear was innocent & pushed for peace in the NW Resistance
He was found guilty & sentenced to three years in jail. He served 2 & died in 1888.
Learn more 👇
Today in 1929, the Aird Commission released its report, recommending a national radio network.
The report stated a network would lessen the influence of American radio.
This report inspired the creation of the CRBC, and later the CBC.
Learn more 👇
Today in 1862, Julian Byng was born.
He led the Canadian troops to victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917 as the commander of the Canadian Corps.
In 1921, he became Governor General of Canada, serving until 1926.
Learn more 👇
Today in 1987, Lorne Green died.
Born in 1915 in Ottawa, he began his career with the CBC as the Voice of Canada (and the Voice of Doom during WW2).
He found fame as Ben Cartwright on Bonanza & as Commander Adama in Battlestar Galactica.
Learn more
Today in 1939, Canada declared war on Germany.
The declaration came one week after Britain declared war.
In all, 1.1 million Canadians served in the Second World War, representing 10% of Canada's population.
By 1945, 45,400 Canadians had died, while 55,000 were wounded.
Today in 1924, Edmund Peck died.
Known among the Inuit as Uqammaq (one who talks well), he founded the first mission on Baffin Island. He also developed Inuktitut syllabics and the 1st substantial English-Inuktitut dictionary.
Today in 1964, PM Lester B. Pearson created a special flag committee to choose a new flag within 6 weeks.
The committee had 7 Liberals, 5 Conservatives & 1 member from each minor party.
The committee looked at 3,541 entries in 35 meetings.
Learn more
https://canadaehx.com/2021/02/13/the-great-canadian-flag-debate/