1710 London, Intellectual Property: The British parliament passed the Queen Anne Statute for the encouragement of learning by investing the creators with ownership of the work. It was one major step forward in recognising and securing intellectual property for artists, writers, and composers.
1866 New York City, Humanitarianism: The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded by Henry Bergh, a retired diplomat, who plead for the ‘mute servants of mankind.’
1872 Nebraska City, Ecology: The first Arbor Day which was inspired by J. Sterling Morton who, earlier as governor of the Nebraska Territory, had aspired to plant a million trees. The day was dedicated to achieving that goal. In time the day became a national celebration on the last Friday of April. If only more trees had been planted sooner perhaps the Dust Bowl would have been less disastrous. The primary school where I had a brief career in finger-painting was named for him.
1947 Brooklyn, Sports: Jackie Robinson started at second base. At least two members of the opposing team refused to take the field with him. So began the trials. Branch Rickey had spent years looking for right man and in Mr Robinson he had found him and knew it. Today Robinson’s number 42 has been retired by all MLB teams never to be worn by another player; the only individual to be so honoured. Off the field he was a leader, as well as on.
1972 Charlie Chaplin received a lifetime achievement Oscar for his incalculable contribution to cinema. He had been hounded out of the United States in 1952 by HUAC, the beast that roamed Hollywood looking for easy headlines. Below is a still from that famous scene in ‘The Gold Rush.’
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