December 10, 2012

225 years ago
1787

Born on this date
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. U.S. educator. Mr. Gallaudet trained as a clergyman, but declined offers of pastorates because of concerns for his health, and instead made his name as a teacher of deaf students, using manual communication instead of the oral method of communication then in vogue in America. In 1817, he founded what became the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Gallaudet resigned as his school's director in 1830, but continued to teach in Hartford, and in 1838 became chaplain to the Connecticut Retreat for the Insane. He died on September 10, 1851 at the age of 64. Gallaudet University, a private university for deaf and hearing-impaired students founded in 1864, was renamed in Mr. Gallaudet's honour in 1894.

110 years ago
1902

Abominations
Women were given the right to vote in Tasmania.

100 years ago
1912

Born on this date
Philip Hart. U.S. politician. Mr. Hart, a Democrat, was a United States Senator from Michigan from 1959 until his death from cancer on December 26, 1976 at the age of 64.

80 years ago
1932

World events
Thailand adopted a constitution and became a constitutional monarchy under King Rama VII.

60 years ago
1952

On the radio
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Carleton Hobbs and Norman Shelley, on BBC Home Service
Tonight’s episode: The Blue Carbuncle

I Was a Communist for the FBI, starring Dana Andrews
Tonight’s episode: The Kiss of Death

On television tonight
The Unexpected, hosted by Herbert Marshall, on NBC
Tonight's episode: Some Day They'll Give Us Guns, starring James Anderson and Bobby Driscoll

This was the last episode of the series.

30 years ago
1982

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Do You Really Want to Hurt Me--Culture Club

Died on this date
Freeman Gosden, 83. U.S. actor. Mr. Gosden, with Charles Correll, starred in the Sam 'n' Henry radio comedy series from 1926-1928 on WGN in Chicago. When they moved to WMAQ in 1928, the characters and series became known as Amos 'n' Andy, and they played he roles on radio until November 1960. Mr. Gosden played Amos, Kingfish, and various other characters.

25 years ago
1987

Died on this date
Jascha Heifetz, 86. Lithuanian-born U.S. musician. Mr. Heifetz was considered one of the greatest violinists in history from his public debut at the age of 7 in his native Lithuania until a shoulder operation forced his retirement in 1972.

20 years ago
1992

Hit parade
#1 single in Ireland (IRMA): I Will Always Love You--Whitney Houston (2nd week at #1)