Archive for August 7th, 2014

BILLIE BURKE, BORN ON THIS DAY IN 1884

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Billie Burke in “The Wizard  of Oz”, she was 54 years old then

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Mary William Ethelbert Appleton "Billie" Burke (August 7, 1884 – May 14, 1970)

Burke gave the memorable performance as Glinda, the Good Witch, in the 1939
film, “The Wizard of Oz”. She hosted her talk show, At Home With Billie Burke, from
1951 to 1952. Before fame she toured with her father, who worked as a circus clown.

Burke was also the wife of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., of Ziegfeld Follies fame, from 1914
until his death.


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Burke (r) being interviewed in 1949 by pioneer broadcaster Ruth Crane
Schaefer on ABC Radio affiliate WMAL.

posted by Bob Karm in BIRTHDAY,Circus,HISTORY,Memorial,MOVIES,Nostalgia,RADIO and have No Comments

TODAY IN HISTORY

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John Belmont

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posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,Bombing,Broadcast news,Comedian,Comedy,DEATH,Disaster,Exploring,HISTORY,SPORTS,TV and have No Comments

MEDAL ESTABLISHED ON THIS DAY IN 1782

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General George Washington awarding The Badge of Military Merit

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The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the
name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving with the
U.S. military.

The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was
established by George Washington—then the commander-in-chief of the
Continental Army – by order from his Newburgh, New York headquarters
on August 7, 1782. The Badge of Military Merit was only awarded to three
Revolutionary War soldiers.

From then on as its legend grew; so did its appearance. Although never
abolished, the award of the badge was not proposed again officially until
after World War I.

 

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posted by Bob Karm in ANNIVERSARY,Awards,DEBUT,HISTORY,MILITARY and have No Comments