As we progress further into October and approach Halloween, I thought it might be interesting to talk about another holiday that revolves around magic and witches. In America, we typically think about witches and even dress as them during the month of October as they are closely associated with Halloween. However, the end of June marked a holiday known as Sankthansaften, or Saint John’s Eve … Continue reading Mystical Traditions-Witches and Sankthansaften
This is a continuation of O'Fallon Public Library blog's Famous Fridays, which features famous people from the St. Louis Area. Mary Wickes was born Mary Isabella Wickenhauser in St. Louis on June 13th, 1910. She graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis and then graduated from Washington University with a double major in English literature … Continue reading Famous Friday, Mary Wickes of St. Louis
Rosalind Keith was born on December 6, 1916 in Belleville, Illinois. Little details are known about her private and professional life. However, she starred in several Columbia and Paramount films from 1934-1944. Despite her being adored for her roles in these films, she went on to become a singer after her filming days were done. She … Continue reading Famous Friday- Rosalind Keith of Belleville, IL
On this day in history, Imperial Japan surrendered and brought the Second World War to an end. It has been 75 years since this day occurred. The Second World War lasted almost six years and an estimated 75-85 million people perished worldwide. It is considered the deadliest military conflict in modern history and yet I realize there are so many aspects … Continue reading VJ Day: 75th Anniversary. A Brief History and Reader’s Advisory
Believe it or not, this Beverly Hillbilly was born in nearby Belleville, IL. In 1908, actor Buddy Ebsen was born Christian Ebsen Jr. When Ebsen was young, his family left the area and moved to Florida. During his youth, Ebsen learned to dance, a skill that would soon prove useful in his acting career and … Continue reading Famous Fridays- Buddy Ebsen of Belleville, IL
Who knew a world-renown artist was born in O'Fallon? This week's topic is the artwork and life of Bernie Fuchs. This man became one of America's most notable artists. Bernie Fuchs was born in O'Fallon, Illinois in October 1932, attended O'Fallon Township High School, and enrolled in Washington University. Fuch's main passion was actually music, … Continue reading Famous Friday- Bernie Fuchs of O’Fallon, IL
This week I would like to discuss Joseph W. Schmitt. He was born and raised in O'Fallon, Illinois. Before discovering his career with NASA, he worked at a barber shop in downtown O'Fallon while furthering his high school education and then joined the Army Air Corps. Schmitt's father, Benjamin B. Schmitt of O'Fallon, had been … Continue reading Famous Friday- Joseph W. Schmitt of O’Fallon, IL
Today I would like to discuss William Franklin Beedle Jr. and his lasting legacy in the cinema. Perhaps almost every resident of O’Fallon already knows of his existence. Within the celebrity realm, he was known famously as William Holden. His contribution to Hollywood and the history of O’Fallon is beyond fascinating. As a long term resident of neighboring Breese, I … Continue reading Famous Friday- William Holden of O’Fallon, IL
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