AUGUST 8 | Birthdays and Events
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Notable Birthdays for August 8
Charles Bulfinch (1763-1844) - Recognized as the first professional architect in the U.S.
Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857-1935) - Paleontologist and geologist who founded the U.S. Eugenics Society.
Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930) - Painter who created The Pageant of a Nation, one of the most historical paintings in America.
Bob Smith (1879-1950) - Co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Josephine Holt Bay (1900-1962) - The first woman to head a firm on the NY Stock Exchange.
Benny Carter (1907-2003) - Considered a leading pioneer on the alto saxophone.
Dustin Hoffman (1937-Still Living) - Critically acclaimed actor and director (Kramer vs. Kramer, Rain Man, Tootsie, Little Big Man, and Meet the Fockers).
Sheila Varian (1937-2016) - Champion Arabian horse breeder.
Dennis Tito (1940-Still Living) - Founder of the investment firm Wilshire Associates who also was the first space tourist to fund his own visit to space.
Larry Wilcox (1947-Still Living) - Actor best known for his role as Jon Baker in the t.v. series CHiPs.
Willie Hall (1950-Still Living) - Drummer for the Blues Brothers Band.
Don Most (1953-Still Living) - Actor who played Ralph Malph on Happy Days.
Memorable Events for August 8
1786 - Congress chooses the dollar as the monetary unit for the U.S.
1854 - Smith & Wesson patents metal bullet cartridges.
1876 - Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph.
1945 - President Truman signs the United Nations Charter.
1974 - President Nixon announces his resignation as President.