Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Dec. 1: In 1884, Saskatoon’s first concert was presented by the Pioneer Society. It featured solos, duets, choruses, readings and recitations. In 1913, Broadway musical star Mary Martin was born in Weatherford, Texas.

Today in Music History for Dec. 2: In 1923, soprano Maria Callas, renowned for her dramatic intensity and versatility, was born in New York City. She moved to Greece at the age of 13, studying at the Royal Conservatory in Athens.

Today in History for Dec. 4: In 1619, a group of settlers from Bristol, England, arrived at Berkeley Hundred in present-day Charles City County, Va., where they held a service thanking God for their safe arrival.

Today in History for Dec. 1: In 1680, a comet appeared close to Earth and was clearly visible until the end of February. In 1841, the first copyright in Canada was issued for "A Canadian Spelling Book.

Today in Music History for Dec. 7: In 1877, the first successful gramophone was demonstrated. It was invented by Thomas Edison and built by his mechanic, John Kruesi. In 1916, French-Canadian fiddler Ti-Jean Carignan was born in Levis, Que.

Today in Music History for Dec. 3 In 1908, the Regina Orchestral Society, the forerunner to the Regina Symphony Orchestra, gave its first concert.

Today in History for Dec. 2: In 1552, St. Francis Xavier, the founder of the Jesuits, died while on a missionary journey to China. In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Today in History for Dec. 7: In AD 374, Ambrose, an early church father, was consecrated Bishop of Milan, Italy.

Today in History for Dec. 5: In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued his Witch Bull, ordering an inquisition to systematically discover, torture and execute witches throughout Europe.

Today in History for Dec. 6: In 1752, a government pamphlet in Halifax became the first book published in Canada. In 1780, Jean-Antoine Aide-Crequy, the first Canadian-born painter, died in Quebec City.