Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Dec. 15: In 1846, mezzo-soprano and actress Rosita del Vecchio, known as the Sarah Bernhardt of Canada, was born in Montreal.

Today in Music History for Dec. 16: In 1770, German composer Ludvig Van Beethoven was born in Bonn.

Today in History for Dec. 13: On this date: In 304, St. Lucy is said to have cut out her eyes and sent them to a persistent but unwelcome suitor who said he was haunted by them.

Today in History for Dec. 16: On this date: In 1653, Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Today in History for Dec. 14: On this date: In 1503, French physician and prophet Nostradamus was born. He remains famous today for his book “The Prophecies,” which was first published in 1555.

Today in Music History for Dec. 10: In 1943, Chad Stuart of the 1960s duo "Chad and Jeremy," was born in England. Their popularity rivalled that of another British pairing of the period, "Peter and Gordon.

Today in Music History for Dec. 14: In 1836, Frances Ridley Havergal, English devotional writer, was born. In frail health most of her life, Havergal nevertheless authored such hymns as "Take My Life" and "Let It Be" and "I Gave My Life for Thee.

Today in Music History for Dec. 11: In 1882, Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "Iolanthe" was performed at the Bijou Theater in Boston, the first U.S. playhouse to be lighted exclusively by electricity.

Today in History for Dec. 12: On this date: In 1783, New Brunswick's first newspaper, the "Royal Saint John Gazette and Nova Scotian Intelligencer," was published. In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second U.S. state. In 1870, Joseph H.

Celebrity Birthdays for Dec. 1: Actor-director Woody Allen is 88. Singer Dianne Lennon of the Lennon Sisters is 84. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Lee Trevino is 84. Television producer David Salzman is 80.