n No,nnot THE Oscar Hammerstein.
n
n
n
nIfnpeople recognize the name Oscar Hammerstein at all, they are almostnalways thinking of our birthday boy’s grandson, Oscar Hammerstein II,nwho joined Richard Rodgers in writing many famous songs for manynfamous musicals. (Think Oklahoma!, South Pacific, ThenSound of Music, and more!) n
n
n
n
nNotnthe guy I mean.
n
n
n
n
Today’snbirthday boy was born on this date in 1847, in Prussia (Germany), andnlike his grandson-to-come, he loved music. Hammerstein’s fathernwanted him to study academic subjects instead, and was a strictndisciplinarian, from what I read—so Hammerstein ran away tonAmerica!
Today’snbirthday boy was born on this date in 1847, in Prussia (Germany), andnlike his grandson-to-come, he loved music. Hammerstein’s fathernwanted him to study academic subjects instead, and was a strictndisciplinarian, from what I read—so Hammerstein ran away tonAmerica!n
n
n
nJustn17 years old when he arrived in New York City, Hammerstein got a jobnworking in a cigar factory. He worked his way up to becoming a cigarnmaker; he also founded a journal about cigars and even inventednbetter cigar-making machines—80 patents’ worth of inventions!nHammerstein ended up making a fortune on tobacco.
n
n
n
n
Butnhe didn’t forget his love of music. Instead, he used his fortune tonbuild theaters in Harlem and Manhattan, and eventually Philadelphia and London. He began to presentnoperas and other entertainments in those theaters. His efforts apparently kicked off a new popularitynfor operas in America!
Butnhe didn’t forget his love of music. Instead, he used his fortune tonbuild theaters in Harlem and Manhattan, and eventually Philadelphia and London. He began to presentnoperas and other entertainments in those theaters. His efforts apparently kicked off a new popularitynfor operas in America!n
n
n
n
Onenof Hammerstein’s theaters was built in the late 1890s on LongacrenSquare. Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of what that square looks likentoday. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention—these days, it’s called TimesnSquare!
Onenof Hammerstein’s theaters was built in the late 1890s on LongacrenSquare. Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of what that square looks likentoday. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention—these days, it’s called TimesnSquare!n
n
n
nAllnin all, Hammerstein built eleven theaters and opera houses,nspearheaded the growth of opera and other entertainment in New YorknCity’s Manhattan, and started a family legacy of musicalnentertainment as well!
n
n
n
n
n
nAlsonon this date:
n
n
n
n
n
nEducator and writer Henry Baker’s birthday
n
n
n
n
n
n
