January 08

Born in 1825 in Ohio, Marshall moved west and became a successful banker in Minnesota. He entered politics as a Republican, serving in the state legislature before winning the governorship in 1866. His administration focused on post-war recovery, railroad expansion, and veteran affairs. Marshall promoted the development of education and infrastructure to support Minnesota’s growing population. After leaving office in 1870, he continued in business and civic projects, contributing to St. Paul’s financial institutions. He died in 1896, leaving a record of leadership during a transformative period in Minnesota’s history.

Born in Ukraine in 1886, Stavisky built a career as a charismatic financier in Paris. He gained notoriety for orchestrating the Stavisky Affair, involving fraudulent bond schemes. When the scandal broke in 1934, it led to riots and a crisis of confidence in the French government. Stavisky's death under mysterious circumstances fueled conspiracy theories and political turmoil. His legacy endures as a cautionary tale of financial manipulation and its impact on democracy.

Born in 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Dave Thomas overcame a challenging childhood. He opened the first Wendy's restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, naming it after his daughter. Under his leadership, Wendy's grew into one of the world's largest fast-food chains famous for its square hamburgers. Thomas became the face of the brand, appearing in over 800 television commercials. He was a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to support children in foster care. His business acumen and commitment to social causes left a lasting legacy when he passed away in 2002.

Michael Lang was born in 1944 in New York City and rose to prominence as a pioneering concert promoter. In 1969, he co-founded the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, an event that became emblematic of 1960s counterculture. Lang curated lineups featuring legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Who, setting a new standard for large-scale music festivals. Throughout his career, he produced tours for Bob Marley & The Wailers and organized numerous high-profile concerts around the world. His innovative approach to live events influenced the modern festival industry. Lang passed away in 2022, remembered as a visionary who helped shape the live music landscape.