December 25

Born in Bremen, Germany, Thormøhlen settled in Bergen, Norway, where he built a vast trade network in timber, fish, and other goods. He established shipyards and a shipping fleet that connected Norwegian exports to European markets. Thormøhlen invested in real estate and industrial ventures, including the industrial complex at Nordnes, pioneering early manufacturing in Bergen. His involvement in the Dutch slave trade and other controversial enterprises brought both wealth and criticism. Facing financial difficulties later in life, his empire declined before his death in 1708. Despite this, he is remembered as a key figure in the economic history of Bergen.

Born in 1821 in Vermont, Linus Yale Jr. was an engineer and inventor who revolutionized security technology. After developing the pin tumbler design, he co-founded the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company, which introduced affordable and reliable locks worldwide. Yale held numerous patents for lock and bank vault mechanisms, establishing his reputation as a leading innovator. His work laid the foundation for modern locksmithing and industrial security. Beyond locks, he ventured into manufacturing precision tools and contributed to 19th-century American industry. The Yale brand remains synonymous with high-quality security products.

Born in 1884, Leon Schlesinger began his career as a film projectionist before venturing into animation production. He established Leon Schlesinger Productions in 1933, which produced the iconic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. Under his leadership, characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck were introduced to audiences worldwide. Schlesinger sold his studio to Warner Bros. in 1944 but remained involved in production until 1946. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the early American animation industry. He died in 1949, leaving a lasting impact on cartoon entertainment.

Born in 1863, Charles Pathé was a French businessman and media pioneer who co-founded Pathé Frères, one of the world’s earliest and largest film studios. He expanded into sound recording, establishing Pathé Records in 1896 and introducing the modern phonograph record. Under his guidance, the company produced innovative newsreels and animated films, shaping early cinema. Pathé’s entrepreneurial vision led to global distribution networks in Europe and America. He sold control of the company in the 1920s but remained influential in media until his death in 1957. His legacy endures in both the film and recording industries.

Gaston Gallimard was born in Paris in 1881 and inherited a passion for literature from his family’s involvement in publishing. In 1911, he founded Éditions Gallimard, which grew into one of France’s most prestigious publishing houses. He championed authors such as Marcel Proust, André Gide, and Jean-Paul Sartre, shaping the literary tastes of 20th-century France. Under his guidance, Gallimard expanded its catalogue to include philosophy, history, and avant-garde works. He also navigated the company through the challenges of two world wars and the changing political landscape. Gallimard passed away on December 25, 1975, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of letters and publishing.

Born Lester Ben Binion in 1904 in Pilot Grove, Texas, Benny Binion built his reputation as a charismatic and shrewd gambler. After legal troubles in Texas, he relocated to Las Vegas in the 1950s and opened the Horseshoe Club, later known as Binion's Horseshoe. He revolutionized casino culture by offering high-stakes gambling and generous comps to high rollers. In 1970, Binion organized the first World Series of Poker in his casino, laying the foundation for modern professional poker tournaments. His showmanship and willingness to take risks cemented his status as a legendary figure in gambling history. Binion's influence endures through one of the world's most famous poker events. He died in 1989, leaving a lasting legacy in Las Vegas.

Born in 1934, Joseph Pararajasingham began his career as a journalist before entering business and later politics. He was elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament representing Batticaloa, where he championed the rights of minority communities during a time of civil unrest. Pararajasingham was known for his efforts to foster interethnic dialogue and development projects in the Eastern Province. His assassination on December 25, 2005, while attending a religious service, sparked national and international condemnation. His legacy includes his advocacy for peace and reconciliation amid a protracted conflict.

D. Herbert Lipson was an American magazine publisher born in 1929. He acquired Philadelphia magazine at age 33 and transformed it into a leading regional publication. Lipson launched Boston magazine in 1971, extending his journalistic influence to New England. Under his leadership, both magazines became known for investigative reporting and lifestyle coverage. He championed editorial independence and cultivated strong local voices in his publications. Lipson's impact on regional journalism endured until his death in 2017.

Born in 1930, Osamu Suzuki succeeded his father as President and later Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Under his leadership, Suzuki expanded from a small manufacturer to a global automotive giant, known for compact cars and innovative engineering. He championed the development of motorcycle and automobile models that combined affordability with fuel efficiency. Suzuki's strategic partnerships and aggressive overseas expansion solidified the company's presence in key markets like Europe and India. He received numerous industry accolades for his vision and contributions to the Japanese automotive sector. His tenure transformed Suzuki into one of the world's leading small-car manufacturers, leaving a lasting legacy in global mobility.