No, not THE Oscar Hammerstein.
If
people recognize the name Oscar Hammerstein at all, they are almost
always thinking of our birthday boy's grandson, Oscar Hammerstein II,
who joined Richard Rodgers in writing many famous songs for many
famous musicals. (Think Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The
Sound of Music, and more!)
Not
the guy I mean.
Today's
birthday boy was born on this date in 1847, in Prussia (Germany), and
like his grandson-to-come, he loved music. Hammerstein's father
wanted him to study academic subjects instead, and was a strict
disciplinarian, from what I read—so Hammerstein ran away to
America!
Just
17 years old when he arrived in New York City, Hammerstein got a job
working in a cigar factory. He worked his way up to becoming a cigar
maker; he also founded a journal about cigars and even invented
better cigar-making machines—80 patents' worth of inventions!
Hammerstein ended up making a fortune on tobacco.
But
he didn't forget his love of music. Instead, he used his fortune to
build theaters in Harlem and Manhattan, and eventually Philadelphia and London. He began to present
operas and other entertainments in those theaters. His efforts apparently kicked off a new popularity
for operas in America!
One
of Hammerstein's theaters was built in the late 1890s on Longacre
Square. Perhaps you've seen pictures of what that square looks like
today. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention—these days, it's called Times
Square!
All
in all, Hammerstein built eleven theaters and opera houses,
spearheaded the growth of opera and other entertainment in New York
City's Manhattan, and started a family legacy of musical
entertainment as well!
Also
on this date:
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