Welcome to Infinite Women

This Day In History

Arts

1973 Although the Sydney Opera House did not open until 20 October 1973, ragtime pianist Winifred Atwell had become the first woman and first pianist to play the famed venue years earlier, performing the Australian classic "Waltzing Matilda" for construction workers in 1964.

2013 Carol Burnett presented with the Mark Twain Prize, American comedy's top honor.

Politics

1947 The notorious Red Scare kicked into high gear in Washington, as a Congressional committee began investigating Communist influence in one of the world’s richest and most glamorous communities: Hollywood. A small group known as the “Hollywood Ten” resisted, complaining that the hearings were illegal and violated their First Amendment rights. They were all convicted of obstructing the investigation and served jail terms. Pressured by Congress, the Hollywood establishment started a blacklist policy, banning the work of about 325 screenwriters, actors and directors who had not been cleared by the committee. Those blacklisted included dozens of professionals, including writers like Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker, Vera Caspary and Joan LaCour Scott and performers like Lena Horne, Hazel Scott, Gypsy Rose Lee, Martha Scott and Ruby Dee.

2021 Barbados elects Sandra Mason as its first-ever president, as part of a process to replace Queen Elizabeth and become a republic.