Literary Landmarks: Damon Runyon Birthplace Birthplace Alfred Damon Runyon (1880-1946) American newspaperman and writer best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. Harry the Horse, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Sky Masterson, and other such Broadway characters immediately come to mind when one thinks of author Damon Runyon. Yet, although he is indelibly identified with Manhattan, New York, Runyon was actually a westerner, born October 4, 1880 in Manhattan, Kansas. For more information click here: Damon Runyon, or click here for books by Damon Runyon or click here for books about American literature.

Today's Birthdays:

• Maria Gaetana Agnesi (1718-1799), Italian mathematician, linguist, philosopher
• Elizabeth Palmer Peabody (1804-1894), educator, activist, founder of first American kindergarten
• Olga Korbut (b.1955), Belarusian gymnast, four-time Olympic gold medalist
• Liberace (Wladziu Valentino, 1919-1987), American charismatic pianist of Polish-Italian ancestry