17 February It happened today…….

1856  Death of German poet and writer Heinrich Heine.

1883  The vacant/engaged door sign is patented.

1909  Death of Geronimo.

1934  Birth of Australian entertainer Barry Humphries, creator of Dame Edna Everidge.

1972  The VW Beetle outsells the Ford Model T, selling 15 million to date.

1982  Death of Jazz pianist Thelonius Monk.