January 22

George Streeter was an American captain who famously grounded his boat on Chicago's lakefront and declared ownership of the surrounding land, dubbing it the 'District of Lake Michigan.' His audacious land grabs led to decades of legal battles with the city and local property owners. Streeter marketed and sold parcels of land to settlers and speculators, shaping the development of Chicago's shoreline. His legend endures as a symbol of entrepreneurial audacity.

Stephen Mather was an American entrepreneur who co-founded the Thorkildsen-Mather Borax Company and became a leading advocate for national parks. As the inaugural director of the National Park Service, he secured federal funding and created infrastructure, transforming America's wilderness into protected public spaces. His passion for conservation and promotional skills helped popularize national parks, establishing a legacy of environmental stewardship.

Born into the wealthy Guggenheim family in 1890, Harry Frank Guggenheim pursued business and aviation interests before entering publishing. In 1940, he co-founded Newsday, which became a leading newspaper on Long Island and earned multiple Pulitzer Prizes. A patron of the arts and sciences, Guggenheim established the Guggenheim Foundation to support research in aviation and aeronautics. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to Cuba from 1929 to 1933 and maintained a lifelong passion for philanthropy. Guggenheim died in 1971, leaving a lasting impact on American journalism and aviation research.

Hinton Mitchem embarked on his career as an entrepreneur in Alabama before entering public service. Elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1966, he later served over three decades in the State Senate. As President Pro Tempore from 1987 to 1997, Mitchem played a key role in shaping state legislation on education and economic development. He was known for his bipartisan approach and dedication to addressing rural healthcare and infrastructure needs. Mitchem balanced his political work with ongoing business ventures, contributing to local economic growth. He remained active in community organizations and civic projects throughout his life. Mitchem’s legacy is marked by his commitment to both business leadership and civic service in Alabama.

Masaya Nakamura, born in 1925, was a pioneering Japanese entrepreneur who founded Nakamura Manufacturing Co., later renamed Namco. Under his leadership, Namco released iconic arcade games, most notably Pac-Man, which became a global phenomenon in 1980. Nakamura expanded the company into amusement parks and entertainment centers, laying the groundwork for modern gaming culture. Revered as the "Father of Pac-Man," he guided Namco through the golden age of arcades and into the era of home consoles. His innovative spirit left an indelible mark on digital entertainment before his death on January 22, 2017.