October 22

Collis P. Huntington emerged as a key figure in the development of America’s transcontinental railroad during the 19th century. Alongside Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker, he co-founded the Central Pacific Railroad, completing the western portion of the first U.S. transcontinental line. He later invested in the Southern Pacific and Chesapeake and Ohio Railroads, expanding rail networks across the country. Known for his strategic vision and business acumen, Huntington also supported philanthropic projects in Newport and New York. His endeavors helped transform American commerce and transportation, leaving a lasting infrastructural legacy.

Alan Ladd Jr. was born in Los Angeles in 1937 into a prominent Hollywood family; his father was actor Alan Ladd. He joined 20th Century Fox in the 1960s and rose to head of production by the mid-1970s. Ladd is best known for greenlighting blockbuster films such as Star Wars and Alien, demonstrating an eye for innovative storytelling. In 1979, he left Fox to co-found The Ladd Company, producing acclaimed films like Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire. Later, he won an Academy Award for Best Picture with Braveheart (1995) under the Pathe banner. Over his five-decade career, Ladd championed visionary filmmakers and transformed modern cinema until his death in 2022.