On This Day

San Francisco City Hall dedicated by Mayor James Rolph

James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr. (August 23, 1869 – June 2, 1934) was an American politician.

James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr. (August 23, 1869 – June 2, 1934) was an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to a single term as the 27th governor of California from January 6, 1931, until his death on June 2, 1934, at the height of the Great Depression. Previously, Rolph had been the 30th mayor of San Francisco from January 8, 1912, until his resignation in 1931 to become governor. Rolph remains the longest-serving mayor in San Francisco history.

Historical Significance

James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr.

Events Before

  1. Kornelis "Klaas" ter Laan becomes the Netherlands' first socialist mayor in Zaandam

    Kornelis "Klaas" ter Laan becomes the Netherlands' first socialist mayor in Zaandam

  2. Danish "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen (28), pen name Isak Dinesen marries her 2nd cousin Baron Hans von Blixen-Fine

    Danish "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen (28), pen name Isak Dinesen marries her 2nd cousin Baron Hans von Blixen-Finecke

  3. "The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is relea

    "The Squaw Man," the first feature-length film shot in Hollywood, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, is released in the US

  4. First successful non-direct blood transfusion is performed by Dr. Albert Hustin in Brussels

    First successful non-direct blood transfusion is performed by Dr. Albert Hustin in Brussels

  5. Film serial "The Perils of Pauline" is shown for the first time in Los Angeles, California

    Film serial "The Perils of Pauline" is shown for the first time in Los Angeles, California

Events After

  1. The first blood transfusion using stored and cooled blood is performed during World War I

    The first blood transfusion using stored and cooled blood is performed during World War I

  2. Rodman Wanamaker organises a lunch to discuss forming a golfers association (later the PGA) at the Taplow Club, Martiniq

    Rodman Wanamaker organises a lunch to discuss forming a golfers association (later the PGA) at the Taplow Club, Martinique Hotel, New York City

  3. Battle of Verdun begins with a German offensive, leads to an estimated 1 million casualties, and becomes the longest bat

    Battle of Verdun begins with a German offensive, leads to an estimated 1 million casualties, and becomes the longest battle of the entire war (9 months)

  4. British author of "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien marries Edith Mary Bratt at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic

    British author of "The Lord of the Rings", J.R.R. Tolkien marries Edith Mary Bratt at St. Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church, Warwick

  5. Actress Gloria Swanson (17) weds actor Wallace Beery (30)

    Actress Gloria Swanson (17) weds actor Wallace Beery (30)

More from the 1910s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on December 28, 1915?
James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr. (August 23, 1869 – June 2, 1934) was an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected to a single term as the 27th governor of California from January 6, 1931, until his death on June 2, 1934, at the height of the Great Depression.
Why is San Francisco City Hall dedicated by Mayor James Rolph significant?
James "Sunny Jim" Rolph Jr.

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