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February 8: Painter John George Brown, who specialized in paintings of New York City’s street urchins, died on this date in 1913.

February 7: On this date in 1983, Eubie Blake celebrated his 100th birthday; he died five days later and was cremated at Green-Wood.

February 6: “Wizard of the Strings” Roy Smeck, who was widely acclaimed for his work on the banjo, ukelele, and guitar, was born on this date in 1900.

February 5: Andrew H. Mickle, born on this date in 1805, grew wealthy as a tobacco dealer and was elected mayor of New York City in 1845; he served one two-year term.

February 4: Louis Michel Eilshemius, eccentric 20th century painter of landscapes and nudes, was born on this date in 1864.

February 3: Charlotte Canda, on this date in 1845, celebrated her 17th birthday; she died later that day in a carriage accident.

February 2: Green-Wood Cemetery, on this date in 2012, purchased the landmarked Weir-McGovern Greenhouse on the corner of 25th Street and Fifth Avenue.

February 1: On this date, William F. Mangels, who invented “The Whip” ride and the wave pool, was born on this date in 1866.