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.

January 31: Paul Jabara, who wrote “Last Dance” for Donna Summer and “It’s Raining Men” for the Weathergirls, was born on this date in 1948.

January 30: Dr. Harvey Burdell was last seen in his office on Bond Street on this date in 1857; the next morning, his dead body, stabbed repeatedly, was found.

January 29: Polly Platt, Hollywood producer, screenwriter, and production designer, who wrote the screenplay for “Pretty Baby” and was the production designer for “The Last Picture Show,” “Paper Moon,” and “What’s Up Doc,” was born on this date in 1939.

January 28: Samuel Chester Reid, whose idea for changes to the American flag as new states were admitted to the Union (change the number of stars but maintain the 13 stripes) was adopted into law in 1818, died on this date in 1861.