1905 ~ 1976
Howard Robard Hughes Jr. died over forty years ago today on April 5, 1976. He was an American entrepreneur,
known during his lifetime as one of the most financially successful
individuals in the world. He first made a name for himself as a film
producer, and then became an influential figure in the aviation
industry. Later in life, he became known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle, oddities that were caused in part by a worsening obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and chronic pain from a plane crash.
The Odd Beginning
The birthplace of Howard Robard Hughes Jr. is recorded as either Humble or Houston, Texas.
The date remains uncertain due to conflicting dates from various
sources. He repeatedly claimed that his birthday was on Christmas Eve. A
1941 affidavit birth certificate
of Hughes that was signed by his aunt Annette Gano Lummis and Estelle
Boughton Sharp states that he was born on December 24, 1905, in Harris County, Texas. However, his certificate of baptism recorded on October 7, 1906, in the parish register of St. John's Episcopal Church in Keokuk, Iowa, listed his birth as September 24, 1905 without any reference to the place of birth.
At a young age, Hughes demonstrated interest in science and technology. In particular, he had great engineering aptitude and built Houston's first "wireless" radio transmitter at age 11. He went on to be one of the first licensed ham radio operators in Houston, having the assigned call sign W5CY (originally 5CY). At 12, Hughes was photographed in the local newspaper, identified as being the first boy in Houston to have a "motorized" bicycle, which he had built from parts from his father's steam engine.
At a young age, Hughes demonstrated interest in science and technology. In particular, he had great engineering aptitude and built Houston's first "wireless" radio transmitter at age 11. He went on to be one of the first licensed ham radio operators in Houston, having the assigned call sign W5CY (originally 5CY). At 12, Hughes was photographed in the local newspaper, identified as being the first boy in Houston to have a "motorized" bicycle, which he had built from parts from his father's steam engine.
Howard Hughes 12yo
photographer unknown
The Bizarre End
In his final reclusive state, Hughes kept his urine stored in jars in
his room and wore Kleenex boxes as slippers due to his crippling fear of
germs. He also had a fear of radiation and pollution. During one reclusive stretch, Hughes lived for five months in a
screening studio in Hollywood. During that time, he ate and drank
exclusively Hershey Bars, pecans, and milk. One of his more odd obsessions was with peas: he would arrange them on his plate according to size.
His appearance when he was found dead was extremely grotesque. He
was covered in uncut, matted hair, had extremely long toenails, and the
once strapping, 6′ 4″ man weighed only 90 pounds.
Hughes Family grave site
photographer unknown
Time magazine cover
July 19, 1948
"Money can't buy happiness."
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Styrous® ~ Wednesday, April 5, 2017
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