Historical Trivial Fun Fact

Today is November 8th. In all my years of radio, I cannot believe I never saw this connection before (and we used to do a lot of “This Day in History” stuff).

The fun fact has to do with these two men:

Both of these men were born on this day*.

November 8, 1431 is the date that has been accepted and observed as the birthday of the man on the right – Vlad the Impaler. He is regarded as a hero in Romania.

November 8, 1847 is the date that the man on the left was born – Bram Stoker. He was the irish author who was known for writing a dozen horror and mystery novels (and novellas).

I’m sure by now you have made the connection: Vlad the Impaler is better known as Vlad Dracula and Bram Stoker is the author who wrote “Dracula.”

I know that Vlad’s birthday is traditionally observed on this day. I have to wonder if it is observed today because it is Stoker’s birthday. Either way, I think it is cool to note the connection between these two.

FYI – There is no birthday connection between Vlad and Bram to Bela … Lugosi. He was born October 20, 1882. Lugosi, of course, is best remembered as Count Dracula in the movies.