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February 10: The Bradley Martin Ball, intended to be “the greatest party in the history of the city,” was held on this date in 1897. The police were called out to prevent demonstrators, angry at the money spent, from storming the Waldorf Hotel.

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.