ON THIS DAY IN 1875, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “Answers to the British Commissioners from municipalities and commercial organizations indicate that the north of England and Ireland will be well represented at the U.S. Centennial.”
✰✰✰
ON THIS DAY IN 1913, the Eagle reported, “The death of J.P. Morgan did not paralyze the financial world. There was no outpouring of securities here or abroad, and the New York stock market displayed a very orderly tone. At the opening of business the entire list of stocks was supported, the orders being handled by the specialists, and after the first fifteen minutes the disposition on the part of room traders to sell abated. Mr. Morgan’s death had been discounted and the support which came in during the early trading turned the trend upward. It is generally believed that the great financier has left his affairs in such good condition and in such able hands that no untoward developments will occur.”
✰✰✰
ON THIS DAY IN 1936, the Eagle reported, “WASHINGTON (AP) — Anger which has smoldered in Iran (Persia) since two Maryland traffic policemen arrested the Iranian Minister burst into the open today. Turning a diplomatic cold shoulder to the United States, Iran closed its legation and consulates in this country. Its diplomats in Washington and consular officers in New York and Chicago packed up to leave for home. Persia was hurt, authoritative sources said, because of articles in the American press which were considered discourteous. Apparently, however, the diplomatic reproof was a direct outgrowth of the Maryland incident. Minister Ghaffer Djalal was motoring through Elkton, Md., last October when two policemen stopped his car. They said his chauffeur was speeding. After a dispute, the officers handcuffed the Minister. He protested to the State Department, and subsequently the policemen lost their jobs for violating diplomatic immunity. Secretary Hull apologized, but he also hinted pointedly that foreign diplomats should observe American laws. Djalal, who said he was aware of no law violation, was recalled to Iran in January. The Persian Government sent no Minister to succeed him. The legation here has been headed by Hossein Ghods, charge d’affaires. The closing of the offices is not a break in diplomatic relations, because the American legation at Teheran remains open.”
✰✰✰
ON THIS DAY IN 1939, the Eagle reported, “The world premiere of ‘The Story of Alexander Graham Bell’ begins today at the Roxy Theater. The production stars Don Ameche, Loretta Young and Henry Fonda and marks the first Cosmopolitan release by 20th Century-Fox.”
✰✰✰
ON THIS DAY IN 1951, the Eagle reported, “TUCSON, ARIZ. (U.P.) — It was only an exhibition victory, but it was one of the sweetest in the career of Frank Hiller, the Chicago Cubs pitcher who was cast off by the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old right-hander, aiming to prove the Yankees made a mistake in selling him, scattered nine hits in going the nine-inning distance yesterday as the Cubs beat the world champions, 5 to 2. Hiller allowed only four hits and no runs in the last six innings. Hank Sauer sent Hiller off to a good lead when he hit a two-run homer off Yankee starter Tommy Byrne in the first inning. One of the hits off the chunky Cub star was Joe DiMaggio’s first triple of the Spring season. Mickey Mantle, the Yankees’ rookie outfield star, was out of the lineup because of a sprained right wrist, suffered while batting Thursday.”
✰✰✰
ON THIS DAY IN 1953, the Eagle reported, “Peter Rabbit is expected to send 100,000 personally signed Bunnygrams to good boys and girls this Easter, A. S. Katz, local Western Union manager, stated today. The avalanche of flash news, direct from Bunnyland, makes the Easter Rabbit the telegraph company’s largest single customer except for Santa Claus. Bunnygrams, introduced two years ago, met with quick popularity. Just in case any doubt lingers that Bunnygrams are personal messages from the Easter Bunny, the clincher is the authentic signature: ‘Peter Rabbit.’”
✰✰✰
Ewan McGregor. Photo: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP
NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include “1776” star William Daniels, who was born in Brooklyn in 1927; Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones, who was born in 1934; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Herb Alpert, who was born in 1935; Oscar-winning actor Christopher Walken, who was born in 1943; “Welcome Back, Kotter” star Gabe Kaplan, who was born in Brooklyn in 1945; former Vice President Al Gore, who was born in 1948; “Cheers” star Rhea Perlman, who was born in Brooklyn in 1948; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Angus Young (AC/DC), who was born in 1955; TV writer and producer Howard Gordon, who was born in 1961; “Star Wars” star
Rhea Perlman. Photo: Ryan Miller/Invision/AP
Ewan McGregor, who was born in 1971; and actress and musician Kate Micucci, who was born in 1980.
✰✰✰
CLEAN UP YOUR ACT:The Motion Picture Production Code was instituted on this day in 1930. Also known as the Hays Code, after Will H. Hays, the president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, it set rigid guidelines for what was acceptable content for American viewing audiences. The code remained in effect for decades but its influence declined in the 1960s. In 1968, it was replaced by the MPAA film rating system.
✰✰✰
Christopher Walken. Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
LBJ (LEAVING BY JANUARY): President Lyndon Johnson shocked the nation on this day in 1968. In a televised speech about the war in Vietnam, he said, “I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president.” On April 27, Vice President Hubert Humphrey announced his candidacy. At the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention, Humphrey won the nomination on the first ballot. He lost the general election to former Vice President Richard Nixon.
✰✰✰
Special thanks to “Chase’s Calendar of Events” and Brooklyn Public Library.
Quotable:
“I don’t need to be made to look evil. I can do that on my own.” — actor Christopher Walken, who was born on this day in 1943.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
