August 23: ON THIS DAY in 1944, French patriots liberate Paris from Nazis
Eagle file photo
ON THIS DAY IN 1944, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “London, Aug. 23 (UP) — An angry army of French patriots rebelled against their Nazi conquerors and liberated their capital city of Paris today. Striking for their own freedom even as a massive American tank army gathered at the city gates, hundreds of thousands of embattled Partisans stormed Nazi barricades, overwhelmed the enemy garrisons and hoisted the tri-color triumphantly over the city … In four days street fighting such as the ancient city had not seen since the storming of the Bastille 155 years ago, the ill-armed patriots routed the bulk of the German occupation forces from Paris and slaughtered the doomed rear guards left to cover the Nazi evacuation.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1845, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle published the following advertisement: “Damaged Goods From The Great Fire — Persons wishing a relic from the late disastrous fire in New York, can obtain the same in the shape of Carpeting and other Dry Goods, on very low terms, at Todd’s Auction Store, 88 Fulton street.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1870, the Eagle reported, “Delegation of the New Church of St. Rose of Lima — Yesterday was a memorable day for the Roman Catholic residents of the village of Greenfield, being made so by the laying of the corner stone of its first Roman Catholic church. Heretofore the Catholic people residing in that locality, when they desired to attend public worship, had to go to Flatbush or Brooklyn to do so. In summer it was a long but pleasant walk but in winter it was impossible. The new church is located on Lawrence avenue, just back of Tunison’s Hotel.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1903, the Eagle reported, “London, Aug. 22 — Lord Salisbury died peacefully at 9:05 o’clock tonight. During the past forty-eight hours the end was seen to be inevitable, the great frame of England’s ex-premier being sustained only by the constant use of oxygen. Even the administration of oxygen failed of effect as the evening advanced, and soon after the shadows had crept up from the valley and enshrouded the dull red walls of Hatfield House the distinguished statesman, making the last effort of his life, turned slightly toward his favorite daughter, Lady [Gwendolen] Cecil, who was kneeling beside him, and then quietly breathed his last.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1926, the Eagle reported, “Rudolph Valentino is dead! Death occurred at 12 o’clock, Eastern daylight time, in the Polyclinic Hospital, Manhattan, where eight days ago the man familiarly known as Rudy underwent a double operation for gastric ulcers and appendicitis … The word brings sadness into many homes all over the world, for the dark-eyed young man with the winning smile was regarded as the most popular man of his type on the screen … Valentino died as he had lived, in a pitiless glare of publicity. At the hour of his death police reserves had been called to handle the great crowds milling around the Polyclinic Hospital, where the dying man lay on the eighth floor in suite Q, guarded day and night by detectives.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1927, the Eagle reported, “Sacco and Vanzetti are dead today and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is satisfied. They died bravely, without benefit of clergy, and without changing their views. Sacco spoke defiantly as he took his seat in the electric chair, but he also spoke lovingly of his family and his friends. Vanzetti protested his innocence until the last, but he also spoke forgivingly.” It was also reported, “Geneva, Switzerland, Aug. 23 (AP) — As a precautionary measure against the possible renewal of Sacco-Vanzetti riots, which cost the life of one man and considerable property damage here last night, a regiment of militia composed of three battalions today received orders to be ready for service at a moment’s notice … Windows of shops and agencies having American affiliation were smashed, and American-made automobiles were damaged.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1935, the Eagle reported, “Dazzy Vance, veteran right-handed pitcher, was today unconditionally released by the Dodgers. Vance was signed as a free agent last spring. The Cardinals had turned him loose a few days before he signed his Dodger contract. Vance was used only as a relief pitcher this season, and his record was three victories against two defeats. He broke into the National League as a member of the Dodgers in 1922 and remained with them until the fall of 1931, when he was traded to the Cardinals … His greatest year was in 1924 when he won 28 games. He led the National League in strikeouts in seven consecutive seasons. In his National League career Vance won 197 games and it was his ambition to register 200 triumphs. He is now 42 years old.” Vance was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955.
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ON THIS DAY IN 1944, the Eagle reported, “London, Aug. 23 (UP) — An angry army of French patriots rebelled against their Nazi conquerors and liberated their capital city of Paris today. Striking for their own freedom even as a massive American tank army gathered at the city gates, hundreds of thousands of embattled Partisans stormed Nazi barricades, overwhelmed the enemy garrisons and hoisted the tri-color triumphantly over the city … In four days street fighting such as the ancient city had not seen since the storming of the Bastille 155 years ago, the ill-armed patriots routed the bulk of the German occupation forces from Paris and slaughtered the doomed rear guards left to cover the Nazi evacuation.”
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