August 29: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
ON THIS DAY IN 1883, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “An island inhabited by some millions of people and studded with volcanoes suddenly became the theater of the most extraordinary manifestation of those activities for which science is able to give but a poor explanation. Some time ago a small volcanic island a few miles off the coast and containing a volcano was observed to be in a state of excitement. This was not an unusual occurrence, it appears, and though the wonderful phenomena were watched with intense interest, no especial alarm was felt in the main island. The glow and detonations on Krakatoa were distinctly perceptible forty-five miles distant, and a few hours later a shower of red hot rocks and ashes began to fall. The deposit increased for several hours; the water which separates the two islands was observed to be in a state of profound agitation, literally boiling or approaching that state. The bed of the strait was undoubtedly heated to a tremendous temperature, sharing the condition of Krakatoa. For 500 miles round the sea gave evidences of similar disturbances. But the sinister energy at work was traveling steadily toward Java carrying death and devastation with it.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1909, the Eagle reported, “Six new cases of infantile paralysis, the disease which many physicians of the Brownsville section of this borough have been battling with for the past two weeks, developed yesterday, and were taken to the East New York Dispensary at 68 Thatford avenue, for treatment. Physicians all over the district have attended numerous cases, which have not been taken to the dispensary, however, and, while no official report can be given, an Eagle reporter, making an investigation of the epidemic, was informed that many more cases had come to light. Since it became known that there was an epidemic among the children of residents of this section, there has been no alarming increase in the number of cases brought to the dispensary for treatment. Doctors who have been visited in their offices by persons seeking information as regards to the situation seem to be of the opinion that there are many cases among the poorer classes that have not received medical attendance because the parents did not realize the importance of having the children treated.”
Brooklyn Boro
View MoreNew York City’s most populous borough, Brooklyn, is home to nearly 2.6 million residents. If Brooklyn were an independent city it would be the fourth largest city in the United States. While Brooklyn has become the epitome of ‘cool and hip’ in recent years, for those that were born here, raised families here and improved communities over the years, Brooklyn has never been ‘uncool’.