May 11: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

May 11, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle History

Share this:

ON THIS DAY IN 1911, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “The following circular has been sent out by the promoters of Mothers Day, the observance of which will occur next Sunday: ‘Mothers Day, the second Sunday in May, in honor of ‘The best mother who ever lived’ — your mother; badge, white carnation; observance, ‘Live this day as your mother would have you live it,’ and give happiness to her (or in her memory), through some special kindness, visit, gift or letter. Remember the unfortunate in hospital, home or prison with needed comfort, letter of cheer, or the ‘memory flower’ of the day. Mothers Day is so simple in observance and so universal in its appeal that it is possible for it to be observed by every creed, class, race and country. Men and nations may differ as to the fitness of many ‘honor days,’ but all will surely unite in a movement to exalt the home and motherhood in a way that adds to the integrity of domestic and national life.’”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1919, the Eagle reported, “Very recent discoveries tend to prove with irrefutable evidence that the rings of Saturn are not all solid as has long been thought. Instead, the entire ring system is made up of tiny little moonlets, the largest of which is probably not more than four miles in diameter. These little bodies in their rotation around Saturn revolve as independent bodies floating free in space without touching each other. Collisions, however, once in a while are bound to occur.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1922, the Eagle reported, “WASHINGTON — President [Warren] Harding today signed the bill extending for two years from next June 30 the 3 percent immigration restriction act.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1937, the Eagle reported, “LONDON (U.P.) — King George VI, in his first speech of Coronation Week, pledged himself today to carry on his father’s work ‘for the welfare of our great empire,’ and in doing so ignored the 10½-month reign of his brother, the Duke of Windsor. Grouped before the King at Buckingham Palace were the Prime Ministers of the dominions and representatives of the colonies and of India. They presented to him their loyal addresses as king of the individual dominions, of the colonies and as emperor of India. The King was dressed in plain morning clothes instead of the gorgeous robes he will wear tomorrow at his coronation. He referred to himself as head of a great family and said: ‘Today I stand on the threshold of a new life. Heavy are the responsibilities that have so suddenly and unexpectedly come upon me. But it gives me courage to know that I can count on your unfailing help and affection. For my part I shall do my utmost to carry on my father’s work for the welfare of our great empire.’”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1952, the Eagle reported, “Norwegian-Americans of the borough will participate in a parade in Bay Ridge next Saturday in observance of Norwegian Constitution Day. Borough President [John] Cashmore has issued a proclamation declaring May 17 Norwegian Day in Brooklyn. The Bay Ridge section of the city is the fourth largest center of a Norwegian population in the world, being surpassed only by Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen, in Norway. The holiday commemorates the adoption at Eidsvold in Norway on May 17, 1814, a constitution based upon the principles outlined in the constitutions of the United States, France (1791) and Spain (1812). Trygvie Lie, secretary general of the United Nations, has promised the Norwegian-American parade committee that he will try to get over to review the parade from the grandstand at Leif Erickson Park, 66th St. between 6th and 7th Aves. Norwegian Ambassador Wilhelm de Munthe Morgenstierne, Mayor [Vincent] Impellitteri and others were invited to be in the reviewing stand.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1963, the Eagle reported, “Ed Kranepool, 18-year-old Mets first baseman, spent part of yesterday afternoon getting a look at Shea Stadium, new home of the Mets scheduled for completion in early August. The phenomenal Mets rookie couldn’t resist taking a few practice swings in the park which may be his home for many years to come.”

***

Sabrina Carpenter
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include fashion designer Valentino Garavani, who was born in 1932; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Burdon (The Animals), who was born in 1941; artificial heart developer Robert Jarvik, who was born in 1946; baseball player Francisco Cordero, who was born in 1975; model and actress Laetitia Casta, who was born in 1978; Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, who was born in 1983; former NFL wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who was born in 1988; Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, who was born in 1989; NBA forward Maurice Harkless, who was born in 1993; singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter, who was born in 1999; and actress and voice artist Kaitlyn Dias, who was born in 1999.

***

GOING SOUTH: On this day in 1846, President James K. Polk addressed Congress about deteriorating U.S.-Mexico relations. The U.S. officially declared war on Mexico two days later.

***

SILLY SEASON: Monty Python was formed on this day in 1969. The British comedy troupe included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin. Their legendary TV series, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” premiered Oct. 5, 1969.

***

THANKS FOR THE MEMORY: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats,” based on poetry by T.S. Eliot, premiered in London’s West End on this day in 1981. It ran for 21 years and 8,949 performances.

***

Special thanks to “Chase’s Calendar of Events” and Brooklyn Public Library.

Quotable:

“Whoever wants to engage people’s interest must provoke them.”

— artist Salvador Dali, who was born on this day in 1904