May 13: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
ON THIS DAY IN 1880, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “The enormous immigration to this country is attracting attention, and it promises to add greatly to the future wealth and prosperity of the United States. During the year ended April 30, the number of immigrants at this port was 198,876, against 86,905 to the corresponding date last year. This does not include 31,798 citizens of the United States returning from abroad, but embraces only the actual immigrants. It is estimated that the average sum of money brought by each person is $100. This makes an import of, at least, $20,000,000, which has been brought here for use in the purchase of land and farming implements, and will eventually be distributed among our own people.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1912, the Eagle reported, “‘The Suffragettes,’ I have heard,’ said the Rev. Don Clyde Kite yesterday in an address to men at the Mothers Day service held at the Bedford Branch, Y.M.C.A., Bedford avenue and Monroe street, ‘are trying to appropriate Mothers Day for themselves and to use it for the spread of their political propaganda. It is a pity, if this is true. Mothers Day should never assume a political aspect. Such an aspect would detract from its sacredness and effectiveness to make men better. The day should exercise a holy function and no other.’ Mr. Kite traced the rapid rise and spread of the popularity of Mothers Day from its start four years ago. Last year, he said, it was observed in every state in the country and in almost every country in the world … ‘Maternity,’ he said further, ‘is the masterpiece of God. Science tells us that it is the crowning act of the evolutionary process. The highest form of life is the mother. It has been said that when God found He could not be everywhere at the same time, He made mothers to look after things for Him. Husbands and wives may part, sisters and brothers may become bitter enemies, but mother love lives on forever. A son may bring the deepest disgrace to those who are near him, but the mother loves him still. A man has become vicious and depraved, indeed, whose heart is not touched and softened by the mother who loved him.’”
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’.