December 23: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

December 23, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle History

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ON THIS DAY IN 1896, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “‘A green Christmas makes a fat churchyard,’ says the old proverb. The snow storm that began last evening will, for the first time in years, give Brooklyn a ‘white Christmas,’ which ‘makes a lean churchyard.’ The snow descended lightly at first, but soon grew heavier as the wind increased, and the streets and houses were soon enveloped in a white mantle. The storm came from the lake regions, but was not of an extensive character, and the weather cleared about 10 o’clock this morning at which time about four inches had fallen. Observer Dunn said today: ‘I do not think we will have any more snow at present, but lovers of sleighing will probably have a chance to indulge in the exhilarating sport on Christmas day, for there is a slight cold wave in sight, which will probably reach this vicinity by tomorrow night.’”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1928, the Eagle reported, “Sounding faintly through thousands of miles of ether, the chime of old Trinity Church on Wall st. will softly announce Christmas Day to the waiting millions in every part of the United States on Tuesday morning. This is considered one of the fine features, which include the singing of carols of the old days, of foreign countries, and of the present, the Christmas dramas, the recitations, stories and orchestral music of the season, to be broadcast by all stations. Many special numbers will be put on the air, and the regular weekly broadcasters have all arranged elaborate programs … Even Santa Claus would be swamped if he tried to put a radio set into every one of the 14,000,000 homes that are ‘dark’ as far as broadcasting is concerned, and it will take several years to supply the enormous demand. Even when it is fully supplied, some revolutionary change will take place, and everybody will have to start all over again, if they want to be up to date.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1945, the Eagle reported, “The final week of frantic pre-holiday shopping over, the city last night caught its breath for a day of rest before making last minute preparations to taste the joys of the first peacetime Christmas in five years. Not a dull moment appeared in store for those who remained in the city after the peak of holiday travel, the heaviest ever, had passed yesterday. The Christmas calendar was jam-packed with events of both deeply religious and social significance. Chances were strong that the city would celebrate its first white Christmas in 15 years. Beginning tomorrow, Christmas Eve, the bells will ring out and echo in the hearts of a grateful people that glad anthem, ‘Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace to Men of Good Will.’ It will be heard repeatedly during this happy season as Brooklynites, with the rest of the Christian world, return in spirit to Bethlehem to adore the Christ Child lying in the manger and hail Him as the Saviour of Mankind and the Prince of Peace.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1948, the Eagle reported, “The Christmas spirit prevailed in many sections of Brooklyn today as numerous organizations held Yuletide parties, with children coming in for the major portion of the attention. David F. Soden’s Christmas party for 300 orphans and underprivileged children was held at Floyd Bennett Field, and the following homes participated: Convent of Mercy, St. Vincent’s, St. Peter Claver, St. Charles Hospital, Kallman and Ottilie. Several hundred youngsters attended a party at the 88th Precinct Police Athletic League in the station house, 298 Classon Ave. Each P.A.L. member present received a gift from Santa in addition to cake and ice cream. Another party will be that of the Mothers Club of Public School 106, 1314 Putnam Ave. Motion pictures, ice cream and Santa Claus were on the program. The Syrian Young Men’s Association also entertained children in Our Lady of Lebanon R.C. Church, Henry and Remsen Sts.

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ON THIS DAY IN 1960, the Bay Ridge Home Reporter said, “GETTYSBURG, PA. — Christmas was a lonely, bleak time for many of the soldiers of the Civil War but they often found ways to enliven the occasion. How one group of Union soldiers on picket duty spent a Christmas Day is told in the December issue of ‘Civil War Times,’ a magazine published 10 times a year in this historic town. Telling of the Christmas dinner he ate with the soldiers, Edwin Forbes, outstanding Civil War artist, described the food which was served on ‘a table improvised from the cover of an oat-bin.’ Said Forbes: ‘The bill of fare consisted of rabbit-stew, fricasseed chicken, griddle-cakes with honey, and excellent coffee.’ According to Forbes, soldiers on picket duty fared better than those in camp because they were able to get food from farmers in the area. He found salt pork the most common meal served to soldiers in camp on Christmas Day. But some of the more fortunate men in camp received boxes from home and Forbes tells how ‘their faces grew bright as they lifted out roast turkeys, chickens, bread, cake and pies that kindly hands had prepared.’ He added: ‘An occasional bottle of old rye, secreted in a turkey or loaf of bread, would give rise to much fun and expected enjoyment. The provost guard, however, seldom overlooked a bottle, and confiscated any contraband liquor.’ The article telling of Forbes’ experiences is accompanied in the December issue of ‘Civil War Times’ with a series of Christmas illustrations drawn by artists of the period.”

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Finn Wolfhard
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include “This is Spinal Tap” star Harry Shearer, who was born in 1943; “All My Children” star Susan Lucci, who was born in 1946; Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Ham, who was born in 1948; original Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips, who was born in 1951; political analyst William Kristol, who was born in 1952; Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray, who was born in 1956; singer-songwriter Victoria Williams, who was born in 1958; former NFL head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was born in 1963; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), who was born in 1964; former Cleveland Indians catcher Victor Martinez, who was born in 1978; actress and model Estella Warren, who was born in 1978; Miss Brooklyn 2010 and Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan, who was born in 1988; and “Stranger Things” star Finn Wolfhard, who was born in 2002.