December 30: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

December 30, 2023 Brooklyn Eagle History

Share this:

ON THIS DAY IN 1906, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “The debutante is well to the fore in social functions just now, and the fashionable debutante this season has her charms of youth and beauty backed up by frocks and frills that can do much for even the plainest of buds. The evening frock is the debutante’s first concern. These may be costly and elaborate, but it must be elaboration of the daintiest type, suggesting the traditional rosebud maid with whom many a modern debutante has little in common save youth. The laws of good taste demand an air of simplicity in the young girl’s toilet, even though the impression of simplicity may be attained by devious and intricate ways and may be totally misleading. Some of the costly frocks turned out by New York dressmakers this winter have been made for debutantes. One and all, these frocks were girlish, dainty things. The only suggestion of costliness was in the exquisitely dainty hand embroidery of the fine, delicate garment of flower trimmings applied.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1915, the Eagle reported, “A bill for the creation of a National Park service will be introduced by Congressman Kent immediately after New Year’s. The purpose of the bill is to establish the necessary equipment for the development and administration of the national parks and monuments. There are now fourteen parks and thirty monuments throughout the United States. Appropriations for these parks will also be proposed in this Congress.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1926, the Eagle reported, “PASADENA, CAL. (AP) — Practice of the Stanford and Alabama football squads forecast an aerial duel of brilliance, perhaps unprecedented in Rose Bowl gridiron history, for the tussle here New Year’s Day. Alabama perhaps has an edge in this department of the game, for the Crimson side has two heavers of note, Hoyt Winslett and Raymond Pepper, both ends, who can toss a football well over 50 yards if necessary. Stanford has one mighty passer, but one who is tireless, ‘Biff’ Hoffman, giant fullback. Seldom since 1922 when California with the peer of passers, Harold (‘Brick’) Muller, defeated Ohio State, have two teams been matched for a New Year’s Day game at Rose Bowl Field boasting of men who can pass so far and with such accuracy as those who will perform in the forthcoming contest.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1928, the Eagle reported, “Richard Barthelmess’ newest production, ‘Seven Seas,’ is the photoplay attraction at the Brooklyn Strand this week. This is the first Barthelmess picture to be synchronized with music and sound … On the surrounding program are a Walt Disney animated cartoon, the first of the new ‘Mickey Mouse’ series; the Mark Strand Topical Review and the Movietone News.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1934, the Eagle reported, “The Fox Brooklyn Theater will offer its patrons a special performance on Monday midnight to accompany the passing of the old year and the arrival of the new. The complete show, on stage and screen will be available on this occasion. At the close of the last regular performance on Monday night Ben Nelson and his Fox Theater orchestra will introduce the midnight show with timely music, and Henny Youngman, master of ceremonies, will preside over the entertainment.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1938, the Eagle reported, “With ice skating as popular as it is, many New Yorkers are expected to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year in a new fashion. A most novel celebration in the form of Broadway’s first all-night skating party will be staged at the Gay Blades Ice Rink, where two different celebrations will be held. Another novel ‘Dawn of a New Day’ party will be staged at the Gay Blades, where fancy skating experts dressed as the World’s Fair trylon and perisphere will put on a novel exhibition as part of the New Year’s Eve show. In addition a mass waltz skating exhibition will be presented.”

***

ON THIS DAY IN 1941, the Eagle reported, “New Yorkers prepared for their first wartime New Year’s celebration since 1918, aware that 1942 may bring a serious curtailment in time and means for gaiety. Hotels, restaurants, night clubs and theaters reported they expected the crowds to be as large as in former years. The demand for reservations has increased in the past few days. Although no hotels have been taxed to capacity and there were few if any shows that could boast a sellout, the slack is expected to be taken up in the next 24 hours. Night club prices are somewhat higher this year than last. Most theaters, as usual, have advanced their prices for the night. The heaviest police detail in the history of New Year’s Eve celebrations will patrol Times Square. Air raid precautions have been taken to forestall panic and provide for quick clearing if there is an alarm. Many parties have been planned throughout the city for servicemen.”

***

NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include Baseball Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, who was born in Brooklyn in 1935; former NFL player Jim Marshall, who was born in 1937; singer-songwriter Paul Stookey, who was born in 1937; “Cheers” co-creator Jim Burrows, who was born in 1940; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith, who was born in 1946; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jeff Lynne (ELO), who was born in 1947; TV personality Meredith Vieira, who was born in 1953; “Moesha” star Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was born in 1956; actress and comedian Tracey Ullman, who was born in 1959; political commentator Sean Hannity, who was born in 1961; former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was born in 1963; golfer Tiger Woods, who was born in 1975; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Eliza Dushku, who was born in 1980; and L.A. Lakers forward LeBron James, who was born in 1984.