February 24: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

February 24, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle History

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ON THIS DAY IN 1892, a Brooklyn Daily Eagle editorial said, “[Grover] Cleveland’s reception in the Northwest is in the form of a hearty ovation. At Detroit he was greeted with an amount of enthusiasm that testified anew to the strong hold he retains on the masses of the people. The warmth of the greeting was not the result of prearrangement. It was an open, timely and fragrant tribute to the character of the guest and a straightforward recognition of his distinguished public service. Speechmaking was dispensed with. Vigorous handshaking, after the time honored American fashion, answered the purpose of hospitable compliment. The people of Michigan have, in their reception of the ex-President, displayed a generosity and a spirit refreshingly above the narrow limitations of rancorous partisanship. The events of Mr. Cleveland’s Northwestern journey are creditable to him and to the public who rightfully honor one who has served them well.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1923, the Eagle said, “Both old parties seem to be sitting back in perfect confidence that no matter how weak a candidate one may nominate, the other can be relied upon to pick out a worse one.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1932, the Eagle reported, “The development, sponsored by John D. Rockefeller Jr., between 48th and 51st Sts. and 5th and 6th Aves., Manhattan, will be known formally as the Rockefeller Center, it was announced today by the board of directors of the Metropolitan Square Corporation. Up to date the entire development has been popularly known as ‘Radio City,’ because a portion of the area has been leased to radio interests. This portion in the westerly part of the development will continue to use the Radio City title.

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ON THIS DAY IN 1944, the Eagle reported, “WASHINGTON (U.P.) — A resentful House today overrode President Roosevelt’s veto of a $2,315,200,000 tax bill which he called a measure providing relief in some sections ‘not for the needy, but for the greedy.’ The vote was 299 to 95. The bill was sent immediately to the Senate, which also was expected to muster the necessary two-thirds vote to override the veto and make the bill law despite Mr. Roosevelt’s objections. The Senate will not vote today. The House vote reflected anger over the stinging tone of President Roosevelt’s veto message, which Senate Democratic Leader Alben Barkley said yesterday was a blow at the integrity of every member of Congress … Barkley, of Kentucky, formally resigned as Democratic floor leader of the Senate today, but agreed to accept the post again when his colleagues unanimously reelected him and thereby gave him a vote of confidence in his tax bill split with President Roosevelt.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1949, the Eagle reported, “RHODES (U.P.) — Israel signed an historic armistice with Egypt today in a brief 22-minute ceremony which laid the basis for permanent peace in the Holy Land. In the armistice, Israel won de facto recognition from the Arab states, which immediately lined up to follow Egypt’s example and make peace with Tel Aviv. The agreement gave Israel 25 Jewish settlements in the Negeb captured during October’s bitter battles. Egypt won a 100-square-mile slice of Southern Palestine covering a 20-by-5-mile strip along the coast from Gaza south to the Egyptian border. Five copies of the armistice were initiated officially between 10:30 and 10:44 today but war between Israel and Egypt actually ended last night when both sides joked and discussed their battles at a champagne party celebrating the agreement.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1954, the Eagle reported, “ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. (U.P.) — The stunned New York Yankees speculated today that general manager George Weiss is dickering to close a deal for a front-line pitcher in an effort to compensate for the awful truth that Vic Raschi is gone. Although still ‘down’ in the wake of Weiss’ astounding deal plus his withering blast at ‘some’ Yankees for being ‘complacent,’ the players reasoned that the front office could not afford to stand pat with the current pitching staff. Raschi and the voluntarily retired Johnny Sain won a total of 27 games last season — a total not likely to be made up by the current staff. It was believed that Weiss is attempting to swing a deal for Early Wynn of the Cleveland Indians or either of the Baltimore Orioles’ two young stars — Bob Turley or Don Larsen. Weiss is believed ready to offer a package including first baseman Eddie Robinson and highly regarded infielder Andy Carey to obtain any of that trio.”

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ON THIS DAY IN 1963, the Eagle reported, “ATLANTA (UPI) — Measles, one of man’s oldest diseases and still a major killer in some parts of the world, apparently is on the way out. The U.S. Public Health Service, university researchers and the drug industry have isolated and produced both live and dead virus vaccines that should be ready for general use within several months. The National Institute of Health is now preparing the publication of regulations for the new vaccine in the Federal Register. That’s the first step in licensing the vaccine for mass production by the drug manufacturers. In the United States, nine out of 10 persons get measles by the time they are 15. There are from 400 to 500 deaths per year, mostly from complications like pneumonia growing out of this disease. That’s twice as many deaths as now caused by polio.”

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Daniel Kaluuya
Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP

NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include “The Sopranos” star Dominic Chianese, who was born in 1931; singer and actress Joanie Sommers, who was born in 1941; “Island of the Blue Dolphins” star Celia Kaye, who was born in 1942; former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, who was born in 1942; former Yahoo! Incorporated CEO Terry Semel, who was born in Brooklyn in 1943; “Spin City” star Barry Bostwick, who was born in 1945; “Bad to the Bone” singer George Thorogood, who was born in 1950; “That ’70s Show” star Debra Jo Rupp, who was born in 1951; Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Murray, who was born in 1956; journalist Paula Zahn, who was born in 1956; “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star Beth Broderick, who was born in 1959; “Titanic” star Billy Zane, who was born in 1966; “NYPD Blue” star Bonnie Somerville, who was born in Brooklyn in 1974; Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, who was born in 1989; ice dancer and Olympic medalist Madison Hubbell, who was born in 1991; and “Straight Outta Compton” star O’Shea Jackson Jr., who was born in 1991.