October 12: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
ON THIS DAY IN 1892, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported, “And now, when it would seem that all had been done that could be done, to give honor to the name and perpetuate the glorious deeds of Columbus the discoverer, the city of New York, reflecting but the national expression, commemorates the heroism of four hundred years ago by a military parade, the like of which for magnitude, for splendor and for patriotic sentiment has never been surpassed. The host that marched the streets of New York this morning represented the mighty army, militia and marine service of the United States, the Grand Army of the Republic, the fire departments and the civic societies of New York and surrounding cities … The ceremonies of the day were inaugurated at sunrise. From half a hundred church towers the glad chimes rang out a welcome to the anniversary day, and arising in tintinnabulous melody above the awakening city gave all mankind within hearing a musical invitation to partake in the festivities of the day. Loudest of all spoke old Trinity’s bells in patriotic rhythmical note, and early as was the hour, there were hundreds who stood in the street, gazing at the weather-stained tower until the last faint echo died away.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1909, the Eagle reported, “KEY WEST, FLA. — With the city in the hands of the military authorities, who were called on by the mayor for assistance, efforts are being concentrated today on ascertaining the damage wrought by the hurricane which swept the Gulf yesterday. It is estimated the damage to property in the city and harbor will reach $2,000,000. No loss of life has been reported in the city, but it is thought the death toll will be heavy along the eastern coast of the peninsula. Many of the vessels which had been swept from their moorings during the blow yesterday afternoon managed to ride out the storm during the night and limped back to their piers this morning, but between sixty and seventy-five boats of all descriptions were wrecked. It is feared a number of lives were lost on these vessels. In the city, whole blocks of frame structures were razed, brick houses also fell before the gale, while the great tobacco factories and warehouses suffered considerable damage. It will probably be several weeks before they will be able to resume operations. The city jail is filled to overflowing with vandals captured by the militia and police during the night. Thieves began operations as soon as the fury of the storm had abated, the wrecking of the electric light plant having plunged the city into darkness. The mayor immediately took stringent measures to cope with the situation and proclaimed martial law.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1915, the Eagle reported, “Brooklyn’s waterfront is booming. There is too much work to be done for the men who can do it. There are all sorts of schemes for increasing efficiency. One firm has already planned for extensive improvements for repairing ships, and the vision of a greater merchant marine for America has been seen by Brooklyn operators, who all agree that if ship building were possible here, Brooklyn would be the center of shipping industry for the country.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1950, the Eagle reported, “WASHINGTON (U.P.) — Commercial color television is scheduled to hit the airwaves Nov. 20 — if it doesn’t hit the courts first. The Federal Communications Commission has authorized the Columbia Broadcasting System to begin color telecasts on that date. But CBS President Frank Stanton conceded that, even without legal delays, it may be months before any substantial part of the public receives color programs. Owners of the 8,000,000 TV sets now in use must buy a $30 to $50 ‘adapter’ to receive the telecasts in black and white and a $50 to $75 ‘converter’ to receive them in color. Stanton said these should be on the market within the next few months. Moreover, TV servicemen must be trained to install the adapters and converters. It was estimated the entire cost of revising current sets to receive color would run around $100. One manufacturer estimated that a brand-new set equipped to receive both black and white and color would cost about $200.”
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ON THIS DAY IN 1956, the Brooklyn Record reported, “All policemen and members of their families in Brooklyn were urged to register during this week by the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. In a message mailed to the homes of 23,000 PBA members, John E. Carton, president, reminded policemen to register and to vote. He said: ‘Policemen and their families are more dependent on the type of officials and administrations elected to government than ever before. Humane, sympathetic and properly directed governments are necessary to protect and advance the welfare of policemen. It is imperative that policemen and their families vote in all elections. It is necessary that officials and political parties recognize that policemen always vote. To preserve the American economic system, it is essential that policemen exercise their voting rights.’”
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NOTABLE PEOPLE BORN ON THIS DAY include former N.Y. Yankees shortstop Tony Kubek, who was born in 1935; Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), who was born in 1935; TV anchor Chris Wallace, who was born in 1947; actress and model Susan Anton, who was born in 1950; Tesla singer Jeff Keith, who was born in 1958; “24” star Carlos Bernard, who was born in 1962; “Valley Girl” star Deborah Foreman, who was born in 1962; “X-Men” star Hugh Jackman, who was born in 1968; former NFL defensive tackle Leon Lett, who was born in 1968; “Growing Pains” star Kirk Cameron, who was born in 1970; former N.Y. Knicks point guard Charlie Ward, who was born in 1970; “The Sandlot” star Tom Guiry, who was born in 1981; “Roswell, New Mexico” star Tyler Blackburn, who was born in 1986; and “The Bubble” star Iris Apatow, who was born in 2002.
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EXECUTIVE DECISION: President Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed the Executive Mansion “the White House” on this day in 1901. At various times it had also been known as the “President’s Palace” and the “President’s House.” Every president since John Adams has lived in the building at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C.
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FEATS OF CLAY: Art Clokey was born on this day in 1921. The stop-motion clay animation pioneer is best known as the creator of Gumby and his horse Pokey, who first appeared on the “Howdy Doody Show” before starring in their own series. He also co-created “Davey and Goliath,” which was funded by the Lutheran Church in America. He died in 2010.
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Special thanks to “Chase’s Calendar of Events” and Brooklyn Public Library.
Quotable:
“So there’s an attraction that we have to beauty that is innate. But sadly I think the pressure young girls are up against now is incredibly unhealthy.”
— actress and model Susan Anton, who was born on this day in 1950
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