Brooklyn Boro

August 26, ‘‘Big Bill’ Must Clean Macadamized Streets’

August 26, 2014 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Melissa McCarthy celebrates her birthday the day after appearing on the Emmy Awards telecast. AP photo
Share this:

Good morning, Brooklyn.  Today is the 238th day of the year.  

****

ON THIS DAY in 1910, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle published an article titled “‘Big Bill’ Must Clean Macadamized Streets.” The article focused on the street cleaning commissioner at the time, “Big Bill” Edwards, becoming “quite stubborn” when told to clean the macadam streets of Brooklyn.  Eventually, the police commissioner at the time, Pounds, told Edwards that it was his duty as street commissioner to clean the streets.  
“The discussion came to a speedy close when Commissioner Edwards assumed such a militant attitude,” the article wrote.  “Mr. Pounds talked with the acting mayor for a few minutes.  Mr. Mitchel shook his head and the board proceeded with other business.”

****

NOTABLE PEOPLE born on this day include journalist and editor Benjamin Crowninshield Bradlee, who was born in 1921; New York City-born “Life Goes On” actor Christopher Burke, who was born in 1965; New York City-born “Home Alone” actor Macaulay Culkin, who was born in 1980; musician Branford Marsalis, who was born in 1960; “Bridesmaids” actress Melissa McCarthy, who was born in 1970; and “Star Trek” actor Chris Pine, who was born in 1980.  

****

THE FIRST BASEBALL GAME was televised on this day 75 years ago.  In 1939, WXBS television in New York City broadcasted a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds at Ebbets Field.  

****

TODAY IS NATIONAL Dog Day.  More people in the U.S. have dogs for pets compared to any other animal.  This day is meant to recognize and honor dogs for their loyalty and companionship.  

****

WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY is today.  On this day in 1920, discrimination on the basis of sex with regard to voting was prohibited.  

****

KRAKATOA exploded on this day in 1883.  This was the biggest explosion in historic times.  The Indonesian volcanic island Krakatoa exploded, creating tidal waves 120 feet high.  The explosion affected the oceans and atmosphere for years.  

****

A PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP will take place today at Brooklyn Public Library’s Greenpoint branch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Participants, ages 9 to 12, will take on the role of a photojournalist and create a visual history of Greenpoint.  

“SEASON OF SATURDAYS: A History of College Football in 14 Games” by Michael Weinreb will be featured at BookCourt tonight at 7 p.m. The event includes a reading, audience Q&A and book signing.  Weinreb is an award winning writer, journalist and college football expert.  

****

Special thanks to “Chase’s Calendar of Events” and Brooklyn Public Library.  

Subscribe to our newsletters


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment