Brooklyn Daily Eagle
History
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle was a daily newspaper that was published in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, from 1841 to 1955. At one point, it was the afternoon paper with the largest daily circulation in America. The Eagle was revived for a brief time from 1960 to 1963, and is currently published as a daily blog by the Brooklyn Public Library.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle was first published on October 26, 1841. Its address at this time, and for many years afterwards, was at 28 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn. The newspaper was initially published by the firm of J. Doane & J. B. Hall, under the title "Brooklyn Eagle and Kings County Democrat". The initial price was 2 cents.
Notable Editors and Contributors
Walt Whitman, the famous poet and author of "Leaves of Grass", was the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle from 1846 to 1848. During his tenure, he advocated for the expansion of Brooklyn's public spaces, arguing for the creation of a park that would later become Prospect Park.
Other notable editors and contributors to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle include St. Clair McKelway, who served as editor from 1892 to 1930 and was known for his investigative journalism and support for civil liberties, and Thomas Kinsella, a politician and poet who served as editor from 1861 to 1884.
Influence and Impact
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle played a significant role in shaping Brooklyn's identity and culture. It was a strong advocate for the borough, promoting local businesses and reporting on community events. The newspaper also played a significant role in the creation of the Brooklyn Bridge, with its editorials pushing for the project's completion.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle also had a significant impact on journalism as a whole. It was one of the first newspapers to use the telegraph for gathering news, and its comprehensive coverage of national and international events set a standard for other newspapers to follow.
Demise and Revival
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle ceased publication in 1955, due to a prolonged strike by the International Typographical Union. The newspaper's assets were sold off, and its historic building was eventually converted into condominiums.
In 1960, former Brooklyn Daily Eagle editor Frank D. Schroth bought the name and goodwill of the Eagle and published a "new" Brooklyn Daily Eagle for a brief period. However, this revival was short-lived, and the newspaper ceased publication for a second time in 1963.
In 1996, the Brooklyn Public Library purchased the Brooklyn Daily Eagle's morgue and began digitizing its archives. The library currently publishes a daily blog under the Brooklyn Daily Eagle name, providing news and commentary on current events in Brooklyn.