History At Home: Kids In The Brooklyn Daily Eagle

As we wander about our modern neighborhood, caught in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to ignore the long and vibrant history of our community. Let’s remedy that.

With a little help from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle archives, we’re going to step into the past, and explore the lives of Brooklyn kids in the last century. Some things may have changed, but it’s amazing how much stays the same.

We’re All In The Mood For A Melody


Irish eyes were certainly smiling on this day in 1947, when 3-year-old James Paul Reilly showed off his skills (and love for Irish tunes) on the piano:

Courtesy Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archives
Say Cheese


On this day in 1948, a young Bay Ridge photographer snapped a contest-winning shot of classmates at PS 185:

Courtesy Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archives
Must Love Dogs & Little Boys


After the A.S.P.C.A picked up Peter Barcia’s missing dog, also in 1948, the family was forced to come up with $65 to get their pup back. The Eagle took on the case, in the hopes that a few generous New Yorkers would help reunite a boy and his dog:

Courtesy Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archives
Pearly Whites


In 1950, little Ellen Rose was born with ten fingers, ten toes, and her two front teeth:

Courtesy Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archives
Surprise!


A baby boy in 1952 was so excited to become the next Brooklynite, that he surprised his Bensonhurst family with a speedy delivery in the backseat of Grandpa’s car:

Courtesy Brooklyn Daily Eagle Archives

Do you have a great bit of Brooklyn history to share? Email editor@bklyner.com.