May 19th in NYC History
Posted: May 19, 2013 | 12:25 AM
1885: Swimming instructor Robert Odlum was the Brooklyn Bridge's first jumper into the East River.
He thought that if he pointed his toes and arms, while tucking in his head, like a human needle, he would pierce the waters.
Instead, his organs exploded upon impact.
This must have been the prop for the best water safety lesson of his life.
I share stories of the Brooklyn Bridge's elephants, Steve Brodie who thrived from his legend jumping the bridge, Steve Brodie's Ball, "Young" Chuck Connor's Ball, Sandhogs, the Bends, Brooklyn Bridge Disease, the family that engineered the bridge, and more, on private Brooklyn Bridge walking tours.
1925: Malcolm X born as Malcolm Little in Nebraska. He died in 1965.
We explore the legacy and lives of Malcolm X on Harlem walking tours and Washington Heights private tours.
1930: Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote "Raisin in the Sun," Broadway's first play by an African-American, born in Chicago. She died in 1965.
1934: Jim Lehrer, Broadcast journalist, born.
1935: Happy Birthday, TV Personality David Hartman.
1952: Grace Jones, singer, actress, and model should be celebrating her birthday.
1962: Actress Marilyn Monroe performed a sultry "Happy Birthday Song" for 'Mister President' John F. Kennedy during a fundraiser at New York's Madison Square Garden.
First Lady Jackie Kennedy was not in attendance, which was probably for the best.
We go by the 3rd Madison Square Garden MSG3 on Midtown walking tours, and MSO coach bus tours.
1994: Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died in New York at her Fifth Avenue apartment at age 64. Nee' Jacqueline Bouvier, she grew up in Manhattan's high-society, then
returned as young widow in 1964 following living through the assassination of JFK after it unfolded across her lap. She used her moral force to preserve landmark buildings.
We explore her landmarks legacy at her plaque on Grand Central private walking tours.
We learn why the Metropolitan Museum would light up the Temple of Dendur whenever she had a party as we drive down 5th Avenue on Manhattan Step On coach bus tours.
2011: Katie Couric, the first regular solo anchorwoman of a network evening newscast, signed off the "CBS Evening News" for the last time after five years.