Joseph Pulitzer, the "Father of Journalism"
In October 1911, Pulitzer died unexpectedly aboard his yacht in South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor, at the age of 64. The boat had been en route to Pulitzer’s winter home in Jekyll Island, Georgia, when a hurricane threatened. “Leise, ganz leise, ganz leise (softly, quite softly), were said to be his last words.
On the day of his funeral, employee’s of both Pulitzer-owned newspapers stopped work in honor of their late employer. Pulitzer’s body lay in repose in the library of his NYC home, where friends and colleagues came to pay their respects. In a room overflowing with floral tributes, Pulitzer could be seen in his casket, a copy of one of his newspapers in his right hand. Among the many telegrams of condolence, was one from former US Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, which echoed the sentiments of many. It read, “The country has lost one of its greatest newspaper men and able citizens in Mr. Pulitzer...
After a religious service, mourners were transported by a private train to Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where Pulitzer was buried late that afternoon.
Fascinating account. Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteLaurence
nice post
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