Sex, Drugs and Violence: The Stories Behind 10 Brooklyn Streetnames
Someone should’ve paid closer attention to his cursive lessons in grade school. When the city was naming streets after Declaration of Independence signers in the 1800’s, they mistook Thomas McKean’s fancy “N” for a “P”. The Delaware Founding Father’s true identity has, since then, been lost to Williamsburg residents. Recently, an ailing World War II veteran and history buff from New York began working to fix the mistake and give McKean the credit he deserves. John Slagg’s campaign gained recognition and Brooklyn’s Borough President Marty Markowitz declared July 4th Thomas McKean day. Markowitz and Slagg hope authorities will correct the mistake and rename the street “Keap-McKean Street” with a plaque explaining the unique story. We hope it’ll also encourage Brooklynites to practice their penmanship.