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Douglas Brinkley talks 'Cronkite'

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Perrysburg mayor Nelson Evans presents Perrysburg native and internationally known author Douglas Brinkley, with a coin before he speaks at Way Public Library.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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A packed house listens as Perrysburg native Douglas Brinkley speaks about his new biography of Walter Cronkite.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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Mr. Brinkley’s presentation of “Cronkite” was the feature event in the library’s War of 1812 bicentennial celebration, as well as a fund-raiser for the library.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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Attendance for the event was nearly double what Way Public Library personnel said they had predicted.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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Though he noted Cronkite’s public accomplishments, Mr. Brinkley said his 832-page book published in late spring, the first to chronicle Cronkite’s life from his birth in 1916 through his death in 2009, seeks to humanize the public figure.

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Little known details, exposing a largely unknown side of the journalist many Americans warmly described as “Uncle Wal,” elicited enthusiastic responses from the packed room.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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Dressed in a War of 1812 uniform, Perrysburg resident Frank Butwin listesn as Perrysburg native Douglas Brinkley.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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“I watched Cronkite every night growing up in Perrysburg,” recalled Mr. Brinkley, recounting how his mother would return home from her job teaching English at Perrysburg High School and watch the newscast with him.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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A sign at Way Public Library announces the event featuring Douglas Brinkley.

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Attendees overflowed the seating in Way Public Library as they crammed in to listen to Mr. Brinkley.

The Blade/Andy Morrison
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