Full History Of Pete Hamill In Timeline From 1910

1910: Start of the Mexican Revolution

The Mexican Revolution, a period of significant upheaval and transformation in Mexican history, commenced in 1910, lasting for a decade.

1920: End of the Mexican Revolution

After a decade of intense struggle and change, the Mexican Revolution reached its conclusion in 1920, leaving a lasting impact on the country's social and political landscape.

1929: Anne Devlin's Arrival in New York

Pete Hamill's mother, Anne Devlin, arrived in New York City in 1929, a pivotal year marked by the stock market crash.

1932: Publication of "The Speakeasies of 1932"

Al Hirschfeld, a renowned American caricaturist, published his work "The Speakeasies of 1932," capturing the atmosphere of these hidden establishments during the Prohibition era.

1933: Introduction of Billy Hamill and Anne Devlin

Pete Hamill's parents, Billy Hamill and Anne Devlin, first met in 1933, a year before their marriage.

June 24, 1935: Birth of Pete Hamill

On June 24, 1935, William Peter Hamill, a prominent American journalist, novelist, essayist, and editor, was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

1949: Enrollment at Regis High School

In 1949, Pete Hamill began his studies at the esteemed Regis High School in Manhattan.

1952: Enlistment in the U.S. Navy

Pete Hamill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1952.

1956: Studies at Mexico City College

Following his military service, Pete Hamill pursued further education at Mexico City College in 1956, taking advantage of the G.I. Bill.

1957: Time Spent in Mexico City

Pete Hamill's interest in Mexican culture and art was sparked during his time spent in Mexico City in 1957, which later influenced his writings.

1958: First Writing Opportunity for Atlantis

While working as the art director for "Atlantis," a Greek-language newspaper, Pete Hamill seized the opportunity to write his first article, focusing on his friend, the emerging Puerto Rican boxer José Torres.

1960: Reporter for the New York Post

Pete Hamill's talent as a journalist was recognized when he secured a position as a reporter for the New York Post in 1960, marking a significant step in his career.

1962: Start of Magazine Writing

Driven by the New York City newspaper strike of 1962–63, Pete Hamill expanded his writing repertoire to include magazine articles, showcasing his versatility and resilience.

1962: Hamill Marries Ramona Negron

Pete Hamill married his first wife, Ramona Negron, in 1962.

1963: Correspondent for The Saturday Evening Post

Pete Hamill's career reached new heights in 1963 when he became a correspondent for the esteemed "The Saturday Evening Post," reporting from various locations across Europe.

August 1964: Return to New York and Reporting on the Democratic Convention

In August 1964, Pete Hamill returned to his hometown, New York City, and provided coverage of the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City for the New York Herald Tribune.

1965: Column Writing for the New York Post and Reporting from Vietnam

By late 1965, Pete Hamill had returned to writing for the New York Post, contributing a regular column, and his journalistic pursuits took him to Vietnam, covering the escalating conflict.

1968: Publication of Debut Novel "A Killing for Christ"

Pete Hamill's foray into the world of fiction began in 1968 with the publication of his debut thriller, "A Killing for Christ," which centered around a plot to assassinate the Pope during Easter Sunday in Rome.

1970: Hamill and Negron Divorce

Pete Hamill and Ramona Negron divorced in 1970.

1971: Publication of "Going Home" Column

Pete Hamill's 1971 column titled "Going Home," which depicted the journey of a released prisoner returning home by bus, resonated deeply with readers and inspired the creation of the iconic 1973 hit song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree."

1973: Inspiration for "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree"

The emotional depth and evocative storytelling in Pete Hamill's 1971 column, "Going Home," served as the creative spark for the immensely popular 1973 song "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree."

1975: Grammy Award for Liner Notes

Pete Hamill's writing talents extended beyond journalism; in 1975, he won a Grammy Award for his insightful liner notes accompanying Bob Dylan's iconic album "Blood on the Tracks."

1980: Publication of "The Invisible City: A New York Sketchbook"

Pete Hamill's collection of short stories, aptly titled "The Invisible City: A New York Sketchbook," was published in 1980, offering readers intimate glimpses into the lives of ordinary people navigating the bustling metropolis.

1980: Honorary Doctorate from Pratt Institute

Recognizing his impactful career in writing, Pratt Institute awarded Pete Hamill an honorary doctorate in 1980.

1992: Publication of "Tokyo Sketches"

In 1992, Pete Hamill's literary journey took him to Tokyo, where he crafted a collection of short stories titled "Tokyo Sketches," capturing the essence of life in this vibrant and culturally rich city.

1994: Publication of "A Drinking Life"

Pete Hamill's deeply personal memoir, "A Drinking Life," hit the shelves in 1994. The book candidly chronicled his journey from childhood to his thirties, delving into his struggles with alcohol and his ultimate decision to embrace sobriety.

1995: Publication of "Tools as Art"

Pete Hamill explored the intersection of art and functionality in his 1995 book, "Tools as Art." In the book, he delves into the Hechinger Collection, examining how everyday objects can be appreciated for their aesthetic qualities.

1996: Text for "The Times Square Gym"

Pete Hamill's words brought depth and context to John Goodman's striking photographs in the 1996 book "The Times Square Gym." Hamill's writing complements the imagery, offering insights into the world of prizefighters and the gritty allure of the boxing gym.

1996: Publication of Journalism Collections

Two noteworthy collections of Pete Hamill's insightful journalism, "Irrational Ravings" and "Piecework," were released in 1996, offering readers a glimpse into his keen observations of society.

1997: Publication of "Snow in August"

Set against the backdrop of New York City, Pete Hamill's novel "Snow in August" was published in 1997, further solidifying his connection to his beloved city through his writing.

1998: Publication of "News is a Verb"

In 1998, Pete Hamill shared his perspectives on the evolving world of journalism with the publication of his essay titled "News is a Verb: Journalism at the End of the Twentieth Century," reflecting on the state of the profession as the millennium approached.

September 11, 2001: Reporting on the September 11th Attacks

Pete Hamill's memoir, "Downtown: My Manhattan," includes his firsthand account of the devastating September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, where he bore witness to the tragic events unfolding in his beloved city.

2001: Publication of "New York Exposed: Photographs from the Daily News"

In 2001, Pete Hamill provided a compelling essay for the book "New York Exposed: Photographs from the Daily News." His contribution delves into the historical significance of the New York Daily News and its influential role in shaping American photojournalism.

2003: Publication of "Forever"

Continuing to explore themes of life in New York City, Pete Hamill released his novel "Forever" in 2003.

2003: Introduction for Revised "The Speakeasies of 1932"

Pete Hamill contributed an insightful introduction to a revised edition of Al Hirschfeld's "The Speakeasies of 1932" in 2003, offering contemporary readers a glimpse into this fascinating period of American history.

2003: Introduction for "Mexico: The Revolution and Beyond"

Pete Hamill's fascination with Mexican history and photography is evident in his insightful introduction to the 2003 book "Mexico: The Revolution and Beyond." He focuses on the work of Agustin Victor Casasola, whose photographs offer a poignant window into the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920.

2004: Introduction for "Garden of Dreams: Madison Square Garden" and Text for "The Irish Face in America"

Pete Hamill's versatility as a writer was evident in his contributions to two 2004 publications. He provided an engaging introduction for "Garden of Dreams: Madison Square Garden," setting the stage for George Kalinski's captivating sports photography. Additionally, he penned the text for "The Irish Face in America," a book showcasing the photography of Jim Smith and exploring Hamill's own Irish heritage.

2005: Hamill Receives Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2005, Pete Hamill received the Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

2007: Publication of "New York: City of Islands"

Pete Hamill's appreciation for photography and his love for New York City converged in his 2007 book, "New York: City of Islands." This work celebrates the captivating photography of Jake Rajs, showcasing the unique character and allure of the city.

2007: Publication of "North River"

Pete Hamill's literary exploration of New York City continued with the 2007 publication of his novel "North River."

2007: Introduction to "Terry and the Pirates: Volume Two"

Pete Hamill's passion for comic strips, particularly the work of Milton Caniff, led him to pen the introduction for "Terry and the Pirates: Volume Two" in 2007, showcasing his deep appreciation for this art form.

2008: Biographical Essay on Harvey Dinnerstein

Pete Hamill's admiration for fellow Brooklyn artist Harvey Dinnerstein was evident in his biographical essay featured in the 2008 publication "Underground Together: The Art and Life of Harvey Dinnerstein." Both Hamill and Dinnerstein often drew inspiration from the people and cultural tapestry of Brooklyn, making their connection particularly meaningful.

June 2010: Honorary Diploma from Regis High School

In June 2010, nearly six decades after leaving to support his family, Pete Hamill received an honorary diploma from Regis High School, acknowledging his significant contributions to journalism and literature.

2010: Hamill Receives Honorary Doctorate and Louis Auchincloss Prize

Pete Hamill had a big year in 2010, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from St. John's University and the Louis Auchincloss Prize from the Museum of the City of New York.

2010: Introduction to "Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics"

Pete Hamill's knowledge of and admiration for the world of comics led him to write the introduction for "Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics" in 2010. Robinson, a celebrated figure in the industry, was known for his work on iconic characters like Batman and the Joker.