Douglas Brinkley talks 'Cronkite'

Author Douglas Brinkley, a Perrysburg native, spoke at Way Public Library Wednesday, June 20, 2012, about his new biography on iconic newscaster Walter Cronkite. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

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

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Perrysburg mayor Nelson Evans presents Perrysburg native and internationally known author Douglas Brinkley, with a coin before he speaks at ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A packed house listens as Perrysburg native Douglas Brinkley speaks about his new biography of Walter Cronkite. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

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.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Mr. Brinkley’s presentation of “Cronkite” was the feature event in the library’s War of 1812 bicentennial celebration, as well as ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Attendance for the event was nearly double what Way Public Library personnel said they had predicted. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

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.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Though he noted Cronkite’s public accomplishments, Mr. Brinkley said his 832-page book published in late spring, the first to ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

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.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Little known details, exposing a largely unknown side of the journalist many Americans warmly described as “Uncle Wal,” elicited ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Dressed in a War of 1812 uniform, Perrysburg resident Frank Butwin listesn as Perrysburg native Douglas Brinkley. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

“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.

Enlarge | Buy This Photo “I watched Cronkite every night growing up in Perrysburg,” recalled Mr. Brinkley, recounting how his mother would return home ... THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo A sign at Way Public Library announces the event featuring Douglas Brinkley. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Attendees overflowed the seating in Way Public Library as they crammed in to listen to Mr. Brinkley. THE BLADE/ANDY MORRISON