Arthur Krock

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Historical marker #1718 in Glasgow (Barren County) honors Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Arthur Krock, also known as the “Dean of Washington newsmen.” 

 Krock was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, on November 16, 1886, and was raised by his grandparents, Emmanuel and Henrietta Morris, until he was six years old. He was educated in the public schools of Kentucky and Illinois. When his mother regained her sight after going blind for a period of time, he joined his parents in Chicago and graduated from high school in Illinois in 1904. Following his graduation, Krock went on to Princeton University, but was unable to continue his studies because of financial issues. He returned home and graduated with an associate degree from the Lewis Institute in Chicago in 1906. 

Krock began his journalism career in Louisville with the Louisville Herald, then went on to Washington, D.C. as a correspondent for the Louisville Times and Louisville Courier-Journal. He became the editorial director of both Louisville papers in 1915, working under Henry Watterson. Krock attended the Versailles Peace Conference in France. The conference was called to establish the terms of the peace following World War I. Thirty nations participated, but the representatives of the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Italy became known as the “Big Four.” The “Big Four” dominated the proceedings that led to the formulation of the Treaty of Versailles, which articulated the compromises reached at the conference. It included the planned formation of the League of Nations, which would serve as an international forum and an international collective security arrangement. Krock’s coverage of the conference earned him a French citation. 

In 1919, Krock became the editor-in-chief of the Louisville Times, a position he held until he joined the New York Times as its Washington correspondent and bureau chief in 1927. His column in the Times, “In the Nation,” was noted for its opinions on public policy and ran from 1933 until 1966. Krock won the Pulitzer Prize in 1935 and 1938. 

Krock’s career spanned the administrations of 11 presidents and American involvement in four major wars. On April 22, 1970, Krock was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Richard Nixon. He wrote three books in his lifetime: Memoirs: 60 Years on the Firing Line (1968), The Consent of the Governed and Other Deceits (1971), and Myself When Young: Growing Up in the 1890s (1973). Krock also received honorary degrees from Princeton University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Centre College. He died on April 12, 1974, at the age of 87 and is buried in Washington, D.C. 

This marker was dedicated in 1982. It reads: 

Called dean of Washington newsmen, Glasgow's native son (1886-1974) grew up here with his grandparents, Emmanuel and Henrietta Morris. He began his career in journalism with the Louisville Herald, then went to Washington, D.C., as a correspondent for the Times and Courier-Journal. Krock won French citation after his coverage of the Versailles peace conference. Over. 
 
(Reverse) Historic Home - In 1927, Krock joined the New York Times; soon became its Washington correspondent and bureau chief. His column, "In the Nation," was noted for its opinions on public policy. Over his 60-year career, Arthur Krock knew 11 presidents and won four Pulitzer Prizes. Joel Cheek, who also lived here, was one of two founders of the Maxwell House Coffee Company. Over.