John Peter Toohey

Who was John Peter Toohey?

John Peter Toohey was an American writer and publicist. He is best known as a member of the Algonquin Round Table.

According to Ross and The New Yorker by Dale Kramer, Toohey supplied the name for the famous magazine. According to the story, when several Algonquin types were brainstorming for a name, he asked them about who the magazine was intended for. When he was told "New Yorkers," he replied, "Then call it The New Yorker"—and he returned to his lunch.

Toohey started his career as a reporter for the Scranton [Pa.] Tribune, then later worked for the Washington Post and the New York Evening World before moving into publicity. From 1930 to 1942, Toohey was "general representative," i.e., the chief publicist, of the Broadway producer Sam H. Harris's company.

He co-wrote two comedic plays produced on Broadway, Swifty with Walter C. Percival, and Jonesey with Anne Morrison.