The Era -- Day By Day

[Fading Fast]

...French and German troops along the Moselle River interrupted their fighting yesterday to cheer on a football game being played in the village of Remich, Luxembourg. A Sunday truce has become customary between the sides....

A WWII version of the WWI Christmas Truce.

...Three Brighton mashers received suspended sentences today -- on the condition that they form a vigiante committee to prevent mashing. The three were accused of accosting and molesting a young woman, but Magistrate Solomon offered to suspend their sentences if they would patrol the streets and intervene when they saw other mashers at work....

Does anyone else see how this could go wrong?

...and note that he filled several of his own teeth and pulled two of them using supplies apparently stolen from a dentist's office. ....

He filled his own teeth - that's many degrees past cutting your own hair.

...Less Work For Mother! Enjoy many of the same fine foods served at the Automats at home when you shop at the new Horn and Hardart Retail Store at 551 Fulton Street, opposite Loeser's Department Store. Your choice of any pie, 31 cents each. Chicken pie 37 cents. Chicken croquettes 3 for 32 cents. Gilt Edge Coffee 27 cents/lb....

I would have been a huge customer of this.

...With the Yankees wrapping up the World Series in four straight over the Reds, winning the closer yesterday 7 to 4, the question of Yankee dominance and its impact on the greater game is rising to the forefront. Tommy Holmes thinks it's bound to have an impact at the gate for other clubs, and he raises the troubling question of how the Yanks can be controlled over the next four or five years....

That narrative - one I've heard, off and on, my entire life - clearly has long roots.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It seems that Charles Solomon, the magistrate in that case, was very much a non-conformist thinker. He was thrown out of the New York State Assembly in 1920 for being a Socialist, and was thrown out of the Socialist Party in 1936 in a factional battle, landing in the American Labor Party, which, as we have seen, had its own factional conflicts to worry about. He seems to have been a "perpetual candidate" around NYC, running for whatever office happened to be open at the moment, but never getting elected.

Mayor LaGuardia thought a lot of Solomon, though, and appointed him a city magistrate, where he served for twenty years. When he died in 1963, his New York Times obituary described him, charitably, as "unorthodox." I expect as we day-by-day thru the Eagle we'll be hearing a lot from him.

That hermit reminds me a lot of the one we had in Maine a couple years back, a guy who lived in the woods for almost 30 years, getting his supplies by swiping them from camps. He wasn't, however, a snappy dresser and you'd never catch him dead wearing white shoes.

 

[tonyb]

^^^^
I was acquainted with a fellow who lived more or less comfortably in the urban woods of Seattle. The vegetation there is so thick that a person can sleep the night away literally a matter of yards removed from well-travelled roads with few civilians being the wiser.

There are scores — hundreds, maybe — of greenbelts around the city serving as campgrounds, and most “regular” residents are blissfully unaware of them. The cops know where they are, though, and the fire department personnel, and the folks from the medical examiner’s office.

 

[LizzieMaine]

A glimpse of the ghostly remnants of the Fulton Street H&H Retail store, courtesy of Forgotten New York:

 

[LizzieMaine]

French Premier Edouard Daladier today branded German Chancellor Adolf Hitler's peace initiative a trick that would lead to a peace of "ruse and violence," and pledged that France would fight for real peace and security devoid of surprises. Daladier pointed out that after annexing Austria, Hitler declared that he had no further territorial demands -- and then came Czechoslovakia and Poland. "We have taken up arms against aggression," the Premier stated, "and will not lay them down until the world has certain peace."

Meanwhile, rumors of an armistice swept Berlin today, leading to a mad rush on rum shops. The rumors also claimed that King George of Great Britain had abdicated. The German radio dismissed the rumors as the work of British agents in the service of "war mongers."

In a speech opening the German Winter Relief Campaign, Chancellor Hitler declared that Germany is ready for peace, but is also determined to carry on the fight against the Western Allies to the bitter end.

The military buildup along the border between Finland and the Soviet Union continues, with Russian battleships reported to be massing in the Gulf of Finland. The moves come as Finnish authorities warn civilians in the area of Helsinki and Vilpuri to evacuate if possible.

In Washington, a proposal to split the shipping provisions of the new Neutrality Bill from the arms embargo section failed in the Senate by a vote of 65 to 26.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt says she has no idea if she's ever had a Communist to tea, since she never asks the political affiliation of her guests, but adds that she sees nothing reprehensible about having Communists to tea as long as the Communist Party is a legal party. Mrs. Roosevelt's remarks came in response by charges made by former Communist Kenneth Goff before the Dies Committee stating that Mrs. Roosevelt had hosted Communist members of the American Youth Congress at the White House.

New York State Executioner Robert G. Elliot, an opponent of capital punishment who executed 300 men at Sing Sing Prison, has died at the age of 65 at his home in Queens. Elliot resigned his job three months ago, telling prison officials he could never execute another man.

Mayor LaGuardia's proposal to eliminate individual sherrif's departments in each of the five New York City boroughs in favor of a single consolidated city sherrif's office has been ruled off the upcoming November ballot on the grounds that the referendum failed to gain the required number of petition signatures. The Mayor vows he'll continue his efforts on behalf of the plan. Jobs in the borough sherrif's departments are political patronage appointments, and the Mayor considers them unnecessary "lapover" positions.

A fall heat wave is broiling the city. Today's temperature peaked at 86.7 degrees, a new record for October 10th. Showers tomorrow should bring a respite.

Convicted Army deserter Grover C. Bergdoll today filed an appeal to set aside his court-martial conviction.

Counsel for German-American Bund leader Fritz Kuhn, free on bail on forgery and grand larceny charges, has been warned that the defendant may not leave New York State. Kuhn was driven away following his release in a car with New Jersey plates.

Did you find a lady's wrist watch, white gold, with the engraved initials "E. S."? A reward is offered for its return. Call NAvarro 8-9712 after 5.

Beginning next Monday, the Citizens Of Tomorrow will get a break at the World of Tomorrow. Babies in carriages will be admitted to the World's Fair grounds for free.

In Brooklyn, it's the Young Moderns Beauty Salon for a grand permanent at a modest price. End curl permanents from $3.50 up, full head from $4.50 up, on the fifth floor at Loeser's.

The American Civil Liberties Union has refused to bar Communists from participation in its upcoming National Conference on Civil Liberties. Union director Roger Baldwin wrote in a letter to Louis Waldman of the American Labor Party's executive committee that the ACLU will cooperate with any organization, whatever its character, that aids in any way the defense of civil rights.

Helen Worth says those who are asked to give advice should not respond with a smug and critical attitude. "Certainly it ill behooves the privileged to set in smugness when they sneer at the less fortunate."

Swell Eating! Chocolaty cake with fluffy creamy filling! YANKEE DOODLES 5 cents. Children love ALL Drake's Cakes! Guaranteed Fresh!

Joel McCrea and Brenda Marshall star in the spy-ring melodrama "Espionage Agent," now showing at the Fox Brooklyn. Eagle film critic Herbert Cohn says it doesn't hit the mark set by its predecessor "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," but it does deliver its political point that the US doesn't have an effective counter-espionage system.

At the Patio, see "They Shall Have Music," with Jascha Heifitz and Andrea Leeds, paired with the Bob Burns comedy "Our Leading Citizen." I'd love to see Heifitz fiddle up a duet with Bob Burns on his bazooka, but I don't think it's that kind of show.

Did you know that the largest settlement of Norwegian-born people outside of Norway is to be found in Brooklyn? Learn about them at the Norwegian pavilion at the World's Fair.

The man killed in a subway scuffle last week at the 111th Street Corona IRT station in Woodside has been identified as 48-year old Michael Toto of Whitestone. 39-year-old Bartholomew Flynn is being held for the Grand Jury today on a homicide charge stemming from the incident.

The death of Ruby the Grocery Cat in a hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Lafayette and Carlton Avenues prompts a letter from Andrew J. Siels, who calls the incident evidence of the Police Department's provincial attitude toward law enforcement in the outer boroughs, while Manhattan -- with half the population of Brooklyn -- gets the bulk of police attention. Siels bitterly notes that Ruby knew how to follow traffic signals, and was crossing with the light -- but died in spite of following the law because a reckless driver didn't.

Famous Four-Day Semi-Annual Perfume Festival underway at Abraham & Straus! Dram-size bottles of famous fragrances , 23 cents to $2.75. In the A&S notions department, you save on purchasing household size boxes! Modess, 68 napkins for $1, Kotex, 66 napkins for $1. Mail orders filled -- or call CUmberland 6-6000.

Life Is No Bed Of Roses For Brooklyn's Blind Tailor! Jane Corby tells us the story of Isidore Myerson, who lost his sight in 1924 at the age of 36, but who continues to do fine tailoring entirely by touch.

A campaign to get rid of the Fulton Street El will be funded by a barn dance sponsored by the Associated Civic Associations of Brooklyn. Borough President Robert Ingersoll bought the first book of tickets for the October 21st event to be held at Pouch Mansion.

Although the Yankees seem like a cold-blooded bunch, they're really human beings off the field, reports Tommy Holmes. The World Series champions en route home from Cincinnati let their hair down on the train, relaxing and having a good time in celebration of their victory. The one man standing aloof from the fun sat by himself in his stateroom with the door open, sharing the occasional greeting from a teammate but otherwise alone with his thoughts. When the train pulled into Grand Central Station today, it marked the end of Lou Gehrig's final trip as a Yankee.

Excitement is mounting for Fordham's game against Tulane on Saturday, as college football inevitably pushes baseball into second place in the sports fan's heart. The Tulane game is considered the toughest contest on the Rams' schedule. The squad leaves New York for New Orleans later tonight.

Coach Potsy Clark is ready to make some "radical changes" given the football Dodgers poor performance so far in the National Football League campaign. The Flatbush Flock has two weeks off before their next season contest, but will play an exhibition game on the 15th in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Bob Hope is on the air tonight at 10pm over WEAF, with Judy Garland, Jerry Colonna, and Skinnay Ennis' Orchestra.

Dr. Brady, of the "Ask Dr. Brady" column, takes a hard line against compulsory smallpox vaccination. He believes in vaccination, he is vaccinated, but he argues that to compel it by force of law is an example of 19th Century ignorance and prejudice translated into the village vindictiveness and petty politics of 1910. Whoa, sorry I asked.

It seems there are supernatural doings afoot at the Bungles'. George dismisses Jo's insistence that she saw a ghostly mouse and tries to prove her wrong by placing a piece of cheese on the floor in front of a convenient mouse hole -- only to see the cheese disappear before his eyes.

Mary Worth, the Stockpools, and the rest of their entourage arrive at the Stockpool family estate, which appears to be an old English country house set in a vast prairie. They are welcomed by Murdock the butler, who greets Mary with a derisive sneer. I hope she brought her oaken paddle with her, she's gonna need it.

Dan Dunn and the Chief explore the the Madam's horror-house -- which has been tricked up with an elaborate system of machinery and chutes for the convenient disposal of cement-encased corpses at the bottom of the river. Of course, the only reasonable thing to do is for Dan to strip to his underwear and dive into the river to see for himself, and he does just that. Scientific detection in action.

 

[Fading Fast]

...Helen Worth says those who are asked to give advice should not respond with a smug and critical attitude. "Certainly it ill behooves the privileged to set in smugness when they sneer at the less fortunate."...

Very on brand for today's zeitgeist.

...Swell Eating! Chocolaty cake with fluffy creamy filling! YANKEE DOODLES 5 cents. Children love ALL Drake's Cakes! Guaranteed Fresh!...

Grew up eating them and still have them, not daily, but regularly.

...Joel McCrea and Brenda Marshall star in the spy-ring melodrama "Espionage Agent," now showing at the Fox Brooklyn. Eagle film critic Herbert Cohn says it doesn't hit the mark set by its predecessor "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," but it does deliver its political point that the US doesn't have an effective counter-espionage system....

"Confessions of a Nazi Spy" is good in a "it's a bad movie, but still interesting propaganda of the period" way. Pretty sure I've seen it, but no memory of "Espionage Agent."

...The death of Ruby the Grocery Cat in a hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Lafayette and Carlton Avenues prompts a letter from Andrew J. Siels, who calls the incident evidence of the Police Department's provincial attitude toward law enforcement in the outer boroughs, while Manhattan -- with half the population of Brooklyn -- gets the bulk of police attention. Siels bitterly notes that Ruby knew how to follow traffic signals, and was crossing with the light -- but died in spite of following the law because a reckless driver didn't.....

This is a battle that is still fought about today because Manhattan, some argue, gets more police attention - some say it's unfair, others argue that Manhattan is the tax base that funds many social services for the other boroughs, so you have to protect the golden goose to keep the businesses and tourists coming.

...Although the Yankees seem like a cold-blooded bunch, they're really human beings off the field, reports Tommy Holmes. The World Series champions en route home from Cincinnati let their hair down on the train, relaxing and having a good time in celebration of their victory. The one man standing aloof from the fun sat by himself in his stateroom with the door open, sharing the occasional greeting from a teammate but otherwise alone with his thoughts. When the train pulled into Grand Central Station today, it marked the end of Lou Gehrig's final trip as a Yankee....

It's funny, this trope is still out there as Yankee announcers, even this year, go out of their way to show how fun/nice/regular Yankee players are / how much fun they have both playing the game and away from the field. To some extent, this is done for all teams, but I've notice the Yankee announcers work very hard at it.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Phil Rizzuto did more to humanize the Yankees than anyone since Babe Ruth -- his latter-day successors work at it, but they don't have the Scooter's knack.

What amazes me about the affair of poor Ruby the Cat is that she could read traffic lights. I'd like to have known this cat. Damn reckless drivers.

Drake's Cakes had it all over the Hostess product. I could go for a Ring Ding right now.

 

[LizzieMaine]

149 Lafayette Avenue, at the corner of Carlton. Most likely, this little neighborhood grocery store was the home of Ruby the Cat -- may her memory never fade. And there's no excuse for anyone to be leadfooting around this intersection.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Harsh opposition in the Senate today for President Roosevelt's plan to repeal the Arms Embargo from Senator Bennet Champ Clark. The Missouri Democrat denounced the Administration proposal as an attempt by the President to usurp Congressional powers by exercising authority allowed him only in time of war. Senator Clark argued that the President's declaration of a "limited national emergency" was carefully worded to contain no actual limits. The Senator further attacked Assistant Secretary of War Louis A. Johnson, accusing him of an "idiotic, moronic, unpatriotic attempt" to foment a war spirit.

A former Soviet intelligence general who defected to the West told the Dies Committee today that approximately 35,000 military officers were executed during the Russian purges of 1935-36, with another 300,000 imprisoned or exiled. General Walter G. Krivitzky also told the panel that "millions of the population" were sent to concentration camps. Krivitzky testified that the purge caused him to break with the Stalin government in 1937.

Feeler attacks along the Western Front by German forces led by "suicide squads" armed with grenades were reported to be repulsed today by French troops along the Moselle River.

In Berlin, the German radio stated today that the aims of Chancellor Hitler and Premier Daladier are similar enough to serve as the basis for European peace.

Reports from Finland state that Soviet troops are massed near Beloostrov, even as further reports that the Finnish government and that of Sweden are urging Britain and France to end their war with Germany to stave off the possibility of Russian incursions into their territory.

British rubber and tin will be traded for Russian lumber in a trade agreement announced today in London by the British Ministry of Supply and a Soviet trade delegation.

Lou Gehrig has a new job. The retired Yankee star was today appointed to a ten-year term on the State Parole Commission by Mayor LaGuardia. Gehrig, who left baseball this past season due to illness, will earn an annual salary of $5700 -- a far cry from the $39,000 he earned from baseball last year. Gehrig will begin his new duties on January 1st.

Embattled Kings County Judge George Martin denied under oath today that he "ran out" on investors in various ill-fated business promotions with which he was associated. As the hearings on Martin's impeachment continued today in Albany, charges were raised in testimony that one of the concerns in which Martin was interested, a firm speculating in foreign petroleum, was connected to the brother of Italian Premier Benito Mussolini.

District Attorney Thomas E. Dewey's men today arrested four election supervisors, bringing to forty the number of officials facing charges in an investigation of irregularities in a Democratic Party judicial primary in Manhattan's "silk stocking" district. Impoundment of ballot boxes from that election is also being sought.

A 41-year-old mother of nine children faces burglary charges. Mrs. Mildred Trapani of 208 North 8th Street was arraigned today in Felony Court on charges that she broke into a home on North Portland Avenue yesterday, stealing $120 worth of jewelry and $18 in cash. Mrs. Trapani has a criminal record dating back to 1914, and has served five terms at the Bedford Reformatory for Women.

It's a big day for divorce lawyers in Hollywood. Screen star Miriam Hopkins today parted company with her third husband, director Anatole Livak on cruelty charges. And actress Betty Grable today won an uncontested divorce from former child star Jackie Coogan on grounds of extreme cruelty. Miss Grable charged in her complaint that Coogan was irritable and quarrelsome, and frequently remained away from home all night while refusing to tell her what he was doing.

The liner Iroquois will arrive in port today after a tense voyage home following a warning from the German admirality that it might be sunk. The vessel was escorted home by a Navy and Coast Guard convoy, after being held up in port in England for 13 days after it picked up surviving crew members from a sunken oil tanker. One refugee told reporters that he'd survived on spaghetti, morning noon and night for a week before the liner could take on fresh supplies.

It's still "June in October," with temperatures today expected to hit 80 degrees after yesterday's high of 86.

There's still a couple weeks to go for the current season at the World's Fair, but officials are already looking ahead to 1940, announcing a rent reduction for exhibitors next year that hopes to encourage current participants to continue and to attract new ones for the Fair's second and final season.

Columbus Day Weekend Value-Discoveries at Oppenheim-Collins! Gorgeous dress coats starting at $50, regularly $69.95 to $79.95! Furs starting at $106!

A 31-year-old salesman drew a $5 fine from Magistrate Charles Solomon today for punching a police detective in the face. Charles Feider of 8315 4th Avenue approached Detective William Cunningham of the Fort Hamilton precinct, on Tuesday night, demanding to know what happened to his car. When Cunningham told him he didn't know, Feider hit him in the nose, breaking his glasses in the process. Feider, in pleading guilty to a disorderly conduct charge, admitted that he'd been drinking.

Chart a Course to Aeolian's Columbus Day Piano Sale! Used grands, reconditioned and guaranteed, starting at $395! Spinets, consoles, verticals, and studio models starting at $195! Your old piano accepted in down payment, rest on easy monthly installments!

Specially Purchased Values for Columbus Day at Loeser's! Men's suits, tweeds and worsteds, starting at $24.95! 200 new "dressy" dresses at $13!

Four employees of the Jefferson Theatre, 811 Myrtle Avenue, were arraigned today in Bridge Plaza Court on charges that they operated an illegal lottery in conducting a bingo game at the theatre Saturday night. The theatre manager, assistant manager, and two ushers all pleaded not guilty and will appear for a further hearing on October 17th.

Columbus Day Chair Sale at Loeser's! We sincerely believe this to be the best chair sale we've ever offered! $79.95 chairs now $39.95! $5 down, easy payment plan!

A Man Need Not Try For Beauty, But He Can At Least Keep His Head Right! Betty Clarke has grooming tips for the gents, suggesting a haircut every two weeks, and try to be more careful shaving around your Adam's apple, because raggedy stubble will wear out your collars fast. And it isn't just women who should use deodorant -- many men would benefit from the habit. Just saying.

Coal Up! Your Sunrise Blue Coal dealer offers egg or nut coal at $10.50 per ton plus tax, stove coal at $10.75 a ton, pea at $9, and buckwheat at $8. Call GLenmore 5-8672 to order. (Note that they say nothing about Columbus Day. Thankfully.)

"Exciting as Hell!" That's what the World-Telegram had to say about Samuel Goldwyn's production of "The Real Glory," starring Gary Cooper with David Niven, Andrea Leeds, and Reginald Owen. It opens tomorrow at Loew's Metropolitan.

Brooklyn's representation on the City Council depends on how many Brooklyn citizens vote -- so be sure to register now at your neighborhood polling place.

Debora Pineles wasn't satisfied with being a nurse - so she became a doctor! Now an interne at Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn, Dr. Pineles worked as an RN while studying medicine at NYU and the Virginia Medical College. She married a doctor as well, but refuses to tell Jane Corby anything about him. "You must leave him out of this," Dr. Pineles says.

A big cartoon on the sports page shows Football muscling Baseball out of the scene now that the World Series is over, but there's still plenty of diamond news today -- headed by the musings of Dodger President Larry MacPhail, who is stirring things up with his statement that any talk of a Brooklyn pennant in 1940 is off base, declaring flat out that "this team isn't good enough to win a pennant." MacPhail went on to say that he wasn't even sure the team is good enough to finish third next year, despite its 1939 record. He is pleased only with the current infield of Camilli, Coscarart, Durocher, and Lavagetto -- noting that the impending arrival of Johnny Hudson and highly-touted rookie Harold Reese next year will further strengthen the infield situation. MacPhail is looking into the trading marts, but doesn't think he'll be able to land a deal with the Cardinals for outfield slugger Joe Medwick. He thinks if Ducky is going anywhere, it will be toward the waiting checkbook of Mr. Wrigley in Chicago.

Coach Potsy Clark said radical changes were coming to the Football Dodgers, and he wasn't kidding -- cutting five men from the roster today. The cuts leaves the club with 25 players, and Clark says he'll cut it down to 17 or 18 if the remaining players don't shape up.

Something's hallucinogenic in the air with the Bungles today. George places another piece of cheese in front of the mouse hole and watches it disappear -- but this time there's a wee little voice: "McGoinigle Speaking! Thanks for the cheese!" Instead of checking immediately into Bellevue, Jo can only yelp GEORGE! DID YOU HEAR THAT!

Mr. and Mrs. Stockpool are off to Cherbourg -- hey, watch out for the war and stuff, don't end up in an internment camp -- but Mrs. S has parting words for Mary Worth: if anything goes wrong SHE WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. Meanwhile, Murdock the Butler lurks behind a curtain, smirking knowingly.

After calling for a derrick to hoist the six concrete-encased corpses out of the river, Dan Dunn doesn't even dry off before he declares he's off on his vacation. DON'T FORGET I NEED TO RELAX TOO! screams Irwin, without taking the cigar butt out of his mouth. Maybe you could go to France and get a job guarding the Stockpools.

 

[Fading Fast]

...Lou Gehrig has a new job. The retired Yankee star was today appointed to a ten-year term on the State Parole Commission by Mayor LaGuardia. Gehrig, who left baseball this past season due to illness, will earn an annual salary of $5700 -- a far cry from the $39,000 he earned from baseball last year. Gehrig will begin his new duties on January 1st...

Following this day to day is very sad.

...
It's a big day for divorce lawyers in Hollywood. Screen star Miriam Hopkins today parted company with her third husband, director Anatole Livak on cruelty charges. And actress Betty Grable today won an uncontested divorce from former child star Jackie Coogan on grounds of extreme cruelty. Miss Grable charged in her complaint that Coogan was irritable and quarrelsome, and frequently remained away from home all night while refusing to tell her what he was doing.....

It is amazing the number of divorces the average Hollywood star back then had - four, five, six, seven - not hard to find examples.

...The liner Iroquois will arrive in port today after a tense voyage home following a warning from the German admirality that it might be sunk. The vessel was escorted home by a Navy and Coast Guard convoy, after being held up in port in England for 13 days after it picked up surviving crew members from a sunken oil tanker. One refugee told reporters that he'd survived on spaghetti, morning noon and night for a week before the liner could take on fresh supplies.....

Since I never read about its sinking, I assumed it got back fine, but still good to read.

...A Man Need Not Try For Beauty, But He Can At Least Keep His Head Right! Betty Clarke has grooming tips for the gents, suggesting a haircut every two weeks, and try to be more careful shaving around your Adam's apple, because raggedy stubble will wear out your collars fast. And it isn't just women who should use deodorant -- many men would benefit from the habit. Just saying....

A haircut every two weeks - really?

 

[LizzieMaine]

"Don't wait for your wife to tell you you need one," says Betty.

 

[LizzieMaine]

The Jefferson Theatre is the round-roofed establishment in the middle of the block. Place has "shady bingo parlor" written all over it. I bet they don't have goldfish in the lobby, but I wouldn't rule out silverfish.

 

[3fingers]

A haircut every two weeks - really?

My father at one point had a standing appointment every 3 weeks.
In spite of my best intentions, I generally look somewhat like a sheepdog before I get in to get cleaned up. Except for the top of course. It has remained shiny between trims for some years now.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Digging a bit more into the history of the Jefferson Theatre, I feel kind of bad about making fun of the place, because as grubby as it looked in 1939, it got a lot worse --

"Sin Town" was a grade Z Universal western, and "Prisoner of Japan" a hokey PRC war picture, both from 1942, suggesting the screen fare at this sad little theatre was just as run-down as the building. But there had been better days --

When it opened in 1914, it was a rather interesting, unique sort of structure -- note the fan for sucking in outside air, which is what passed for air-cooling in the 1910s, and the set-back front under the roof is a neat feature. A nicer place, certainly, though never a palace -- but the remuddling in later years didn't help at all.

This whole bit of neighborhood, skirting Bedford-Stuyvesant, is absolutely unrecognizable today. Those ladies trying to get rid of the El did a pretty through job, because not only is the El gone, so is everything else on the block. The area was cleared after the war for the Marcy Houses project, and the site of the Jefferson is now part of the Marcy Playground --

 

[scotrace]

I always wanted to see Gage & Tollner's just for the utter time capsule aspect of the place -- I probably would have had a hard time affording to eat there, but I liked the fact that such a place continued to exist in spite of all odds, without any kind of twee foodie format or celebrity-chef cachet. I hope they do reopen, maybe I'll finally get a chance. They say the steaks were spectacular.

It is apparently a done deal. Removing the pink fiberboard covering everything revealed that it's all still there, gas lights and all.

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/03/01/gage-tollner-downtown-brooklyn/

 

[Fading Fast]

Digging a bit more into the history of the Jefferson Theatre, I feel kind of bad about making fun of the place, because as grubby as it looked in 1939, it got a lot worse --

"Sin Town" was a grade Z Universal western, and "Prisoner of Japan" a hokey PRC war picture, both from 1942, suggesting the screen fare at this sad little theatre was just as run-down as the building. But there had been better days --

When it opened in 1914, it was a rather interesting, unique sort of structure -- note the fan for sucking in outside air, which is what passed for air-cooling in the 1910s, and the set-back front under the roof is a neat feature. A nicer place, certainly, though never a palace -- but the remuddling in later years didn't help at all.

This whole bit of neighborhood, skirting Bedford-Stuyvesant, is absolutely unrecognizable today. Those ladies trying to get rid of the El did a pretty through job, because not only is the El gone, so is everything else on the block. The area was cleared after the war for the Marcy Houses project, and the site of the Jefferson is now part of the Marcy Playground --

Interesting history.

I am not familiar with that particular housing project, but there are many scattered across the city and while - like everything else in NYC vs. the '70s - they've improved, they are still really, really dangerous places for the most part.

Even the ones in the better neighborhoods are like islands of lawlessness surrounded by normalcy. It's as if the police and the housing project community have an unwritten pact that we, the police, will allow a certain amount of lawlessness to abide inside the project if you, the violent element within the project, do not let it invade the surrounding neighborhood.

You'll literal see surrounding streets with moms pushing kids in strollers, people eating at outdoor cafes, etc., but if you look inside the project grounds, even in broad daylight, almost nobody is out and those that are move quickly and furtively.

And the projects in the not-good neighborhoods are even worse as the entire area, inside and out, takes on the feeling of an occupied city where police cars constantly patrol but very few people are ever on the streets except for gang members in packs showing their colors.

 

[Fading Fast]

It is apparently a done deal. Removing the pink fiberboard covering everything revealed that it's all still there, gas lights and all.

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2019/03/01/gage-tollner-downtown-brooklyn/

You are correct. Looks like it's going to happen, but I don't think it has reopened yet as I haven't heard about it and a search for it constantly brings me back to your article.

All the menu / open-restaurant site also don't show it open.

Hopefully, coming soon.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain today formally rejected Chancellor Adolf Hitler's call for an end to the war, declaring that peace upon such terms as Hitler has laid out could not be accomplished without Great Britain forfeiting her honor. The Prime Minister's speech before the House of Commons today was his first public comment since Hitler's address to the Reichstag last week. Chamberlain further stated that Britain has reached this decision after consultation with the governments of the Dominions and of the French Republic.

The US Ambassador to the Soviet Union today conferred with the Soviet Foreign Minister as the Soviet Union opened important political and economic negotiations with Finland. Ambassador Lawrence A. Steinhart and Foreign Minister Molotov reportedly discussed the Baltic situation. The conference comes as the US denies that it has intervened diplomatically, or will intervene diplomatically, in the developing situation between Finland and the Soviet Union. Sweden, Norway, and Finland have asked the United States to "enter into joint overtures" with the Soviets to ensure their borders.

The British Navy today is reported to have captured a 13,615 ton German steamer. The German vessel Cap Norte, a freighter serving German trade routes to South America, had sailed from Brazil on September 12th, and was seized by the British in the South Atlantic.

Negotiations between the CIO United Auto Workers and the Chrysler Corporation are into their fifth day with no resolution in sight. Assembly line speedups are the crux of the dispute which has idled workers at the Detroit Chrysler plants and those of Briggs Manufacturing, which furnishes auto bodies for Chrysler. While the current shutdown is not a strike, one is likely -- UAW regional director Richard Frankensteen says he will today file the required five-day notice for a strike with the Michigan Labor Board.

A Brooklyn woman who sailed on the refugee liner Iroquois says the seasickness was more upsetting than reported threats from the German admirality that the vessel would be sunk. Miss Lillian Shine, of 123 Court Street, was returning on the Iroquois from a visit to Ireland, said "I was so seasick I didn't care if we were bombed. And a lot of the passengers felt the same way." Miss Shine attributed the safe end to her voyage to a toy black cat she purchased in a gift shop in Dublin as a good-luck souvenir.

A Brooklyn policeman faces felonious assault charges following a barroom brawl early this morning that led to the shooting of a civilian. 44-year-old Patrolman William DeMent of the Borough Park precinct was booked this morning for the shooting of 30-year-old Andrew Pandolf of 117 15th Street during a 3:40 AM fight outside Otto's Hofbrau, 3904 5th Avenue. Ten persons reported to have been patrons of the bar, including four women, are being held for questioning at the 4th Precinct headquarters. Two other police officers are under investigation in the shooting. DeMent, a 13-year member of the force who was at the bar in civilian clothes while off duty, was accompanied by the two other officers, also in civilian dress. DeMent was carrying his service revolver, but contends it had not been fired. A police surgeon who examined DeMent after the incident reported that the patrolman was "unfit for duty" at the time of the shooting. Pandolf was taken to Norwegian Hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his left leg. His condition is reported to be "not serious."

The heat wave's finally broken, with "a breath of October now in the air." Today's temperatures are expected to peak around 70 degrees.

Actress Betty Grable, who just shed husband Jackie Coogan in a Hollywood divorce court, denies that she's about to marry bandleader Artie Shaw.

A 12 year old Woodhaven boy was killed this morning in a bicycle accident. Frank Graziano of 100-10 Atlantic Avenue died from a fractured skull when he hit a car at the intersection of Park Lane South and Woodhaven Boulevard yesterday afternoon. Another youth, who was riding on the bicycle with Graziano, was treated for facial lacertations.

Parades, Fetes Thruout City Mark Columbus Day Observance. A ceremony will be held on the steps of Borough Hall by members of Col. Jacob Ruppert Post 77 of the Army And Navy Veterans of the United States, with Lt. Governor Charles Poletti the featured speaker. Governor Herbert Lehman will preside in Manhattan at the annual ceremony in Columbus Circle. The Italian-American League will present ceremonies today in the Court of Peace at the World's Fair.

SWIM in Natural Salt Water in the pool at the St. George Hotel! Weekday admissions 40 cents, including suit and towel.

Schoolchildren in the city are disappointed after the Board of Education denied Mayor LaGuardia's proposal that a school holiday be declared on October 27th to give children one last chance to visit the World's Fair before it closes for the season. An alternative plan under consideration by the Board would give 7th and 8th graders only the day off for a Fair visit.

TASTE the Difference! R&H Staten Island Beer and Ale, on tap at your favorite tavern, or in cans and bottles.

Embattled Kings County Judge George Martin has rested his defense in the ongoing impeachment hearings underway in Albany. Legislators broke out in laughter as the Judge described some of the unsuccessful business propositions which he promoted in the 1920s, including a transatlantic airship that proved too big to fly, a smell-proof sanitary garbage pail, and a machine to bore square holes. Martin is accused of using his judicial position to lure investors for his various enterprises.

The Original Hilton Company, makers of Stylebilt Clothes For Men, is GOING OUT OF BUSINESS after 41 Years! Entire Stock of Suits, Topcoats, and Overcoats at ABSOLUTE CLOSEOUT PRICES! SAVE IMPORTANT DOLLARS! In Brooklyn at 376 Fulton Street, in Manhattan on Broadway at 48th Street.

Achieve the new "Scissors Silhouette" in the Pagan Charm Girdliere by Formfit! Schiaparelli Approved!

Cut All Your Food Costs Without Cutting Corners on Quality at your A&P Self-Service Food Stores. Fresh Hams cut from corn-fed porkers, 17 cents a pound. Extra-Fancy milk fed Fowl starting at 19 cents a pound. Prime Ribs of Beef, 23 cents a pound. Legs of Lamb, 23 cents a pound!

New Season's Clothes Make Matrons Look Willowy!

Ray Tucker of the "National Whirligig" column predicts that President Roosevelt will in fact act as a mediator in the European War, and that his recommendation will be, not for a new League of Nations, but for a continental federation of European states. Hey, that's an idea!

A $100,000 fire at the Rubel Ice Company plant on 62nd Street shut down service last night at the height of rush hour on the BMT's Sea Beach subway line. Nine companies of firemen took over the tracks to battle the blaze. Service on the line resumed at 10pm.

Smiling twentyish Kathryn Jasper lost her ability to walk even before she could, from a bout of infantile paralysis at the age of two. But she tells Jane Corby that she doesn't consider herself handicapped in any way, getting around freely in her wheelchair, getting up and down stairs with the aid of leg braces, and living life to the fullest. Swimming is her favorite sport, and she indulges at every opportunity. She has several jobs, including sorting greeting cards, selling magazine subscriptions, and typing. Her only regret is that she can't dance to the hot swing music she enjoys so much.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music opened its fall season last night with a three-ply festival of music, ballet, and an art exhibit to an overflow audience of more than 4000 people.

The Dodgers have a standing offer of $200,000 on the table for slugging Joe Medwick, but Cardinal owner Sam Breadon does not appear inclined to pick it up. Breadon insists that Ducky is not for sale, but Leo Durocher and Larry MacPhail believe that the powerful Hungarian is the one player the Dodgers need to turn the team into a serious pennant contender.

Finishing in third place in 1939 earned the Dodgers a $22,500 share of the World Series money. The loot will be divided into 28 shares of $787, with eighteen players who spent the full season at Brooklyn receiving full shares. Full shares were also voted to the coaching staff, the traveling secretary, and the clubhouse manager. A mixture of half, two-third, one-third and fifth shares went to other members of the team staff, and to players who spent partial seasons with the club.

The Bungles are questioning their sanity in the matter of McGonigle the Talking Ghost Mouse. "Ugh! How utterly dippy!" declares Jo, while George looks around for somebody, anybody, to punch in the face.

Murdock the Butler assigns Bill Biff to a job as second chauffeur, and assigns him, and Mary Worth, to servant's quarters. Mary is having none of this, and insists on staying in a guest room adjacent to Leona's room. Murdock grudgingly agrees, and then places a mysterious phone call in which he complains that "The old man left a watchdog! Our plan may be held up a while!" And this time it's Mary's turn to listen in from the shadows.

Kay and Babs will join Dan Dunn and Irwin on their vacation, but not before Irwin falls down a long flight of stairs while carrying a load of suitcases -- without letting go of the smoldering cigar butt clamped in his teeth. The life of a comedy-relief sidekick is not an easy one.

 

[Fading Fast]

...
Negotiations between the CIO United Auto Workers and the Chrysler Corporation are into their fifth day with no resolution in sight. Assembly line speedups are the crux of the dispute which has idled workers at the Detroit Chrysler plants and those of Briggs Manufacturing, which furnishes auto bodies for Chrysler. While the current shutdown is not a strike, one is likely -- UAW regional director Richard Frankensteen says he will today file the required five-day notice for a strike with the Michigan Labor Board....

Headline in today's paper:
GM Talks With UAW Hit Impasse, Propelling Strike Into the Weekend

..."I was so seasick I didn't care if we were bombed. And a lot of the passengers felt the same way."....

 

[LizzieMaine]

Otto's Hofbrau, the scene of the crime. Not quite as divey as I'd expected.