New Yorks New Year Observances From Old City to 1919
The piece traces New Year customs from Peter Stuyvesant’s 17th century proclamations banning gunfire to 19th century open houses in New York and Philadelphia in 1894 and 1900. It notes the shift from neighborly calls to fashion and card exchanges, the rise of “target companies” and social pressure, and the later push toward restrained, “sane” celebrations starting in 1914, ending with the era’s evolving norms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peter Stuyvesant
New Netherlands
New York
Washington Irving
New Amsterdam
White Hall
Broad Street
Beekman’s
Bremen
Philadelphia
Third District
Independence Hall
Chestnut Street
Statehouse
Mummer
New
Broadway
Trinity Church
Auction of interstitial glands linked to murderer at San Quentin
In a sensational tale from San Francisco, Floyd Lee McClure, who killed detective Anton Schoembs, offers to auction his interstitial glands to raise funds for Schoembs’ widow and children. A separate report shows Antone Lapara’s wife renounces contesting for the $10,000 offered if her husband is hanged, saying money cannot replace loss.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Anton Schoembs
San Francisco
Floyd Lee McClure
Schoembs
Schoemba
McClure
San Quentin
Boy Tire Racing Shocks City Down Cheesman Hill
In Cheesman Park area a novel pastime uses inflated auto tires as rolling sleds. Boys curl inside rims, race from the hilltop to Tenth and Franklin, causing traffic blockades as onlookers watch the tumbling yet balanced tires speed downhill. The popular sport requires two or more boys per tire, with pushers aiding the launch.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pyr Area
Cheesman Park Hill
Tenth
Franklin Streets
Ais Automobile
Franklin
Camouflage in Crime Stirs Questions About Deception
A New York column critiques clever camouflage in crime, recounting a case where a man admits involvement but uses disguises and staged injuries to appear legitimate. The piece questions honesty as thugs employ deceptive theatrics to mislead victims and observers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
York
John Smith
East End
Emil Emilson
Joe Lansky
Emil
Joe
John
Gold Star in Window Honors Marijane Aged Six
In memory of Marijane, six-year-old daughter of Otto B E Smith, a North Western railroad brakeman, a gold star is placed in the window at 823 North Lamon Avenue. A tragic accident followed as Marijane crossed the street for candy, a car swerved to avoid a streetcar, and she was fatally struck by a fender, fracturing her skull.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Papa
Knights of Old
Prince Albert
Hicago
North
Lamon Avenue
Marijane
Otto BE. Smith
North Western Railroad
Miss Mills
Nash School
Chicago Avenue
Henry A. Pining
North Elmwood Avenue
Oak Park
Also Mentioned on This Page
Happe
Envns Nes T
AN Francisco
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!