Bond Bread Bakery 1 15
Barker Avenue and Rosewood Avenue, Bronx5 June 1930
Complainant: Joseph Flynn
Mr. Flynn had apparently written to both Health Commissioner Wynne and Mayor Walker on 5 June 1930, complaining of the Bond Bakery's noise. The Health Dept. directed his complaint to Dr. Arthur J. O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent, Borough of the Bronx, for "immediate investigation and appropriate action." The Mayor's office, slower to respond, contacted Flynn later in July prompting this follow-up complaint to Dr. Wynne on 31 July 1930, in which Flynn made clear that the noise had in no way been remediated. Upon receipt of this letter, the Health Dept. called the Flynns at home and scheduled an inspection for Saturday night 1 August 1930. A hand-written note dated 8 August on Flynn's letter indicates this inspector, "Ridley," would be following up in the "Trial Board" [?]. Flynn wrote again to the Department in July of 1933 to complain of this same noise. Several other Barker Avenue residents also complained of the Bond Bread Bakery's noise, in June 1930 and July 1933.
Radio Fiends 9 2
552 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn24 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Florence Chrystal
Mrs. Chrystal's complaint was referred to Dr. James F. Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, who sent inspectors on two separate occasions. No undue noise was discovered by these men, but Mrs. Chrystal wrote back to indicate that conditions were much improved due to the "forceful warnings" of the inspectors.
Factory Workshop 10 2
near 61 West 10th Street, Manhattan30 July 1930
Complainant: Miss Kay Phelps
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Foltis Fisher Restaurant 11 1
East 86th Street, Manhattan (near #129)29 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Francis G. Cinthank
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Gas Station 15 3
61 Greenwich Avenue, Manhattan16 June 1930
Complainant: Sister Felicite
Sister Felicite's original letter of complaint was sent to Mayor Walker after she was unsuccessful in getting him on the telephone. The letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne, who responded personally rather than sending the customary form letter. A Health Squad Inspector named Miller followed up with eight individual inspections over several days and nights, but at no time was undue noise observed. Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendant for Manhattan, also called on Sister Felicite, and reported that she was "amazed" by this result, noting further that she hoped to shut the station down. Dr. Blauvelt's report was forwarded back to the Mayor's office, along with the Sister's original complaint.
Cornet-Playing Neighbor 16 1
adjacent to Apartment 3E, 897 East 176th Street, Bronx26 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Lee S. Parks
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Loud Whistle 17 14
opposite 67 Broad Street, Manhattan26 July 1930
Complainant: Edith Warren
While Miss Warren took the time to write a note to Health Commissioner Wynne to thank him for his attention to her noise complaint, she seemed to assume that the result of this attention would be the cessation of the annoying whistle. This may or may not have been the case. Since her home was across the bay in Bayonne, NJ, Warren may have worked in the area of her complaint.
Restaurant Exhaust Fan 18 1
opposite 26 West 96th Street, Manhattan26 July 1930
Complainant: Dr. W.B. Hills
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Truckers 19 10
Atlantic Avenue between Franklin Avenue and Classon Avenue, Brooklyn26 July 1930
Complainant: Miss Gertrude L. Weston
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Subway Construction 21 12
near Lafayette Avenue and Ashland Place, Brooklyn24 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Morris H. Adler
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Excavation Work 20 15
south side of 97th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue, Manhattan22 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Abraham Weilar, Counselor at Law
Weilar had complained that the noisy work near his home began as early as 6:45 A.M. Commissioner Wynne responded that the City's official "hours of rest" are from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM, thus contractors were allowed to make necessary work-related noise from 6:00 AM onward.
Construction Work 22 2
200th Street and Grand Concourse, Bronx24 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Charles Conrath
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Unspecified Noise 23 1
[near 1464 Greene Avenue, Brooklyn]23 June 1930
Complainant: Dr. Emmanuel Gogel
The specific nature and location of Gogel's complaint are not evident in the extant correspondence, but the noise was probably located near his home. Commissioner Wynne responded that "the noise complained of is not analogous to 'radio noises,' and this cannot be directly prohibited by the Health Department." Gogel was recommended to turn to the Public Nuisance Act, Penal Law Sections 1530 and 1532, and take the offender to court.
New York Central Railroad Trains 24 3
New York Central railroad tracks along 98 Riverside Drive, Manhattan23 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Sol Stern
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
New York Central Railroad Trains 25 1
New York Central railroad tracks along 33 Riverside Drive, Manhattan23 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Morton W. Jacobs
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Sewer Construction 26 15
East 85th Street between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, Manhattan22 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. Charles Weschler
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Construction 27 2
adjacent to 37 Featherbed Lane, Bronx19 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Gelberg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Manchester Garage 28 12
West 108th Street, Manhattan14 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. James Moore
Moore's original complaint, no longer extant, was submitted in mid-April 1930, concerning noise emitted from broken and/or open windows in the Manchester Garage. The Dept. of Health sent inspectors on three occasions who observed no noise and reported that the windows had been repaired and closed. Moore apparently subsequently took the garage owner to court and lost the suit, as he wrote angrily to Wynne in July that the Commissioner "had his inspector testify that there was not any noise." Moore insinuated undue influence resulting from his belief that Wynne was connected with the management of the garage, since the Commissioner kept his (city-owned) car there. Wynne wrote back defending himself, even though he felt the "gross discourtesy" of Moore's letter deserved no response.
Parties at the Hungarian Club 29 11
350 East 81st Street, Manhattan17 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Leopold Philipp, On Behalf of Owner and Tenants
A hand-written note on Mr. Philipp's letter indicates that a member of the Health Department's staff called Philipp to inform him that this complaint should be made to the Police Department. Philipp responded that he would take it up directly with Police Commissioner Mulrooney.
St. James Restaurant 30 1
618 West 181st Street, Manhattan16 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Nathan Bregstone, ENBEC Holding Corp.
In a previous letter of complaint about the St. James Restaurant (8 July 1930), Mr. Bregstone indicated that he wrote on behalf of the tenants of 145 Wadsworth Avenue. One of those tenants, John Higgins, also wrote directly to the Health Department in July 1930 to complain of the restaurant noise, and the Health Department inspected the restaurant numerous times following up on these complaints.
Noise from the Steiner Building 31 2
257 West 17th Street, Manhattan16 July 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Mary Bubser, R.N.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
St. James Restaurant 32 3
618 West 181st Street, Manhattan11 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. John W. Higgins
Mr. Higgins' complaint against the restaurant was joined at this time by that of Nathan Bregstone, who represented the owners and tenants of the building in which Higgins resided.
New York Central Railroad Trains 33 1
[Perhaps near Spring Street Terminal?]11 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. J.A. Bennen Jr.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
New York Central Railroad Trains 34 10
near 33 Riverside Drive, Manhattan10 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Alfred Yankauer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noise Nuisance 35 2
near 33 Riverside Drive, Manhattan9 July 1930
Complainant: Miss Agnes D. Davis
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Ice-Cream Man 36 16
2410 Davidson Avenue, Bronx9 July 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Louise Helfcent
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Saxophone-Playing Neighbor 37 12
56 West 105th Street, Manhattan8 July 1930
Complainant: Mrs. F.H. Apory
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Electric Machines in B. Bloom Factory 38 10
192 Stanton Street, Manhattan8 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Rubin Davidson
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Loudspeaker 39 16
Near 365 East 32nd Street, Brooklyn8 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Albert Kuelling, Secretary, Vanderveer Park Taxpayers Assn.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Horse-Shoeing Shop 40 15
opposite 250 East 110th Street, Manhattan3 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Anthony Scalero
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Water System Construction 41 11
South 5th Street and Keap Street, Brooklyn17 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. W.M. Levitt
Commissioner Wynne replied to Levitt that the only remedy was to resort to a summons against the contractor for violation of Sections 1530 and 1532 of the Penal Law or Public Nuisance Act; to gather more than three complainants; and to take the offenders to court. Levitt's neighbor, Jack Jekowsky, also complained of this same noise in June 1930, and received the same response. In other cases, however, when people complained of the noise of contractors working on municipal projects, complainants were informed that, if the work was contracted by a Borough or other municipality, there was no legal recourse to abate the work-related noise.
Buses in a Garage 42 3
Near Prince Street and Washington Street, Queens30 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Charles Williams, Queens Committee of 500 on Sanitation and Beautification, On Behalf of Neighbors
Commissioner Wynne replied that, while this nuisance was within the jurisdiction of the Police Dept. under Section 1530 of the Penal Law, he would have the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, send a Sanitary Inspector to the site. The Inspector was unable to verify the complaint but he spoke with the garage manager about the problem, and this manager apparently responded in a way that reduced the noise, as Mrs. Williams apparently wrote back later in July 1930 to commend the garage manager as well as the Health Inspector who handled the complaint. The location of Washington Street in Queens circa 1930 is unclear; the complaint has thus been placed along Prince Street.
Sheffield Farms Milkmen 43 10
604 West 178th Street, Manhattan30 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Brown
Sheffield Farms milk deliveries were the subject of numerous complaints across the city from 1926 through 1931. Their large bottling plant at 632 West 125th Street in Manhattan was also cause for complaint in that neighborhood. Mrs. Brown's complaint would have been assigned to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Factory Machinery 44 2
1 Seaman Avenue, Manhattan23 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Hertz
Mr. Hertz, having gotten no satisfaction from "the proper authorities," wrote to Mayor Walker with his complaint of noise from an illegal workshop operating in his apartment building. His complaint was forwarded to the Department of Health, and Commissioner Wynne then forwarded it to Hon. William F. Deegan, Commissioner of the Tenement House Department, as well as to the New York State Department of Labor. Esther Midler, Chief of the Division of Homework Inspection for the State agency later reported to Wynne that the facility (a custom corset-making concern), which was not licensed to manufacture in this building, was ordered to cease operation.
Bus Whistle 45 16
173 Henry Street, Manhattan27 June 1930
Complainant: Dr. L.A. Cranin
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
New York Central Railroad Trains 46 15
Opposite 640 Riverside Drive, Manhattan27 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Frederick W. Mathieu
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Bond Bread Bakery 47 3
opposite 3240 Barker Avenue, Bronx17 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. George A. Grattarola
Mr. Grattarola's complaint was echoed by other residents in his neighborhood who were also bothered by the noise of the Bond Break Bakery. His complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Arthur J. O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 48 15
137 Montague Street, Brooklyn26 June 1930
Complainant: Miss Mabel Holman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Cleaning and Dying Shop 49 13
713 Church Avenue, Brooklyn26 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. B. Newman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 50 1
Near 110 West 143rd Street, Manhattan25 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. W.A. Domingo
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 51 2
315 West 86th Street, Manhattan25 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Allen Sinclair Will
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Outdoor Movie Theater Loudspeakers 52 2
St. Nicholas Avenue and 185th Street, Manhattan24 June 1930
Complainant: Josephine W. Sullivan
Sullivan wrote her complaint to Mayor Walker, claiming that the noise of this loudspeaker was making her ill. The Mayor's office forwarded the letter to Hon. Patrick J. Diamond, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Licenses, who forwarded it to the Department of Health. The complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent, Borough of Manhattan, "for investigation and appropriate action." Sullivan complained again in September of 1930, specifying that the noise came from a loudspeaker on the roof of the Majestic Theatre.
Gas Station 53 1
East 94th Street and 3rd Avenue, Manhattan24 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. H. McGovern
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Restaurant and Radio Loudspeaker 54 13
438 68th Street, Brooklyn24 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. John S. Butler
While the action taken in response to Mr. Butler's complaint is not recorded, on 10 July 1930, Wynne wrote to Butler noting that he was glad to hear that the problem was solved. Butler, a city engineer, wrote from his work address in the Municipal Building. He probably lived somewhere in Brooklyn near the noises of which he complained.
Radio Nuisance 55 11
[Near 1206 Church Road, Broad Channel, Queens]23 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Emma L. Davis
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Mrs. David did not specify the location of the radio nuisance, it was probably somewhere close to her residence.
Water System Construction 56 16
South 5th Street and Keap Street, Brooklyn17 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Jack Jakowsky
Health Commissioner Wynne sent Mr. Jakowsky a form-letter reply, passing along some basic information about taking a noise offender to court under the municipal nuisance laws.
Radio Nuisance 57 13
[Near 30 West 54th Street, Manhattan]20 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. A.W. Kempner
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Mrs. Kempner did not specify the location of the radio nuisance, it was probably somewhere near her residence.
Truck Traffic 58 15
43rd Street, between Vandeventer Avenue [28th Ave] and Wilson Ave [25th Ave], Astoria, Queens14 June 1930
Complainant: Francis Collier Ott
Ott had written to Wynne in May 1930. That letter was forwarded to the Noise Abatement Commission and thence to the Police Department. In response to Ott's re-iteration of his complaint, E.B. Dennis of the Noise Abatement Commission drafted a letter on behalf of Commissioner Wynne, which explained to Mr. Ott that neither the Department of Health nor the Noise Abatement Commission had jurisdiction over traffic. The letter further explained that, while Dennis was sympathetic to his situation, Mr. Ott could only initiate any action through the Traffic Division of the Police Department. Since Wynne approved the draft (see "OK" note at bottom), it seems likely that this letter was sent.
General Noise 59 2
Central Park West at 83rd Street, Manhattan16 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Goldie Taub
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Cab Stand 60 2
Columbus Avenue and 83rd Street, Manhattan15 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. L. Siebert
Commissioner Wynne responded to Mrs. Siebert that Edward P. Mulrooney, Commissioner of the Police Department, had complete jurisdiction over the condition of which she complained.
General Noise 61 2
Madison Avenue at 48th Street, Manhattan16 June 1930
Complainant: Dr. Edwin Beer
Dr. Beer sent a telegram to Commissioner Wynne to submit his complaint. While Vanderbilt Avenue now terminates at 47th Street, in 1930 it ran through to 49th Street.
Yelling Newspaper Vendors 62 15
Avenue U and East 16th Street, Brooklyn12 June 1930
Complainant: Miss Rose Kosler
Commissioner Wynne informed Miss Kosler that she must contact her local Police Precinct to address this problem, as it was not within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health.
Radio Nuisance 63 14
[Near 260 Seaman Avenue. Manhattan]12 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. C.T. Hallenbeck
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Mr. Hallenbeck did not specify the location of the radio nuisance, it was probably somewhere near his residence.
Water Pump 64 3
801 and 817 West End Avenue, Manhattan12 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. David F. Hirsch
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Charging Batteries 65 11
206 East 32nd Street, Manhattan12 June 1930
Complainant: Miss K.M. Wier
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Garage Doors 66 14
726 Manida Street, Bronx12 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. S. Greenwald
Commissioner Wynne responded that Mrs. Greenwald's complaint has been forwarded to Dr. Arthur J. O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action. Addressing Greenwald's apparent concern that her complaint remain anonymous, Wynne noted that it was a Department of Health rule that the name of a complainant was never revealed by an inspecting officer.
Jersey and Borden Milk Companies 67 2
435 and 436 West 18th Street, Manhattan12 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Thomas Dall
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Jetter's Dairy Employees, also Noisy Children 68 14
43 Perry Street, Manhattan12 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Natalie Laurence
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 69 2
[Near 255 West 33rd Street]12 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. John J. Lynch
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Lynch did not specify the location of the radio nuisance, but it was probably somewhere near his residence.
Bond Bread Bakery 70 15
Barker Avenue and Rosewood Street, Bronx6 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Henry E. Pignone
Mr. Pignone's neighbors Joseph Flynn and George Grattarola also complained about noise from the Bond Bread Bakery at this time. As with these others, Pignone's complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur J. O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Black Beauty Cab Corp. 71 3
635 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn6 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. Horowitz and Petitioners
Mr. Horowitz sent a petition from multiple complainants to the Commissioner of Health via Registered Mail. The complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James F. Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Traffic Noise 72 15
Lenox Road and Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn5 June 1930
Complainant: Marjorie Z. (Mrs. Reginald) Sigel
Commissioner Wynne replied that "noises naturally incident to commercial enterprises may not be prohibited." In response to Mrs. Sigel's query about breaking her lease so that she could move to a quieter location, Wynne advised her to consult a lawyer. Mrs. Sigel did apparently move later that summer or fall, for in November of 1930 she wrote from a different location just a block away at 95 Linden Boulevard. She may have escaped the noise of traffic at her new home, but she now encountered a noisy radio which also disturbed her peace.
Noisy Neigbors on Stoop 73 16
567 Fox Street, Bronx5 June 1930
Complainant: Samuel Rosenfeld
Commissioner Wynne sent Mr. Rosenfeld a form letter outlining how to bring suit against his noisy neighbors under Chapter 23, Article 12, Section 130 of the Code of Ordinances. The letter also suggested contacting the local Precinct of Police for help in documenting the nuisance.
Outdoor Theatre Loudspeakers 74 1
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan4 June 1930
Complainant: John Alger
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Three other residents of 14 Irving Place complained about this same noise at this time.
Outdoor Theatre Loudspeakers 75 10
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan4 June 1930
Complainant: Robert Payne
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Three other residents of 14 Irving Place also complained about this noise at this time.
Outdoor Theatre Loudspeakers 76 12
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan3 June 1930
Complainant: Mary P. Young
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Three other residents of 14 Irving Place also complained about this noise at this time.
IRT Substation Noise 77 13
150 West 16th Street, Manhattan3 June 1930
Complainant: H.W. Hurlbut
Hurlbut's complaint was forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt.
Outdoor Theatre Loudspeakers 78 13
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan3 June 1930
Complainant: Miss Marie Fitzgerald
Miss Fitzgerald's complaint was referred to the Sanitary Bureau for investigation. Three other residents of 14 Irving Place also complained about this noise at this time.
Phonograph Shop Loudspeaker 79 2
1648 Second Avenue, Manhattan12 May 1930
Complainant: Edward Neylan
Edward Neylan, resident of a building on the West side of Second Ave., complained numerous times about the use of a loudspeaker at the Century Talking Machine Co., a phonograph shop at 1648 Second Ave., owned by Joseph Krauss. Neyland had brought suit against Krauss under the Public Nuisance Act, but the case was dismissed. According to Krauss's lawyer, Howard Gill, Krauss was unfairly targeted by Health Inspector Robert Mansfield, who ignored the deployment of loudspeakers in other radio/phonograph shops near his own. Gill wrote to Commissioner Wynne to complain about this "oppression." Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, responded that Mansfield only responded to specific complaints, and that he had not served summonses to other shop owners because no complaints had been made against them. A few weeks later, Krauss would be taken to court as the first official offender of the new amendment to the Sanitary Code of the city which now forbade such use of outdoor loudspeakers. According to the Times, Krauss's loudspeaker was mounted over the transom of his shop door, and blasted music continually from 4 PM to 10 PM every day except Sundays. Neighbors testified that the noise "was greater than that of passing trolley cars and elevated trains combined." Krauss was found guilty and ordered to discontinue the nuisance immediately by Justice Caldwell. His sentencing, scheduled for 13 June 1930, would depend upon his compliance with this order.
Various Annoying Noises 80 3
150 West 85th Street, Manhattan29 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Gertrude Heyman
Miss Heyman apparently complained of noise to the Department of Health sometime in May 1930 and was dissatisfied with the outcome, for she wrote again on 29 May 1930 informing them that their response was unsatisfactory. She also wrote to Mayor Walker in early June 1930, and that noise complaint was forwarded to Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne.
Vanderbilt Garage 81 3
213 East 47th Street, Manhattan12 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. J.C. Wilson
Mr. Wilson wrote again, at the end of May, reiterating his complaint against the Vanderbilt Garage.
Church Bells 82 11
[Near 575 West End Avenue, Manhattan]27 May 1930
Complainant: Walter I. Wolf
Like all who wrote to complain about the noise of church bells, Mr. Wolf received a form letter indicating that, since the ringing of church bells was protected as a religious freedom under the Constitution of the United States, no action could be taken to alleviate this noise. He did not specify the location of the church whose bells disturbed him, but it was probably somewhere near his residence. St. Paul's Methodist Church (now The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew) was just a block away, at 86th Street and West End Avenue.
Radio Nuisance 83 16
[Near 253 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn]27 May 1930
Complainant: Miss E.E. Field
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Field apparently did not specify the location of the radio nuisance but it was probably somewhere near her residence.
Century Ornamental Ironworks Foundry 84 13
442 East 88th Street, Manhattan27 May 1930
Complainant: Charles F. May
Mr. May may not have provided his correct mailing address, as the Department of Health's response, acknowledging receipt of his complaint, was returned undelivered.
Church Bells 85 1
[Near 184 Sullivan Street, Manhattan]26 May 1930
Complainant: Paul W. Kellogg
Like all who wrote to complain about church bells, Mr. Kellogg received a form letter indicating that, since the ringing of church bells was protected as a religious freedom under the Constitution of the United States, no action could be taken to alleviate this noise. Kellogg apparently did not specify the church whose bells disturbed him. The Judson Memorial Baptist Church at 55 Washington Square South was not far from his residence, however, and it may have been those bells that he heard.
General Noise 86 1
54 Bleeker Street, Manhattan26 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Harry Phillips
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Neighbors 87 1
75 Pineapple Street, Brooklyn22 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Richard A. Malone
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Crying Baby and Noisy Woman 88 15
8528 118th Street, Queens18 April 1930
Complainant: Miss Florence Brown
Florence Brown had previously written to the Health Commissioner, at the end of December 1929, to complain about the noise in her neighborhood. On 18 April 1930, she wrote again to Commissioner Wynne, commending him for his work to abate noise of radio loudspeakers and asking for a copy of the Sanitary Code. Upon receipt of the Code, she wrote back, indicating her problem with late-night noise from the tenant above her apartment, a crying baby and the walking-about of its mother. Brown asked about the possibility of breaking her lease, since the noise was affecting the ill health of her own mother, who lived with Miss Brown. A Health Inspector was sent to speak to the upstairs tenant, Mrs. Rosner, who not surprisingly said there was little she could do to stop the baby's crying, but that she would try to be quieter herself as she nursed it. Wynne had suggested to Miss Brown that, since the problem was affecting her mother's health, she might have a case under Section 183 of the Sanitary Code (the public nuisance law). Brown wrote back to ask if she might submit Wynne's letter in court, should she choose to bring suit in an attempt to break her lease, a request to which Wynne agreed. It is unclear whether Florence Brown took her case to court or not.
Neighborhood Noise 89 3
Neighborhood of 8528 118th Street, Queens27 December 1929
Complainant: Miss Florence Brown
Miss Brown would later (April-May 1930) carry on an extended correspondence with Health Commissioner Wynne regarding noise coming from the tenants in the apartment above her own.
Noisy Schoolchildren 90 3
114th Street and 86th Avenue, Queens8 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. and Mrs. Hagan
While the original complaint is not extant, a Health Inspector's report from 8 May 1930 indicates that the Hagans complained about a noisy new game that children were playing at the Richmond Hill High School Annex playground all day long. The Sanitary Inspector, C.C. Sofliess, reported on 20 May 1930 that, after three separate visits to the site, he "never saw a school yard less noisy." The school children, however, indicated that children from a nearby parochial school often came and used this playground and that these kids were very noisy. Sofleiss spoke with Mrs. Hagan, who blamed the playground for her inability to sell her house. Sofleiss opined in his report that this was unfair, as there simply was no selling market at the time. Sofleiss was instructed to interview the Supervisor of the parochial school regarding the use of the playground, but there is no record beyond this point.
General Noise 91 2
122 Second Avenue, Manhattan19 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. Huff
Mr. J. Huff wrote on behalf of the Estate of August Huff, from an uptown address far from the noise complained of. Perhaps August Huff lived downtown near the noise and J. Huff wrote on his behalf, or perhaps the Estate owned a downtown property affected by the noise.
Hotel St. George Dishwashing Equipment 92 16
Hotel St. George, Henry/Clark/Pineapple/Hicks Streets, Brooklyn16 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. James A. Beattie
The Hotel St. George was the largest hotel in New York City circa 1930, filling the block bounded by Henry, Clark, Pineapple, and Hicks Streets in Brooklyn Heights. Mr. Beattie's complaint was forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 93 13
[Near 703 Grand Street, Brooklyn]20 May 1930
Complainant: Dr. George Freiman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Dr. Freiman apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed him, but it was probably somewhere near his residence.
Noisy Factory Exhaust Fan 94 16
Corona Avenue, Queens16 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Marie L. Johnston
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Johnston's location is unclear. The Health Department's acknowledgment of her complaint listed her at 225 Forley Avenue, Elmhurst. But there is only a Forley Street, not Avenue, in Queens, and there is no number 225 on the 1933 map of Forley Street.
Noisy Radio 95 3
Cypress Hills Sporting Club, Brooklyn15 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Elsie G. Shroder
In acknowledging receipt of her complaint, Commissioner Wynne assured Miss Shroder that her name would not be revealed when the noise was investigated. The specific location of the Cypress Hills Sporting Club has not been determined, but there is currently a rifle and pistol range at 74-16 Jamaica Avenue, not far from where Miss Shroder lived. Assuming that the Sporting Club was similarly for gunmen and women in 1930, one can sympathize with Miss Shroder's concern about anonymity...
White Motor Co. Garage 96 2
1045 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn15 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. James Geary
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Automobile Service Station 97 1
adjoining 859 Southern Boulevard, Bronx15 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. G. Caro
Mr. Caro may have written from his work address concerning a noise near his home, or vice-versa. Complaints like Caro's, about noises in the Borough of the Bronx, were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 98 15
[Near 436 East 83rd Street, Manhattan]13 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Frederick L. Dorman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Dorman did not specify the location of the noise that bothered him, so it is assumed to be near or around his residence.
General Noise 99 15
[Near 1235 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn]13 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. May Ulrich
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Ulrich did not specify the location of the noise that bothered her, so it is assumed to be near or around her residence.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 100 15
2166 Westchester Avenue, Bronx13 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. E. Timmerhaus
Commissioner Wynne acknowledged receipt of Mrs. Timmerhous's complaint, and informed her that it had been forwarded to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action.
Radio Loudspeaker 101 11
133 Lee Avenue, Brooklyn12 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. John Fraser
Mr. Fraser's complain is referred to in a letter from Commissioner Wynne to the Honorable Patrick J. Diamond, Deputy Commissioner of Licenses, who was in charge of licensing the operation of cinemas in the city.
Starlight Amusement Park Whistle 102 3
Starlight Park, East Tremont Avenue and West Farms Road, Bronx12 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. John F. Dooley
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 103 3
NULL12 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. C.E. Davenport
Mr. Davenport wrote from his work address at the Seaboard Coal Company on West 34th Street. He did not specify a location for his noise complaint, so it is assumed the noise is near or around his place of work. Complaints like Davenport's, about noises in the Borough of Manhattan, were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Ash Collection Men 104 1
[Near 1947 Broadway, Manhattan]12 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. John O'Neill
Complaints about municipal sanitation workers, or workers for private companies who provided municipal sanitation services, were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation.
Radio Nuisance 105 16
[Near 2537 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan]12 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. R.W. Houston
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Houston did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her (at times a difficult if not impossible task), but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Radio Nuisance 106 2
[Near 95 East 18th Street, Brooklyn]12 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Fifi M. Wood
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Wood apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her (at times a difficult, even impossible, task), but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Radio Nuisance 107 16
224 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn12 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Edith M. Whitaker
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Water System Construction 108 16
Bryant Avenue and Westchester Avenue, Bronx9 May 1930
Complainant: Dr. F.P. Baumritter
Commissioner Wynne wrote to Baumritter indicating that the contractor, Patrick McGovern Inc., was licensed by the Board of Water Supply to operate in three 8-hour shifts around the clock. He noted that a similar complaint was submitted against this company by a Mrs. Wagman of 590 Bronx Park South, who took the issue to the Magistrates Court to petition against the night noise. After several hearings and adjournments, this case was dismissed. Nonetheless, he indicated that the Doctor's complaint would be forwarded to the Board of Water Supply.
Kayser Glove and Underwear Co. Factory 109 12
970 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn9 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Umberto Forte
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 110 11
[Near 96 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn]9 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Mabel Holman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Holman apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Radio Nuisance 111 16
[Near 1813 Greene Avenue, Queens]9 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Winifred T. Fox
Mrs. Fox's complaint was first forwarded to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, but he returned the complaint to Commissioner Wynne, pointing out that her neighborhood of Ridgewood was in Queens, not Brooklyn, thus not in his jurisdiction. The complaint would then have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry. Mrs. Fox apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
General Noise 112 1
Seventh Avenue and 59th Street, Manhattan9 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Harry T. Mattice
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Loudspeaker 113 14
neighborhood of 850 Hewitt Place, Bronx9 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Shirley Margolis
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 114 3
Washington Heights, Manhattan9 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Elsie A. Hocking
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 115 16
60 Dey Street, Manhattan7 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Clifford S. Merrifield
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." This block of Dey Street, between Church and Greenwich Streets, was torn down when the World Trade Center was built.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 116 3
60 Dey Street, Manhattan6 May 1930
Complainant: Plompton Miller
Mr. Miller wrote back to Commissioner Wynne after receiving acknowledgement of his complaint, thanking him for his prompt attention. His complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." This block of Dey Street, between Church and Greenwich Streets, was torn down when the World Trade Center was built.
Coffee Pot Restaurant 117 3
561 West 147th Street, Manhattan6 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Frank Hurst
Complaints of noise from restaurants were typically forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Noisy Garage 118 10
east side of 19th Street, between Avenues W and X, Brooklyn6 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Morris Greenberg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Steamship Whistles 119 14
New York Harbor, Upper Bay6 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. S. Hirshfield
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 120 2
80 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx1 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Thins
Joseph Thins (possibly Thims) sent his letter of complaint by Special Delivery in late March 1930. The matter was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, "for action and report." On 5 May 1930, Commissioner Wynne reported to Thins that a Sanitary Police Officer instructed the manager of the radio shop to "tone down" his radio. Upon reinspection, the officer noted that the radio had been moved inside the store and that the complainant was now satisfied with the situation.
Crowing Roosters 121 10
4217 Carpenter Avenue Bronx3 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. F.C. Hall
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Water System Construction 122 3
Bryant and Westchester Avenues, Bronx30 April 1930
Complainant: Samuel J. Joseph, On Behalf of Owners and Tenants
Commissioner Wynne wrote to Joseph indicating that the contractor, Patrick McGovern Inc., was licensed by the Board of Water Supply to operate in three 8-hour shifts around the clock. He noted that a similar complaint was submitted against this company by a Mrs. Wagman of 590 Bronx Park South, who took the issue to the Magistrates Court to petition against the night noise. After several hearings and adjournments, this case was dismissed. Nonetheless, Wynne informed Joseph that his complaint would be forwarded to the Board of Water Supply.
Early Morning Market Noise 123 1
[Near 114 East 28th Street, Manhattan]2 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Julius Goldman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Goldman apparently did not specify the location of the market that disturbed her, but it was almost certainly somewhere near her home.
General Noise 124 3
14th Street, Manhattan1 May 1930
Complainant: Miss Marjorie Alexander
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 125 16
[Near 712 West 175th Street, Manhattan]1 May 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Hugo Walther
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Walther apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
General Noise 126 3
[Near 124 West 63rd Street, Manhattan]1 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. Frank Reichhardt
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Reichhardt apparently did not specify the type or location of the noise that disturbed him, but it was probably somewhere near his home.
Radio Nuisance 127 2
[Near 215 West 75th Street, Manhattan]29 April 1930
Complainant: Miss Marion Irving
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Irving apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Outdoor Loudspeaker 128 2
SW corner of 15th Street and Irving Place, Manhattan29 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. Charles Ferguson, National Arts Club
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Outdoor Loudspeaker 129 1
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan29 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. Robert D. Doaby
Mr. Doaby wrote from his work address at the U.S. Fidelity and Guaranty Company, 75 William Street, Manhattan. Perhaps he lived near the noisy theater at Irving Place.
Sirens 130 16
[Near 330 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan]29 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. L. Swope
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 131 3
West End Avenue and 74th Street, Manhattan19 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. E. Adler
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Loudspeaker at Irving Place Burlesque Theatre 132 11
118 East 15th Street, Manhattan29 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. C.B. Bishop
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Several neighbors of Mr. Bishop also complained of this noise, at this time, and again in early June 1930.
Radio Nuisance 133 12
2790 Broadway, Manhattan19 April 1930
Complainant: Miss Ruth Burcheval
Miss Brucheval wrote from her work address at the American Folk Dance Society, 65 East 56th Street, Manhattan. Perhaps she lived uptown near the noise of which she complained.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 134 3
2671 Broadway, Manhattan25 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. A.B. Holt
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Ash Collectors 135 10
[1701 Avenue M, Brooklyn]26 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. George L. Quinn
Mr. Quinn wrote from his business address, the Midwood Board of Trade, 1701 Avenue M, Brooklyn. It is not evident where he resided, which is presumably the area to which his complaint referred. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 136 2
[Near 15 East 48th Street, Manhattan]23 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. James Lenox Banks
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Mr. Banks did not specify the location of the noise that bothered him, it was probably located near his residence.
Concrete Mixing Machine 137 2
Central Park West and 70th Street, Manhattan21 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. Leo Freed
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Water System Construction 138 1
Bryant Avenue and 167th Street, Bronx21 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. T. Shanley
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Outdoor Theatre Loudspeaker 139 12
1634 Broadway, Manhattan19 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. George Lamont
Mr. Lamont wrote from his place of work, Rismont Products Inc., which was near the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 140 16
[Near 386 West 125th Street, Manhattan]17 April 1930
Complainant: Miss Rose Collins
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Miss Collins did not specify the location of the radio nuisance that bothered her, it was probably somewhere near her residence.
Radio Nuisance 141 10
[Near 90-10 170th Street, Queens]16 April 1930
Complainant: Miss Ruby M. Stoutenburg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Miss Stoutenburg did not specify the location of the radio nuisance that bothered her, it was probably somewhere near her residence.
Radio Nuisance 142 16
neighborhood of 58 West 36th Street, Manhattan14 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. A. Wadsworth
Mrs. Wadsworth clearly looked forward to the enforcement of the new amendment to the City's Sanitary Code (Section 215-a), which would forbid such disturbing noises from radio and phonograph loudspeakers.
General Noise 143 2
[Near 132-03 Newport Avenue, Belle Harbor, Queens]11 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. R. Watson
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." While Mrs. Watson did not specify the location of the noises that bothered her, they were probably near her residence.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 144 3
[Near 300 West 21st Street, Manhattan]11 April 1930
Complainant: Mr. James P. Dowling
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Saxophone-Playing Neighbor 145 3
2955 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn8 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Ethel Kirby and Petitioners
Commissioner Wynne replied that the complaint was referred to Dr. James F. Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for "investigation and appropriate action."
The Level Club 146 3
253 West 73rd Street, Manhattan5 April 1930
Complainant: Unknown
The complaint, by an unspecified party, is recorded in a memo from Commissioner Wynne to Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt. The Level Club was a Masonic organization whose luxurious headquarters boasted a hotel for members, dining rooms, a rooftop garden, gymnasium, pool, and 1500-seat theatre. The Club suffered financially financially after the Crash of '29, however, and in 1930 (at the time of this complaint) it operated as a men's hotel open to the public. The building was foreclosed upon in 1931.
Rooftop Dances 147 3
Amsterdam Avenue and West 97th Street, Manhattan15 March 1930
Complainant: Professor Richard Gottheil
Professor Gottheil, a Professor of Semitic Languages at Columbia University, wrote to Charles Burlingham, a member of the Noise Abatement Commission, on 15 March 1930 complaining of noise from outdoor roof-top dances at a Catholic community center near his apartment building. "Of course," he wrote, "the music is nothing but Jazz, and the noise is practically unbearable for the whole neighborhood." The complaint was forwarded to the Department of Health, to Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, who queried his boss on how to proceed. Blauvelt met with the Assistant Pastor of the Holy Name Church, who informed him that no dances had been held since the past September. Blauvelt was additionally told that Gottheil "was known as a persistent complainant, and no attention had been paid to him, lately, nor would any be given him in the future." Commissioner Wynne wrote to Gottheil that the noise of which he complained must be coming from a different location, and that the Department would attempt to locate it, but unless it violated the specific strictures of the Sanitary Code, the Department of Health would have no jurisdiction to act and he would have to address it through the Penal Code or Public Nuisance Act and take the offender to court.
Noisy Boys 148 12
West 87th Street, Manhattan3 April 1930
Complainant: Dr. George F. Shrady
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 149 1
15 West 127th Street, Manhattan2 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Savage
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
B & I Auto Spring Co. Workshop 150 2
Bergen Street, Brooklyn10 April 1930
Complainant: Honorable James Allen, Alderman
On Behalf of Four Residents
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." It is not clear which block of Bergen Street held the noisy workshop and its noise-plagued neighbors.
Ash Collection 151 2
Near 465 80th Street, Brooklyn24 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. M. Fuller
Complaints of the noise of ash-collection were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation.
Dough-Mixing Machines 152 2
2344-48 Decatur Street, Queens22 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. William F. Neubeck
While Commissioner Wynne's response shows a return address in Brooklyn, the content of the letter makes clear that Neubeck lived on Decatur Street in Queens. A Health Squad inspector was sent to these premises on three separate occasions. The noise complained of was observed on one of these visits, and Mr. Neubeck was advised to invoke the aid of the District Attorney's office, under Section 1530 of the Penal Code, as this noise was not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health through the Sanitary Code. Commissioner Wynne informed Neubeck that a copy of the inspector's report would be made available, should he choose to take the offender to court.
Exhaust Fans 153 15
135 West 19th Street, Manhattan20 March 1930
Complainant: Miss F. Davenport
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 154 3
15 West 127th Street, Manhattan20 March 1930
Complainant: Mrs. S.C. Pike
Mrs. Pike was reiterating a complaint she had registered in February 1930. Her neighbor Mrs. Savage also complained about noise from this location. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Loudspeaker 155 3
adjoining 2234 Ryer Avenue, Bronx20 March 1930
Complainant: Mrs. George J. Fitzpatrick
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Bugle and Drum Corps of Hebrew Orphans Asylum 156 13
Amsterdam Avenue, between 136th Street and 138th Street, Manhattan19 March 1930
Complainant: Robert L. Winkley
Mr. Winkley had written to complain of this noise in November of 1929, and he wrote back to the Commissioner of Health in March of 1930 to report that, after a cessation of the "damnable din," the noise of the drum and bugle corp of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum had returned, "shattering the peace and quiet of Sunday mornings with the blare of bugles, and the beating of drums, and the incessant marching around in military formation." Commissioner Wynne asked former Commissioner of Health Thomas Darlington to visit the Asylum and speak to its supervisor about the noise. The outcome is unrecorded.
Steam System Construction 157 12
58th Street and Sixth Avenue, Manhattan11 March 1930
Complainant: Helen Hutchins
Hutchins wrote to both Commissioner Wynne and Mayor James Walker to complain of the night-work of the New York Steam Corporation in the street near her home. Wynne replied that, while he sympathized with her complaint, her only recourse was to take the matter up with the Borough President, as the workers were operating at night under valid permits issued by the Borough.
Ash Collection and Ice Delivery 158 1
270-280 Park Avenue, Manhattan5 March 1930
Complainant: Harry M. Newington
Newington wrote to Commissioner Wynne on 5 March 1930 to complain of the noise, and he wrote back on 13 March to thank Wynne for his Department's prompt work to alleviate the problem. An "efficient officer" had come to see him, Newington reported, and he noted that since that visit, the noise was no longer a problem.
General Noise 159 13
neighborhood of 254 Seaman Avenue, Manhattan10 March 1930
Complainant: Miss Eleanor Booth Simmons
Commissioner Wynne wrote to Miss Simmons on 10 March 1930 regarding an earlier complaint, to indicate that a Health Inspector had informed him that conditions had been corrected.
Radio Loudspeaker 160 2
[Near 593 Ninth Avenue, Manhattan]3 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. George H. Bolton
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Bolton did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed him, but it was probably somewhere near his residence.
Building Construction 161 2
opposite 140 West 58th Street, Manhattan7 March 1930
Complainant: Miss B.H. Liveright
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 162 14
[Near 99 Featherbed Lane, Bronx]6 March 1930
Complainant: Miss Lora Green
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Green did not specify the nature or location of the noises that bothered her, but they were probably somewhere near her residence.
Glidden and Co. Factory 163 12
Corona Avenue and 94th Street, Queens4 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. Patrick Golden
The Glidden factory complained of by Mr. Golden was the long-standing former Durkee Factory, which had been purchased by Glidden in 1929. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Loudspeaker 164 16
139 West 116th Street, #2, Manhattan27 February 1930
Complainant: Dr. Alfred Langmann, M.D.
Dr. Langmann's return address was listed on East 68th Street. Perhaps he lived uptown near the noise he complained of, and wrote from his mid-town work address, or vice-versa.
Radio Loudspeaker 165 1
[Near 1 Marble Hill Avenue, Bronx]27 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. L. Kellogg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Kellogg apparently did not specify the location of the radio that bothered her, but it was probably near her home.
Traffic 166 3
[Near 597 Walton Avenue, Bronx]27 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. T.A. Crausway
Complaints about traffic noises were typically referred to the Department of Police. While Mr. Crausway did not specify the location of the noise that bothered him, it was probably near his home.
Noisy Neighbor 167 1
Near 228 East 36th Street, Manhattan26 February 1930
Complainant: Miss Emily H. Suydam
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Subway Construction 168 1
[Near 8024 Broadway, Elmhurst, Queens]24 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Paul Fredericksen
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Shop Loudspeakers 169 3
219 and 226 West 34th Street, Manhattan24 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. R.L. Vaughn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 170 16
Neighborhood of 36 Central Park South, Manhattan24 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Maude A. Sutton
Mrs. Sutton complained again, in October 1930, about noise from the Cameo Tea Room, near her home on Central Park South. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Truck Traffic 171 3
[Near 60 East 54th Street, Manhattan]21 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. Max Haering,
Resident Manager, Hotel Elysee
It seems that the atmosphere around the Hotel Elysee was not very Elysian. Mr. Haering complained again, in October of 1930, that the noise of building demolition near the Hotel was now disturbing his guests. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 172 16
[Near 840 Seventh Avenue, Manhattan]21 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. John B. Cot
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Cot apparently did not specify the location of the noise that bothered her, but it was probably nearby her home.
Radio Loudspeakers 173 12
[Near 165 Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn]21 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Charlotte Adest
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Adest apparently did not specify the location of the radios that bothered her, but they were probably somewhere near her home.
Sheffield Dairy Milk Depot 174 3
632 125th Street, Manhattan18 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. C.H. Prescott Jr.
The Sheffield Farms Dairy, at 632 125th Street, was built in 1911 and could process and pasteurize over 15,000 bottles per hour. Delivery wagons were loaded under a copper canopy at the front of the structure. The building, sans canopy, is now owned by Columbia University.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 175 11
4842 Broadway, Manhattan18 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Meyer
Mr. Meyer lived above a noisy radio shop. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Electric Sign 176 10
[Near 988 Whitlock Avenue, Bronx]18 February 1930
Complainant: Dr. Louis C. Relkin
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action." Dr. Relkin apparently did not specify the location of the noise that bothered him, but it was probably near his home.
Noisy Garage 177 1
South side of 91st Avenue, between 144th Place and 145th Street, Queens17 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. Henry Anwarter
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Cats 178 5
107 West 82nd Street, Manhattan17 February 1930
Complainant: Dr. Simon Ulick
Dr. Ulick's complaint was forwarded to the Health Squad, "for investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 179 3
15 West 127th Street, Manhattan17 February 1930
Complainant: Mrs. S.G. Pike
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 180 2
[Near 4306 46th Street, Long Island City, Queens]15 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. S. Bernstein
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Bernstein apparently did not specify the location of the loudspeaker that disturbed him, but it was probably somewhere near his home.
Theatre Loading-Dock Stagehands 181 11
Bedford Avenue and Bergen Street, Brooklyn14 February 1930
Complainant: Miss Elizabeth C. Smith
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Whistle 182 1
[Near 305 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan]10 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. Merington
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Merington apparently did not specify the location of the whistle that disturbed him, but it was probably in the vicinity of his residence.
Sewing Machines 183 2
Adjacent to 262 Greene Street, Manhattan16 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Walter A. Gunther
Mr. Gunther originally complained on 16 January 1930. The site was inspected on 21 and 22 January, and it was reported that the noise was "naturally incident to the character of the tailoring business conducted thereat, and that said noise occurs only during the usual working hours of said business, namely, between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. daily." For that reason, Commissioner Wynne indicated to Gunther that the Health Department was powerless to abate the noise of which he complained.
Noisy Neighbors 184 10
220 Boscobel Place, Bronx3 February 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph J. McMahon
Mr. Boscobel's complaint was referred to the Lieutenant in Charge of the Health Squad, for investigation and appropriate action.
Noisy Parties 185 16
522 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn27 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Leroy W. Brooks
Brooks complained of the "constant racketeering" of late-night parties in his apartment building, particularly the "maniacal laughter" of a woman in an apartment near his own, which was "enough to drive one mad." Commissioner Wynne responded that the noise fell under the strictures of the Penal Code, not the Sanitary Code, thus he should have a summons issued to take the offending parties (so to speak) to court.
Construction Work 186 16
Central Park West between 74th Street and 75th Street, Manhattan27 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. E. W. Estes, Managing Director
Central Park West and Columbus Ave. Assn.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 187 14
810 Broadway, Manhattan27 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Henry Bern
Mr. Bern wrote from his work address at the St. Denis Offices Corporation, near the source of his complaint. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Water System Construction 188 2
181st Street and Bryant Avenue, Bronx14 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Sophie Wagman
Following up on a complaint in 1929, Mrs. Wagman procured a summons again the noisy contractor, the Patrick McGovern Company, and was called to the West Farms Court under Magistrate Albert Vitale on 21 January 1930. Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, of the Department of Health, was instructed to have "a couple of efficient inspectors" assigned to the case, and also to ask former Commissioner of Health Dr. Thomas Darlington to appear in court. Blauvelt reported, after the court date, that Magistrate Vitale adjourned the case for one week and ordered Mrs. Wagman to take her complaint to the District Attorney for the Bronx. Magistrate Vitale may have had other things on his mind; he had been accused, in late 1929, of consorting with gangsters like Arnold Rothstein. In March 1930 he would be removed from the bench.
Steam Drill 189 16
[Near 1112 Park Avenue, Manhattan]21 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. H.B. Leary
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Leary apparently did not specify the location of the steam drill that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Building Construction 190 16
Central Park West, between 75th Street and 76th Street, Manhattan18 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph J. Corn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Corn wrote from 271 Madison Avenue, which may have been his work address. Perhaps he lived near the noise of which he complained on Central Park West.
Cushman Baking Co. Factory 191 13
Beach 79th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens18 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Oscar Drucker
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Rooster and Dog 192 16
neighborhood of 30 Seaman Avenue, Manhattan18 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. E. Spilka
Mr. Spilka was informed that his complaint was referred to an Assistant Sanitary Superintendent, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Excavation Work 193 12
93rd Street near Broadway, Manhattan16 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Perry Philips
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 194 3
[Near 689 West 233rd Street, Bronx]16 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Robert W. Bray
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Bray apparently did not specify the nature or location of the noise that bothered him, but it was probably near his home.
Church Bells 195 10
two blocks from 132 Nassau Street, Manhattan14 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. C.H. Sandman
Mr. Sandman apparently complained on 1 November 1929, and again on 6 January 1930, about Sunday morning church bells ringing in his neighborhood. Department Counsel James D. O'Sullivan replied on 14 January, pointing out that on November 10th a Health Department Inspector had visited the site and noted that the (unnamed) church had a set of musical chimes installed in its steeple which played hymns for about 22 minutes each Sunday morning. It then tolled bells for three minutes. Neither the bells nor the chimes were harsh in sound and, according to the Inspector, did not constitute a nuisance. Mr. Sandman, who lived two blocks from this church, was also visited at that time, and he indicated to the Inspector that he "did not wish to stir up any trouble." O'Sullivan further explained to Sandman that "it is not and never has been the policy of the Health Department to do anything that might be construed as interfering with ones [sic] religious liberties in the slightest degree." Sandman was advised that, if he wished to pursue the matter he could bring suit according to Sections 1530 and 1532 of the Penal Code, but there would be "no hope of success" in court. The copy of O'Sullivan's letter in the Municipal Archives has "First Dutch Reform Church" hand-written at the bottom of the typed letter, but it remains unclear which church was the source of Sandman's complaint. St. Paul's Chapel lies within two blocks of 132 Nassau Street, as does St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. St. Paul's has a steeple, while St. Peter's does not.
General Noise 196 1
[Near 420 East 92nd Street, Manhattan]14 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Helena M. Schillinger
Mrs. Schillinger's unspecified complaint was referred to the Noise Abatement Commission.
General Noise 197 3
[Near 311 West 23rd Street, Manhattan]14 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Lee
Mr. Lee's unspecified complaint was referred to the Noise Abatement Commission.
Noisy Hammering 198 15
rear of 201 West 105th Street, Manhattan13 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Miriam Tuckman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Demolition 199 13
Northwest corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan10 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. C. Maurice, Manager
Columbia University Club
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Fuel Oil Deliveries 200 1
southwest corner of West 75th Street and Riverside Drive, Manhattan10 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. B.H. Janssen
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Janssen may have written from work, as his return address is quite far from the noise of which he complained. Perhaps he lived on Riverside Drive.
Subway Construction 201 2
546 16th Street, Brooklyn and Prospect Park South near 11th Avenue, Brooklyn9 January 1930
Complainant: Judge Tally
A Health Department report dated 9 January 1930 refers to this complaint by "Judge Tally," which was referred to the Board of Transportation. Alfred J. Talley was a former Judge of the Court of General Sessions of the State of New York.
Noisy Neighbors 202 3
near 530 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn9 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Paul J. Prosser
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Organ-Playing Neighbor 203 16
adjacent to 101 Park Avenue, Manhattan7 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. John Laimbeer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Garage Elevator 204 7
112 East 75th Street, Manhattan2 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph J. Hertz
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Hertz apparently wrote from his work address, the Borchard Affiliation at 2598 Broadway. Perhaps he lived near the noise of which he complained.
Noisy Neighbors 205 1
near 4966 Broadway, Manhattan2 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. George Kellington
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 206 2
[Near 685 West End Avenue, Manhattan]9 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Ashley T. Cole
Mrs. Cole's unspecified complaint was referred to the Noise Abatement Commission.
Radio Loudspeaker 207 2
41 West 72nd Street, Manhattan9 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. S.B. Denny
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Garage 208 11
adjoining 815 Park Avenue, Manhattan7 January 1930
Complainant: Mr. Hugh E. Potts
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Printing Press 209 1
[Near 307 East 44th Street, Manhattan]7 January 1930
Complainant: Miss Katherine E. Kovar
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Kovar apparently did not specify the location of the noisy press that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
Radio Loudspeaker 210 14
[Near 7201 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn]6 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. E. Hoctor
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mrs. Hoctor apparently did not specify the location of the radio that disturbed her, but it was probably somewhere near her home.
General Noise 211 13
16-18 East 49th Street, Manhattan6 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Anna L. Duffy
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Black Beauty Cab Corp. Garage 212 5
Osborn Street, Lott Avenue, and Watkins Street, Brooklyn3 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Frieda Derruge and Petitioners
Commissioner Wynne responded on 3 January 1930 to Mrs. Derruge about an earlier complaint submitted as a petition from Derruge and her neighbors. Wynne pointed out that, although the nuisance was legally the province of the Police Department (under Section 1530 of the Penal Law) and not the Health Department, he had instructed his Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn to investigate the problem. A Health Department Inspector met with the garage owners, and they agreed to revise their procedures to minimize noise at night. On 28 December 1929, the Inspector consulted several of the signers of the petition, who reported that the noise had been abated.
General Noise 213 3
Near [West] 183rd Street and Pinehurst Avenue, Manhattan27 December 1930
Complainant: Edward G. Steinert
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Operation Machinery 214 2
112 West 59th Street, Manhattan27 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. Lee K. Frankel
In acknowledging receipt of Mr. Frankel's complaint, Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne indicated that Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, would make a personal inspection.
Traffic 215 12
Fort Washington Avenue between 178th and 179th Streets, Manhattan17 December 1930
Complainant: Hon. David C. Lewis
Municipal Court, 7th District
Commissioner Wynne responded personally to Judge Lewis's complaint, regretting that his Department was unable to take action about traffic noises as this was a matter for the Police to handle. He also indicated that, although contractors were allowed to begin work in the City at 6 AM, he would send a health inspector to investigate the situation and see if they could begin at a later hour. A follow-up letter to the Judge dated 30 December 1930 (which may not have been sent) indicated that a Health Squad Patrolman determined that the loose planking was now nailed down and that the steam shovel working in the area didn't begin operation until 7:00 A.M.
Noisy Neighbor 216 16
95 Northern Avenue [Boulevard?], [Richmond (Staten Island)?]15 December 1930
Complainant: Robert Kaplan
Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne replied to Kaplan's complaint indicating that "the abatement of the condition of which you complain is under Section 1530 of the Penal Code. Relief from same is secured by persons so discommoded applying to the Magistrates Court in their district and requesting a summons for the offenders." While Kaplan listed his address as Northern Avenue, no such street has been located. His complaint has thus been located on Northern Boulevard, which is on Staten Island.
Excavation Work 217 3
91st Street and Riverside Drive, Manhattan15 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. Stanley Smith
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Bickford's Restaurant 218 2
156 West 72nd Street, Manhattan15 December 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Margaret Miller Olinger
Complaints about restaurant noise were typically forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Building Construction 219 2
opposite 4 East 66th Street, Manhattan12 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. Marshall Clark, Manager
On Behalf of Tenants
While Commissioner Wynne informed Mr. Clark that building contractors were legally allowed to begin work at 6 AM, he indicated that he would have Assistant Sanitary Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt look into the matter to see if the noise could be reduced.
Ash Collection 220 1
Fillmore [35th] Avenue and 84th Street, Queens12 December 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Ella D. Schmitt
Complaints about ash collection were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation. Fillmore Avenue is now known as 35th Avenue.
Demolition of Century Theatre 221 2
62rd Street and Central Park West, Manhattan12 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. N.M. Ketcham
Commissioner Wynne acknowledged receipt of Mr. Ketcham's Special Delivery letter of complaint, and indicated that the matter had been referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation. Since its construction in 1909, the Century Theatre (originally the New Theatre) had been infamous for its bad acoustics. Perhaps it was fitting that the noise of its demolition was also problematic. Wynne mistakenly located the theater at 63rd Street in his reply to Ketcham's letter.
Steam Shovel 222 14
East of 71 West 12th Street, Manhattan11 December 1930
Complainant: Lorens Logan
Perhaps because Logan invoked his colleague - famed trial lawyer Isidore Kresel - in his letter of complaint, Health Commissioner Wynne phoned Mr. Logan twice upon receipt of his letter to discuss his complaint. Health Squad inspector Eugene Howard was sent to survey the situation the following day. The inspector noted that excavation work was now completed and the engineer in charge indicated that they had never started work before 7:30 AM. He also indicated that pile driving would soon begin on the site, necessarily creating more noise over the coming several weeks.
Faultless Hat Co. Factory 223 2
263 Greene Street, Manhattan6 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. I. Kaplan
Mr. Kaplan wrote from his work address at the Barrett-Radom Company. His complaint was acknowledged by Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne, who informed him that it had been referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Cleaning and Dying Co. 224 1
Vernon Avenue [now Boulevard] and 9th Street, Queens25 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. John Prudente, Independent Democrat and Civic Club of Long Island City, On Behalf of a Member
Prudente's complaint was forwarded to Dr. John H. Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, who later reported back to Health Commissioner Wynne that the situation was investigated, and, when considerable humming noise from the machinery was discovered, the owner contacted the machinery manufacturer and took measures to reduce the noise. The owner was additionally ordered to use the equipment most distant from the residence at 61 8th Street when night-work was done. The report indicated conditions were now satisfactory. The locations associated with this complaint are difficult to pin down; West Avenue is 5th Street, but 8th Street has not been located on the 1933 map, so the locations have been designated with respect to Vernon Avenue/Boulevard and 9th Street.
Garbage Collection 225 14
opposite 229 West 78th Street, Manhattan4 December 1930
Complainant: Samuel S. Beck, DDS
Complaints about garbage collection were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation.
Hale Bowling and Billiard Academy 226 3
3118 Fulton Street, Brooklyn6 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. George L. Snyder
Mr. Snyder's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. A Sanitary Inspector was sent to Mr. Snyder's home, and, upon confirming the complaint, the matter was called to the attention of the Department of Licenses, which regulated the operation of bowling alleys in the city. Dr. Wynne offered considerable additional legal advice in his 29 November 1930 reply to Snyder.
Noisy Family and Dog 227 2
1864 Seventh Avenue, Apartment 43, Manhattan26 November 1930
Complainant: Miss Charlotte M. Jarvis
Health Commissioner Wynne replied to Miss Jarvis, informing her that "the persons so discommoded must secure a summons from the Magistrates Court in the District in which they reside under Section 1530 of the Penal Code."
Roosters and New York Central Railroad Trains 228 10
opposite 110 Riverside Drive, Manhattan24 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. E. Wilhelm
Mr. Wilhelm's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Machinery 229 2
520 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn4 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Rose Seltzer and Petitioners
Mrs. Seltzer's complaint was forwarded to Dr. James F. Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn. An inspector from the Health Squad was sent to the site, and the manager responded by repairing the machinery and moving it to to a different part of the building. Upon final inspection, no noise was heard and the complainants were interviewed and found satisfied. The problem later returned, however, as Mrs. Seltzer wrote back in November of 1930, and again in February 1931, to complain of this same noise.
Building Machinery 230 2
115 East 90th Street, Manhattan18 November 1930
Complainant: Mrs. A.D. Shackelton
Mrs. Shackelton's complaint was forwarded to the Sanitary Bureau, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Garbage Collection 231 11
42 West 46th Street, Manhattan17 November 1930
Complainant: Dr. John Cutter, On Behalf of a Patient Who Lives
A Health Department internal memo from the Chief of the Division of General Food Inspection to Commissioner Wynne, dated 17 November 1930, indicated that no noise problem was found at this location.
Concrete Mixing Plant 232 3
Bainbridge Avenue and VanCortlandt Avenue, Bronx21 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. Herbert Ryan
Mr. Ryan was informed that this concrete mixing plant was used for subway construction and thus under the control of the Department of Transportation. His complaint was forwarded to the Board of that Department.
General Noise 233 12
East 86th Street and East End Avenue, Manhattan6 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. Martin Egan
Mr. Egan wrote from his Wall Street work address, at J.P. Morgan and Co. Perhaps he lived near Schurz Park. Dr. Wynne responded that the noise situation in the Park would be subsequently observed.
General Noise 234 13
vicinity of 150 Norfolk Street, Manhattan7 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. Paul S. Ente
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Garbage Removal 235 13
47th Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan3 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. Melville E. Regensburg
Complaints about noises involving garbage disposal were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation.
Tailor Shop 236 3
vicinity of 50 East 96th Street, Manhattan25 October 1930
Complainant: Miss E. Battenberg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Construction 237 1
East of Nassau Street, from Fulton to Franklin Streets, Manhattan7 November 1930
Complainant: Anonymous
The date is taken from the postmark on the anonymously-sent postcard, which was processed by the City Hall Annex Post Office.
Noisy Bakery 238 3
1560 St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan10 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. R.M. DeLeeuw
Health Commissioner Wynne wrote back to Mr. DeLeeuw on 24 October 1930, indicating that, upon two separate inspections of the bakery, no unnecessary noise had been observed.
Noisy Restaurant 239 12
331 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn20 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. H.W. Mahan
Complaints about restaurant noise were typically forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs. Mr. Mahan wrote again, in June 1931, to complain of this same noise.
Noisy Family 240 1
121 West 62nd Street, Manhattan10 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. A. Scott
Commissioner Wynne replied to Mr. Scott that his complaint was not within the jurisdiction of the Health Department, and that he would have to appeal to the Magistrates Court for a summons against the Smiths if he wished to pursue the situation further.
Truck Traffic 241 1
near 603-5 West 138th Street, Manhattan9 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. James P. Maney, President
Stockbridge Apartments Inc.
Mr. Maney had initially complained of this noise on 27 September 1930, and he wrote again in October to complain of the Health Department's response. He had received a telephone call from a member of the Department instructing him that this was a matter for the Traffic Division of the Police Department to handle, and Maney indignantly refused to concede this fact, accusing the Commissioner of "passing the buck" and promising to present the matter to the Mayor or "still further" if Wynne did not personally respond and take up the alleviation of his complaint. Maney sent his angry letter via Registered Mail. Assistant Sanitary Superintendent Alonzo Blauvelt looked into Maney's many accusations and reported back to Commissioner Wynne. Wynne subsequently wrote to Maney, confirming that this matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Police and that the Health Department would not be taking any action to alleviate his complaint.
General Noise 242 3
vicinity of Lexington Avenue and 59th Street, Manhattan17 October 1930
Complainant: Miss Janet Martin
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Gas Station 243 12
adjacent to 180 East 94th Street, Manhattan17 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. Patrick Deegan
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 244 2
23 West 130th Street, Manhattan17 October 1930
Complainant: Dr. Frank Robertson Boyd
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Garbage Removal 245 16
Near 36 Central Park South, Manhattan16 October 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Maude A. Sutton
Complaints about garbage removal were typically forwarded to the Department of Sanitation.
Printing Press 246 1
Second Avenue and 22nd Street, Manhattan16 October 1930
Complainant: Mrs. David B. Comdon
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Excavation Work 247 3
Central Park West and 92nd Street, Manhattan15 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. William Neugass
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Dog and Cat Hospital 248 3
4305 48th Street, Queens10 October 1930
Complainant: C.V. McLaughlin
Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne responded on 10 October 1930 to McLaughlin's original complaint, indicating that, upon inspection by the Health Squad, no noise had been discovered at the location. McLaughlin wrote back thanking Commissioner Wynne and reporting that the situation was "greatly improved."
Miniature Golf Course 249 14
adjacent to 1494 University Avenue, Bronx26 September 1930
Complainant: Miss Gladys Allen
Miss Allen had initially complained earlier in September, when the miniature golf-course first appeared on the vacant lot next to her apartment building. Her complaint was referred to the Police, who informed her that she would have to take the operators of the amusement to court to enforce an earlier closing time. She wrote again to Commissioner Wynne to complain of this situation, and to petition him to take legislative action against this problem. In fact, such legislation was pending, and Wynne replied to let her know this.
Jewish Institute 250 3
125 East 85th Street, Manhattan9 October 1930
Complainant: Miss Frances G. Unthank
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Mattress Factory 251 2
344 East 40th Street, Manhattan9 October 1930
Complainant: Miss Janet M. McKay
Miss McKay's complaints was forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Demolition 252 3
Northeast corner of Madison Avenue and 53rd Street9 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. Max Haering, Manager
On Behalf of Tenants and Guests of Hotel Elysee
Haering had complained, back in February 1930, of the noise of trucks disturbing guests at his hotel. This time his complaint was followed by one from the Hotel's owner, Mr. H.M. Marks.
Building Demolition 253 3
West End Avenue and 79th Street, Manhattan9 October 1930
Complainant: Miss Miriam Finestine
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Coffee Shop Noise 254 2
93rd Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan9 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. Benjamin Jacobs
Complaints of restaurant noise were typically forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
General Noise 255 16
vicinity of 222 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn9 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. Abe Helfer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Elevator Noise 256 1
vicinity of 129th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan6 October 1930
Complainant: Miss Sophie Frankel
Mid West Improvement Council
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Miss Frankel apparently wrote from her work address. Perhaps she lived near the noise of which she complained.
Building Demolition 257 3
Northeast corner of Madison Avenue and 53rd Street, Manhattan8 October 1930
Complainant: Mr. H.M. Marks, Ellda Corp.
Owner of Hotel Elysee, On Behalf of Tenants and Guests
Mr. Marks was echoing the complaint of Max Haering, Manager of the Hotel Elysee. Health Commissioner Wynne responded that the legal hours of rest in the City were from 11 PM to 6 AM, thus contractors were allowed to begin work as early as 6 AM. He nonetheless indicated that he would ask Assistant Sanitary Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt to instruct the contractors that "the building demolishing noise be reduced to the minimum."
Building Construction 258 11
rear of Hotel Weylin, Southeast corner of Madison Avenue and 54th Street, Manhattan6 October 1930
Complainant: Dr. Aspinwal Judd
Dr. Judd wrote from a Park Avenue address distant from the noise of which he complained. Park Avenue may have been his work address, and perhaps he resided at the Hotel Weylin. His complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Livestock on New York Central Railroad Cars 259 16
railroad tracks near Riverside Drive, from 79th to 86th Streets, Manhattan2 October 1930
Complainant: Residents of the Area
The complaint, from residents of this area, is mentioned in a memo from Commissioner Wynne to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, asking Blauvelt to investigate. Blauvelt forwarded Wynne's directive to Mr. C.D. VanShaick of the New York Central Railroad, who passed it on to an assistant there. On 6 October 1930, NYCRR Superintendent M.E. Welch replied to Blauvelt, explaining the conditions that sometime necessitated the holding of livestock cars in this area. He assured Blauvelt the Railroad would make an extra effort to minimize this holding time and correct any irregularities.
Livestock on New York Central Railroad Cars 260 16
railroad tracks near 137 Riverside Drive, Manhattan26 April 1930
Complainant: George F. Kunz
Dr. Kunz complained vaguely about "conditions" along Riverside Drive in a letter to Commissioner Wynne dated 26 April 1930. The Department telephoned Kunz for more details, and Wynne subsequently asked Dr. Blauvelt to investigate the situation and report back.
Strolling Musicians 261 13
133 East 64th Street, Manhattan1 October 1930
Complainant: Dr. James Alexander Miller
Dr. Alexander wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne to complain of strolling musicians who performed outside his office. Wynne replied that, upon future annoyance, Alexander should call his local police precinct to report the nuisance, as even licensed bands were required to retreat 250 feet from any dwelling whose inhabitant complained of the noise. Wynne additionally informed Captain Joseph F.X. Day, of the 19th Precinct, of the situation and asked that he put the location under observation by his officers on patrol.
Siren 262 16
Madison Avenue and 77th Street, Manhattan2 October 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Helen Simonson
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Machinery 263 13
427 Fort Washington Avenue, Manhattan26 September 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Marie L. Grosjean
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Horse Stable 264 12
opposite 15-39 West 67th Street, Manhattan25 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. W.C. Mansfield, Vice-President, Albert B. Ashcroft Inc., On Behalf of Tenants
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Paul A. Rung Factory 265 3
461 West 40th Street, Manhattan23 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph L. Mann
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Miniature Golf Course 266 11
adjacent to 8300 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn8 September 1930
Complainant: John Lake, Treasurer, Lake Bros. (Building Owners), On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Lake wrote to John Kelly, the Assistant Secretary to the Health Commissioner, and mentioned that he wrote at the urging of his friend, Jeff Wynne [perhaps a relative of Commissioner Shirley Wynne?]. Commissioner Wynne forwarded the complaint to Police Commissioner Edward Mulrooney, and Kelly informed Lake that legislation to regulate the operating hours of such amusement sites was currently pending. The correspondence included here relates to that legislation.
Radio Loudspeaker and Barking Dogs 267 2
4342 Ely Avenue, Bronx23 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. G.S. Clarke and Petitioners
Mr. Clarke's petition of complaint, which was written to Police Commissioner Edward Mulrooney, was forwarded to the Health Department, which referred the matter to Dr. Arthur J. O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx. A week later, the subject of complaint, Mr. Karl Schneider, wrote back to defend his actions and to complain of his treatment by both his neighbors and the police who had investigated their complaint.
Radio Loudspeaker and Barking Dogs 268 16
1070 Anderson Avenue, Apt 2J, Bronx22 September 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Charles Leonard, On Behalf of Her Friend, Mrs. Charles Clarke, Owner
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Construction 269 2
Gold Street, between Platt and John Streets, Manhattan22 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Edgar A. Knapp
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Siren 270 2
Immigration Ferry Dock, Battery, Manhattan20 September 1930
Complainant: Area Residents
Acting on behalf of unspecified residents of this area, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, inspected this complaint personally. He visited the docks and inquired at several offices before finding the official in charge, Mr. McCullough, Supervising Engineer for the Collector of the Port. McCullough informed Blauvelt that the siren had just been installed yesterday (19 September 1930) and was tested extensively at that time. Under normal circumstances, the siren would sound approximately 15 minutes every hour on foggy days, to warn the hourly Ellis Island Ferry of its approach to the pier. His superiors had specified a siren, to distinguish it from the numerous warning bells and whistles already in service at the Battery. Dr. Blauvelt suggested that a directional horn be installed, to minimize the noise directed toward the land-side, and McCullough agreed to have such an apparatus installed.
Water System Construction 273 3
Anable Avenue and Bragaw Streets [now the intersection of 48th Avenue and 39th Place], Queens19 September 1930
Complainant: Hon. Peter McGarry, Registrar, County of Queens
Health Commissioner Wynne forwarded McGarry's complaint to Mr. Benjamin Einbogler, Secretary of the Board of Water Supply. He also informed McGarry that, in a similar complaint in the Bronx last year, the residents took the contractor to court but lost.
Trucks Traffic 278 3
Near 889 East 94th Street, Brooklyn17 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Nat J. Klauber
Mr. Klauber wrote from his office at the General Insurance Co., 889 East 94th Street, in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The Fulton Street Subway line is a good deal north of here, but it is possible the trucks that he complained of moved south from Fulton Street through Canarsie to dump their loads of earth and rubble into the bay. Klauber had previously complained about this same noise on 29 August 1930. In his letter of 17 September, he noted that, while the papers reported on the Aldermen's consideration of legislation to silence the late-night operation of miniature golf courses, he felt the noise of late-night trucking was a far greater threat to peoples' health.
Traffic 280 1
Christopher Street, between Waverly Place and Greenwich Avenue, Manhattan11 September 1930
Complainant: Miss Susan McGowan
Upon receipt of Miss McGowan's complaint, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt wrote back, acknowledging receipt and succinctly informing her that she should contact her local police station, as they had jurisdiction over the situation of which she complained. McGowan found Blauvelt's letter discourteous and wrote back to Commissioner Wynne to complain, and Wynne subsequently responded defending his employee, explaining that Blauvelt's letter was brief because he was so busy, and that it was indeed true that she needed to contact the police to pursue her complaint.
Building Construction 281 2
86th Street, between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan18 September 1930
Complainant: Dr. B.R. Tupper
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
St. James Restaurant 282 12
618 181st Street, Manhattan8 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Nathan Bregstone, Enbee Holding Corp., On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Bregstone wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne, informing him that the noises of late-night dishwashing, food delivery, and loud employees had been bothering his tenants "for quite a time." Complaints to the police brought no improvement, and a recent summons to the Magistrates Court was "dismissed without as much as a hearing." A previous letter to the Health Department brought no response, so he now petitioned directly to Dr. Wynne asking for help. The complaint (like all involving restaurants and food services) was fowarded to Mr. Bernard Geertsema, Acting Director of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, where the Division of General Food Inspection investigated. Geertsema reported on 8 August 1930 that, after five inspections, the restaurant had taken numerous measures to lessen its noise, and that there was no further cause for action. Wynne relayed the content of Geertsema's report to Nathan Bregstone a few weeks later.
Building Construction 283 15
770 Park Avenue, Manhattan16 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Morrill Goddard
According to a note penciled in at the bottom of the Departments' copy of Commissioner Wynne's form letter acknowledging receipt of Mr. Goddard's complaint, Goddard was a "Reporter for the New York American." Godard's complaint, like all others referring to noises in the Borough of Manhattan, would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Jewelry Factory 284 1
44 West 17th Street, Manhattan16 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. R.D. Boswell
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Steam Shovel 285 1
2 West 88th Street, Manhattan12 September 1930
Complainant: Dr. R.C. Coburn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Construction 286 2
adjacent to 33 West 34th Street, Manhattan11 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Maurice Goldsmith
Mr. Goldsmith wrote from his workplace, the Progressive Leather Goods Co., on 34th Street. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Stone Yard 287 1
near North 5th Street and Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn11 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Thomas P. Smith, Principal
Public School 17, Brooklyn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Building Construction 288 3
adjoining 255 West 43rd Street, Manhattan11 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. J. Jordan, Asst. General Manager, Hotel Times Square
Commissioner Wynne instructed Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, to investigate the complaint.
B & O Railroad Freight Engines 289 11
near 97 St. Marks Place, Staten Island [Richmond]6 September 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Will Hamilton Baker
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Richmond (Staten Island) were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Richmond, Dr. William Buntin, for "investigation and appropriate action." It is likely that the railroad line that plagued Mrs. Hamilton at the Town Club was the one marked "Transit Railroad" on the 1933 map, which follows the north coast of the island turning south toward St. George near the Town Club. This line was a subsidiary of the B&O Railroad for many years.
Boiler Factory 290 2
Mersereau Avenue, Staten Island [Richmond]20 August 1930
Complainant: Mrs. C. Ferri
Mrs. Ferri wrote to Mayor Walker, asking if he could influence the operators of this boiler factory to build a "sound proof wall" to protect the community from its noise. Her complaint was forwarded to the Department of Health, and on 3 September 1930, Dr. William Buntin, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Richmond (Staten Island), reported that, while two previous complaints had been received concerning this factory's noise, it operated in an unrestricted area and the Department of Health had no jurisdiction over it. Previous complaints had been referred to the local police.
Automobile Horns 291 16
[near 7921 Furmanville Ave, Queens]4 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Alfred Brady
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Brady did not specify the location of the horns that disturbed him, but they were probably somewhere near his home.
General Noise 292 3
157 West 75th Street, Manhattan3 September 1930
Complainant: Miss Ethel Worden
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Miniature Golf Course 293 1
Broadway Gardens, behind 32-35 30th Street, Queens2 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. Gustav Hepach
Mr. Hepach had complained previously of this noise, around 21 August 1930. His complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. John H. Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens.
Water/Sewer System Construction 294 2
34th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, Manhattan28 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Magdalen Schuyler
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Siren 295 11
13 West 81st Street, Manhattan28 August 1930
Complainant: Dr. Louis Borre
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." Dr. Borre's return address, in Mount Vernon, Bronx, may have been his home address. Perhaps he worked near the 81st Street noise of which he complained, or vice versa.
Building Construction Riveting 296 12
around 64 West 12th Street, Manhattan26 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. L.E. Dunlop
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Piano-Playing Neighbor 297 10
128 East 93rd Street, Manhattan22 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Sarah Harrison
Health Commissioner Wynne acknowledged receipt of Miss Harrison's complaint and noted that it was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, "for appropriate action."
Parked Cars with Engines Running 298 15
825 West 187th Street, Manhattan22 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Mary E. Goodman and S. Fabian Goodman
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action." It is not evident if the Goodmans lived or worked near the 187th Street location of the noise that disturbed them.
Miniature Golf Course 299 3
31st Street and Broadway, Queens21 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. Gustav Hepach
Mr. Hepach complained again of this same noise around 2 September 1930.
Long Island Railroad Trains 300 12
Atlantic Avenue and 130th Street, Queens20 August 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Margaret Sievert
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Queens were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, Dr. John Barry, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Band Playing Music at a Restaurant 301 16
[near 802 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn?]19 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. A.F. Graff
Mr. Graff had previously complained on 28 July 1930. His complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Steam Shovel 302 1
16th Street and Third Avenue, Manhattan20 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. A. Schneider
Mr. Schneider wrote from his work address at the La Minuette Trading Company, on 16th Street.
Garbage Collection and Fire Engines 303 1
West 56th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Manhattan20 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Caroline Dexter
Miss Dexter wrote from her work address at The Trained Nurse and Hospital Review.
Miniature Golf Course 304 1
between 95th and 96th Streets, Manhattan20 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Caroline Kasner
Commissioner Wynne acknowledged receipt of Miss Kasner's complaint and referred to to Lieutenant Patrick J. O'Riordan of the Health Squad, "for appropriate action."
General Noise 305 2
333 Ovington Avenue, Brooklyn19 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Esther Condevan
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
U.S. Post Office 306 3
near 231 West 69th Street, Manhattan16 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. F.I. Hauptman
Mr. Hauptman wrote from his work address at the GTP Realty Corporation on 69th St. He was informed by Commissioner Wynne that Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, would take up his complaint with the U.S. Post Office authorities.
Water Pump 307 2
305 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan2 July 1930
Complainant: Miss M. Merington
In replying to Miss Merrington's original letter (not extant), Health Commissioner Wynne pointed out that it was not possible for him personally to investigate her complaint. But it appears that he did just that: Wynne wrote back on 21 July, indicating that he had contacted the Hotel's manager, Alfredo Pannaci, who informed him that the pump of which Merrington complained was shut down every night between 11 PM and 6 AM. Pannaci offered to help Miss Merrington locate the noise that was bothering her and, if it were on the hotel premises, to address it. He also mentioned that no one else on her floor had complained of any noise.
Steam Shovel 308 16
Madison Avenue and 31st Street, Manhattan15 August 1930
Complainant: Dr. John H. O'Connor
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Market Noise 309 16
Weisbecker's Food Market [possibly 125th Street, Manhattan?]15 August 1930
Complainant: Mr. John Groener
Mr. Groener wrote from his office address at AT&T on Broadway. The New York Times for 16 December 1900 ran an article about Charles Weisbecker, a wholesale butcher at the 125th Street Market, but this is the only clue in identifying the location of the Weisbecker's food market that bothered Mr. Groener. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Boat Whistles 310 16
East River, near 87th Street, Manhattan11 April 1930
Complainant: Clarence W. Lieb, M.D.
Dr. Lieb, and also Dr. Foster Kennedy (a member of the Noise Abatement Commission) expressed concern about East River boat whistles. Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent, spoke with numerous officials attempting to discover who had jurisdiction over this location. While Federal Laws regulating boat whistles were on the books, it was not clear who could enforce these laws. In August of 1930, Commissioner Wynne corresponded with Albert Goldman, Commissioner of the Department of Plant and Structures, which operated the specific boats at issue. Goldman informed Wynne that it was necessary for safety reasons for the boats to "blow-off" excess steam from their boilers, but that he would instruct his crew to do this only during daytime hours.
Building Construction 311 1
11 West 42nd Street, Manhattan13 August 1930
Complainant: Dr. William T. Gardner
Dr. Gardner wrote from his work address, at the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, on Nassau Street. Perhaps he lived in mid-town, near the noise of which he complained. His complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Exhaust Fan 312 1
Broadway, between 107th and 108th Streets, Manhattan13 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Ruth Burchenal
Miss Burchenal wrote from her work address at the American Folk Dance Society, 65 East 56th Street, Manhattan. Perhaps she lived near the restaurant of which she complained. Her complaint was forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation.
Barking Dogs 313 3
back yard near 559 Madison Street, Brooklyn15 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Alfred Cochran
Commissioner Wynne forwarded Cochran's letter, which discussed the health dangers posed by domestic pets, to Dr. Charles Bolduan, Director of the Bureau of Health Education. Bolduan wrote back to Cochran generally agreeing that pets did indeed spread disease to humans.
Radio Nuisance 314 2
340-342 West 26th Street, Manhattan12 August 1930
Complainant: Rev. Thomas A. Thornton, Pastor
Saint Columbus Church
Rev. Thornton had previously complained of this same noise, around 9 May 1930.
Radio Loudspeaker 315 10
340 West 26th Street, Manhattan9 May 1930
Complainant: Rev. Thomas A. Thornton, Pastor
Saint Columbus Church
Rev. Thornton's complaint was investigated around 15 May 1930 by a member of the Health Squad, who visited the premises and "abated the radio noise through personal effort." Apparently the abatement was only temporary, for Rev. Thornton would complain again of this same noise on 12 August 1930.
Music Studio 316 1
14 East 50th Street, Manhattan19 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. Charles Broman or Brown
Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, reported that a member of the Health Squad investigated this complaint for several days, but no music was ever heard. The tenant assured the officer that music was only performed during "reasonable" hours of the day.
Crosstown Trolley Cars 317 12
Madison Avenue, at 85th and 86th Streets, Manhattan12 August 1930
Complainant: Dr. E. Fox
Dr. Fox wrote from an uptown address on 149th Street. It is not clear if Fox lived or worked in the area of complaint, or perhaps the doctor just rode this streetcar line.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 318 3
Northeast corner of Broadway and 105th Street, Manhattan15 April 1930
Complainant: C.H. Lavinder, On Behalf of An Anonymous Gentleman
Lavinder, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S. Marine Hospital at Ellis Island, wrote to Commissioner Wynne on behalf of "a gentleman with whom I have had some pleasant business relationships, and who prefers, if possible, that his name not appear in the matter." Wynne instructed Assistant Sanitary Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt to place the premises under observation, "and take whatever measures may be necessary to abate the nuisance."
Cafeteria Dishwashing Machinery 320 12
876 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx5 November 1929
Complainant: Otto Lackman, Lackman Real Estate, On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Lackman wrote again in July of 1930 to complain of this noise, noting that the Bronx division of the Department of Health had been unable to abate the noise since he had written his original complaint in November of 1929. On 5 August, Superviser Lichterman of the Bureau of Food and Drugs reported that, upon inspection, the restaurant appeared to be shut down, and this was verified by neighbors as well as a woman at the office of Mr. Lackman, thus there was no further cause for action.
East River Dredging 331 2
East River, near 84th Street, Manhattan20 October 1931
Complainant: H. Bartow Farr
Mr. Farr, an attorney with Hornblower, Miller, Miller and Boston, contacted both the Secretary of War and the First Avenue Association with his complaint. The Association passed his letter on to Health Commissioner Wynne, and noted that they had received "a number of complaints" concerning this noise. Assistant Sanitary Superintendent Dr Alonzo Blauvelt investigated the situation and reported that it seemed that the Army Board was committed to carrying out the dredging twenty-four hours a day in spite of complaint. Wynne passed this information on to James Hackett of the First Avenue Association, suggesting that he contact the District Attorney of New York County to see if a case could be made against the War Department regarding this noise.
Radio Loudspeakers 330 12
[Near 775 Westminster Road, Brooklyn]3 September 1931
Complainant: Robert Grimshaw
Mr. Grimshaw, who apparently wrote quite regularly to the Noise Abatement Commission, contacted Commissioner Wynne to suggest how beat policemen might better locate the sources of late-night loudspeaker nuisances. He also suggested that radio stations broadcast a message requesting listeners to lower the volume of their radios late at night. Dr. Wynne replied that the Health Department had indeed received the cooperation of various broadcasting stations in the way that Grimshaw had suggested.
Radio Nuisance 329 3
2525 Beverly Road, Brooklyn30 November 1931
Complainant: Robert Grimshaw
Grimshaw wrote to Commissioner Wynne regarding a previous request for assistance on behalf of two ladies of his acquaintence who were plagued by a loud radio playing in their apartment building at 2525 Beverly Road. He informed Wynne that the women had canceled their lease and were considering moving to Scarsdale, while the landlord planned to sue the offending tenant for damages. Grimshaw pointed out his own record of failure in attempting to to sue other noise-offenders, and asked if "a dictaphone record" might be useful in any future court cases. According to James Flexner, the Noise Abatement Commission received a letter from Mr. Grimshaw "about once a week," and stopped answering them "long ago." Commissioner Wynne was advised not to respond, and it is not evident that he did so.
Bakery 328 14
1771 Southern Boulevard, Bronx7 December 1931
Complainant: Mr. Louis Dvorkin
Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne informed Mr. Dvorkin that his complaint had been forwarded to Thomas Everett, Acting Director for the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Piano-Playing Neighbor 327 15
240 East 31st Street, Manhattan5 December 1931
Complainant: M.J. Warren
Warren wrote to Commissioner Wynne to thank him for sending an officer to see his "annoying musical neighbor," who now ceased his musicking, "with an emphasised cord," promptly at eleven o'clock each night. Warren wrote from the office of Nutritional Lunch, Chapel of the Incarnation, on East 31st Street, Manhattan. It is not evident if his music-plagued residence was here or elsewhere.
Sheffield Farms Dairy Milk Depot 326 1
632 West 125th Street, Manhattan7 October 1931
Complainant: Mr. Clinton Graham
Mr. Graham complained about the Sheffield depot again in December 1931. Built in 1911, it could process and pasteurize over 15,000 bottles per hour. Delivery wagons were loaded under a copper canopy at the front of the structure. The building, sans canopy, is now owned by Columbia University.
Sheffield Farms Dairy Milk Depot 325 3
632 West 125th Street, Manhattan8 December 1931
Complainant: Mr. Clinton Graham
Mr. Graham had complained about the Sheffield Dairy two months earlier, in October 1931. When Sanitary Inspectors checked it out pursuant to Graham's December complaint, they found "no cause for action." Built in 1911, it could process and pasteurize over 15,000 bottles per hour. Delivery wagons were loaded under a copper canopy at the front of the structure. The building, sans canopy, is now owned by Columbia University.
Radio Nuisance 324 2
20-79 32nd Street, Astoria, Queens22 November 1931
Complainant: Mr. Edward J. Reagan
Mr. Reagan, who noted that he once moved four times in five weeks in attempting to escape the nuisance of radio loudspeakers, wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne to suggest a means by which to increase the effectiveness of the new amendment to the Sanitary Code, Section 215a, which specifically outlawed such radio noise. Reagan suggested that signs be posted in every apartment building throughout the city notifying the occupants of the content of the Code. Dr. Wynne replied that, while the new law did indeed apply to apartment house abusers of loudspeakers, it was mainly intended to curtail the commercial practice of radio shops broadcasting loudspeaker noises out into the streets. Wynne added it would be impractical to post signs in every building in New York.
Drilling and Blasting 323 1
Corner of 80th Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan11 December 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Harry Faryth
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Nuisance 322 2
near 201 West 92nd Street, Manhattan11 December 1931
Complainant: Mrs. G.W. Little
Apparently following up on an earlier complaint, Commissioner Wynne wrote to Mrs. Little on 11 December 1931, noting that a member of the Health Squad had investigated the complaint and reported the noise as abated.
Water Pipe Noise 321 2
60 Gramercy [Park] North, Apt 1A, Manhattan7 December 1931
Complainant: Dr. Elliott C. Burrows
On 22 December 1931, Commissioner Wynne informed Dr. Burrows that the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent had issued a notice to the owners of the building, to abate this noise. Inspector Howard appears to have investigated the complaint at some earlier date.
Building Construction 332 2
165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue, Manhattan11 November 1931
Complainant: Dr. Max Rubin
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Prudential Milk Co. 333 16
413 East 18th Street [now Stuyvesant Town], Manhattan30 October 1931
Complainant: Mr. David F. Mayer, for Mr. Vincent Cioffi, Building Owner
Mayer was informed by Health Commission Dr. Shirley Wynne that his complaint had been referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation. Both locations shown here are now part of the Stuyvesant Town residential complex.
Building Construction 334 15
near 1630 Undercliff Avenue, Bronx10 October 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Janet Stern
Complaints about noises in the Borough of the Bronx were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, Dr. Arthur O'Leary, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 335 3
257 West 17th Street, Manhattan5 October 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Mary G. Bubser, R.N.
Mrs. Bubser wrote from her office as Director of Social Services at French Hospital on West 40th Street, Manhattan. When she complained in July 1930 about this same noise, she indicated that she lived on West 16th Street, near the noisy Steiner Building. Her complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Metal-Cutting Saws 336 3
Third Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn1 October 1931
Complainant: Mr. Thomas O'Dea
O'Dea wrote to Mayor Walker, whose office forwarded the letter to the Health Department. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 337 1
near 788 Riverside Drive, Manhattan30 September 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Guy C. Peterson
Mrs. Peterson had complained previously, in September of 1929, about the noise of steam shovels working in the rear of her residence. Her complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 338 1
[near 229 West 43rd Street, Manhattan]29 September 1931
Complainant: Mr. Frank L. Baker
Mr. Baker wrote from his office at the Society Department, New York Times, and seems to have referred to a noise near this location. The paper's offices were located at 229 West 43rd Street. His complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Theatre Noise [Loudspeakers?] 339 16
327 9th Street, Brooklyn24 September 1931
Complainant: Mrs. S. Mulholland
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 340 11
West 87th Street between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive, Manhattan24 September 1931
Complainant: Mr. George F. Shrady
Mr. Schrady had previously complained in April 1930 about noisy boys on his street. His complaint would have been forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Kitchen Renovation 341 2
Broadway between 75th and 76th Streets, Manhattan26 August 1931
Complainant: Miss Marian Irving
Miss Irving, "a working woman" who needed her sleep, sent her letter of complaint to Health Commissioner Wynne via Special Delivery, which cost a twelve-cent stamp in 1931. On 5 September 1931, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt reported to Wynne that a local patrolman from the Health Squad had investigated the complaint on 31 August at 10:00 AM and found no noise. The restaurant manager informed him at that time that the kitchen construction was complete, and the patrolman confirmed this on a second visit on 2 September. He additionally reported that the complainant was now satisfied and there was no further cause for action.
Sheffield Farms Dairy Deliveryman 342 1
near 2257 Haviland Avenue, Bronx14 September 1931
Complainant: Mrs. S.M. Costigan
Mrs. Costigan's complaint was referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs "for investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Speakeasy 343 2
266 Sherman Avenue, Manhattan13 September 1931
Complainant: Mrs. J.E. Evans
Mrs. Evans's complaint was forwarded by Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne to Edward Mulrooney, Commissioner of Police, "for any action you may deem appropriate." Wynne's letter to Evans, informing her of this, however, was returned by the Post Office and marked "not found," so she may not have given her real name or address when she wrote her complaint.
Renken Dairy Delivery Truck 344 11
near 2639 Mansfield Place [now East 24th Street], Brooklyn15 August 1931
Complainant: Mrs. W.E. Turner
The name of Mansfield Place in Brooklyn was changed to 24th Street right around the time that Mrs. Turner wrote her letter to Commissioner Wynne. Her complaint was referred to the Division of Milk and Milk Production Inspection of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, which sent an Inspector Zimmerman to investigate. Upon verifying the noise, Zimmerman spoke with Mr. M.H. Renken Jr. about the problem and was assured that the noise would be abated at once. Reinspection showed that this had been done, and Mrs. Turner was apparently satisfied enough to write a letter of commendation back to the Department.
Bakery 345 3
1323 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx24 August 1931
Complainant: Mr. Jerome Saalberg, On Behalf of Tenants
Commissioner Wynne reported to Mr. Saalsberg on 18 September that an Investigator had been sent to the site, and had nailed shut the windows of the bakery to prevent the escape of noise into the neighborhood, thus abating the noise. On 22 September, however, Mr. Saalsberg wrote back to report that the windows had been re-opened and the noise was as bad as ever.
Music at Swimming Pool 346 1
Jamaica Avenue near Crescent Street, Brooklyn28 July 1931
Complainant: Joan Shroder
Shroder wrote to Commissioner Wynne to thank him for addressing her previous complaint regarding this noise.
Boat Whistles and Sirens 347 10
East River20 July 1931
Complainant: Dr. C. Burns Craig
Dr. Craig had written to Commissioner Wynne about this same problem earlier, in April of 1931. Craig wrote from his office at the Neurological Institute on West 168th Street, Manhattan, but his letter referred to the numerous hospitals located directly along the East River, whose patients clearly suffered from the river traffic noise. He listed six: Bellevue, City, Metropolitan, Rockefeller, New York, and Doctor's. Wynne replied on 27 July that the Department was actively working on abating this noise.
Noisy Children 348 2
near 8737 188th Street, Queens3 July 1931
Complainant: Miss Catherine M. Rhinevault, Supervisor, Holliswood Hospital
Assistant Sanitary Superintendant for Queens, Dr. Barry, wrote to Rhinevault on 16 July 1931, indicating that he had sent Inspector Marie T. Norris to the site on two separate occasions, and that she observed no noise on either visit. There appears to have been an ongoing tension between the Hospital and the owner of the tennis court, Mrs. Webster Williams, as a note from Barry to Commissioner Wynne dated 17 July 1931 indicated that Mrs. Williams complained "constantly" about the Hospital.
Truck Traffic 349 1
[Near 632 West 158th Street, Manhattan]15 July 1931
Complainant: George M. Robinson
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Silver's Commissary 350 3
19th Street and Eighth Avenue, Manhattan14 July 1931
Complainant: John F. Morgan, James Wells Sons Inc.
Commissioner Wynne informed Mr. Morgan that his complaint had been referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan.
Sheffield Farms Dairy 351 14
Carlton Avenue and Pacific Street, Brooklyn8 July 1931
Complainant: Mr. C.E. Russett
Commissioner Wynne informed Mr. Russett that his complaint had been referred to Thomas F. Everett, Acting Director of the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Steam Shovel 352 12
near 51 Riverside Drive, Manhattan7 July 1931
Complainant: Mr. Ernest Tribelhorn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Dance Lessons 353 16
128 West 73rd Street, Manhattan24 June 1931
Complainant: Horace M. Carter
Commissioner Wynne informed Mr. Carter that 128 West 73rd Street was a residential zone where business activities were not allowed and that he should report the violation to the Bureau of Buildings in the Municipal Building at Centre and Worth Streets.
Noisy Restaurant 354 14
331 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn26 June 1931
Complainant: Mr. H.W. Mahan
Commissioner Wynne informed Mr. Mahan that his complaint had been referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation and appropriate action.
Blacksmithy 355 2
332 Stanton Street, Manhattan26 June 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Lena Jacobowitz
Commissioner Wynne informed Mrs. Jacobowitz that her complaint had been referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assstant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Ash and Garbage Removal 356 13
111 East 80th Street and 925 Park Avenue, Manhattan13 June 1931
Complainant: Mr. G. LeBoutillier
Mr. LeBoutillier was Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Commissioner Wynne forwarded his complaint to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan. Blauvelt wrote to LeBoutillier on 17 June, informing him that since the working day legally begins at 6 AM, there is no legal recourse against this necessary noise. He also indicated, however, that a Health Squad patrolman would speak to the parties involved and ask them to be as quiet as possible while doing their work. LeBoutillier wrote back to Wynne on 18 June, noting that all was quiet that morning and thanking him for his efforts to abate the noise.
General Noise 357 1
vicinity of 3145 Rochambeau Avenue, Bronx15 June 1931
Complainant: Mrs. H. Schroeder
Mrs. Schroeder wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne asking whether it was possible to break a lease due to noise. Wynne replied that she should consult an attorney with respect to her lease. He also advised her to write back specifying the nature and location of the noise that disturbed her, so that an investigation could be made and a report filed that would be available for any future court action on her part.
Noisy Market 358 2
opposite 216 West 100th Street, Manhattan16 June 1931
Complainant: Dr. S.G. Frank
Frank's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan.
Exhaust Fans 359 2
adjoining 239 Central Park West, Manhattan9 June 1931
Complainant: Mr. Samuel Lipman
Lipman wrote from his office at the Bricken Construction Corp., 1385 Broadway. Perhaps he lived near the location of which he complained. His complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Paul A. Rung Co. Factory 360 2
north side of 40th Street, near Tenth Avenue, Manhattan22 May 1931
Complainant: Mr. Frank E. Lammers, On Behalf of Owners and Tenants
Mr. Lammers's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Hotel Delmonico Exhaust Fan 361 2
59th Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan7 May 1931
Complainant: Mr. E.E. Baldwin
Mr. Baldwin resided at 510 Park Avenue. As this was a co-op building, he was also an owner. His complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Riverfront Noise 362 13
Hudson River, between 64th and 66th Streets, Manhattan1 May 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Carrie R. Wakeham
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Bridge Construction 363 15
West Side, near West 179th Street, Manhattan25 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. Charles H.J. Dilg, West End Association
Commissioner Wynne referred Dilg's complaint to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, asking him to investigate. No report is extant, but it is clear that the noise of construction would have ceased by October 1931, when the Hudson River Bridge, later known as the George Washington Bridge, officially opened to traffic.
Long Island Railroad Train Whistles 364 16
Atlantic Avenue, from East New York to Jamaica Station, Queens15 April 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Eva P. Reynolds
Mrs. Reynolds's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action. Blauvelt wrote to Mrs. Reynolds on 24 April, after having spoken on the telephone with officials from the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was told that all trains were required to sound their whistles at each crossing, but that the motormen would be instructed to "use discretion," assumedly in relation to the loudness and length of the whistle-soundings.
Garage 365 2
617-669 62nd Street, Brooklyn6 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. Vincent DeSantis and Petitioners
Mr. DeSantis's original letter of complaint of 6 April is not preserved. It was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superindendent for Brooklyn, who reported that, while Health Department Inspectors did find noises from planing machines and trip hammers coming from the site which could be heard at the premises of several of the petitioners, the Rubel Coal Company was operating under a legal permit and the noises were necessarily incident to the work being performed on site, thus the Health Department was unable to take action against it. DeSantis would have to take the matter to court under the Public Nuisance Law, Section 1530 of the Penal Code, if he wished to pursue it further. Morrison noted that the Department of Health's records would be made available upon Subpoena, if the petitioners decided to go to court.
General Noise 366 11
East 10th Street, backing on 45 East 9th Street, Manhattan21 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. Edward G. Steinert, Secretary, Washington Square Association, On Behalf of Tenants
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Bridge Construction 367 1
Hudson River, near 843 West 179th Street, Manhattan20 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. Phillip Globerman
While no record of investigation of this complaint is extant, Mr. Globerman's problem would have abated in October of 1931 at the latest, when the Hudson River Bridge (now known as the George Washington Bridge) officially opened to traffic.
Finko Dye Co. Factory 368 16
83-93 Scholes Street, Brooklyn17 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. Ruben M. Shemitz, On Behalf of Petitioners
The petitioners' complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation.
Miniature Golf Course 369 1
corner of 84th Street and Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn30 March 1931
Complainant: Mr. Jerome Lake, Treasurer, Lake Bros. Real Estate Corp., On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Lake had previously complained of this miniature golf course in September 1930. At that time he had been informed that legislation to regulate these amusements was pending. When he wrote to Commissioner Wynne again in March 1931, he noted that "these places are beginning to blossom forth again," and indicated that he hoped to get an early start on abating their nuisance, before he lost any more tenants. At this time, Lake was informed by telephone that the ordinance was scheduled to pass at the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen, and after that meeting he was both called and sent a letter informing him of the new law. He was instructed to contact James Geraghty, Commissioner of the Department of Licenses, to restrict the hours of operation of the course.
Boat Whistles 370 15
East River, particularly near hospitals13 April 1931
Complainant: Dr. C. Burns Craig
Dr. Burns wrote from his own office at the Neurological Institute on West 168th Street, but he highlighted the number of hospitals located directly along the East River, whose patients suffered from this constant noise. He wrote again in July of 1931 to reiterate this complaint.
Bakery 371 15
1005 Ogden Avenue, Bronx13 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. Thomas J. Maloney
Mr. Maloney's complaint was referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation and appropriate action.
Construction Site Pumps 372 14
Southwest corner of West 63rd Street and Central Park West, Manhattan18 March 1931
Complainant: Manager, Mayflower Hotel
Dr. Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, reported that he interviewed the contractor at this location, "Marcus," who explained that they were sinking a shaft down to bedrock to support a 30-story apartment house to be built at the site. The pumps had to run continuously to remove sand from the shaft until they hit rock. His union men worked through the night with permission from the Superintendent of Buildings, and the work ceased on Sundays only because these men were unwilling to work - even "at advanced rates" - on that day. The pumps had to keep operating, however, even when digging was not being done.
Laundry Trucks 373 3
516 East 80th Street, Manhattan7 April 1931
Complainant: Richard N. Pierson, M.D.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
New York Central Railroad Trains 374 14
Washington Bridge (181st St, Manhattan) and/nHigh Bridge (174th/170th Str)
7 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. James W. Leonard
It is assumed that the "torpedos" of which Mr. Leonard complained were fast-moving locomotives.
Noisy Oil Burner 375 13
rear of 205 East 17th Street, Brooklyn27 March 1931
Complainant: Mr. Vincent M. Sozzi
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Service Elevator 376 2
212 East 48th Street, Manhattan20 March 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Wilson
The complainant, Mrs. Wilson, called at the Department of Health headquarters (505 Pearl Street) in person, and her complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan. Blauvelt visited the premises and learned that Mrs. Wilson's apartment (one of 90 in the building) adjoined the elevator shaft. Upon running the freight elevator, Blauvelt noted no unnecessary or unusual noises. While he believed Mrs. Wilson to be home at the time, she did not respond to his knocking on her door, nor to her telephone, so Blauvelt was unable to discuss the situation with her. He concluded there was no cause for action on behalf of the Department of Health.
Noisy Neighbors 377 1
85 Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn10 March 1931
Complainant: Anna Snayze
Commissioner Wynne replied to Mrs. Snayze informing her that she would need to pursue her complaint with the local police, and consult an attorney with respect to her lease. His Department additionally phoned the 78th Precinct, forwarding her complaint via telephone to a Lieutenant Cassidy there.
Noisy Machinery 378 11
615 Fairview Avenue, Queens18 March 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Emma Reyeur
Mrs. Reyeur sent her original letter of complaint (not extant) by registered mail. It was referred to Dr. John H. Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, for investigation.
Long Island Railroad Train Whistles 379 16
Atlantic Avenue, between Autumn Avenue and Eldert Lane, Brooklyn11 March 1931
Complainant: Miss Anna E. Thompson
Health Commissioner Dr. Shirley Wynne responded to Miss Thompson's complaint by informing her that a State law required all trains to sound a warning signal at all grade crossings, thus there was nothing his Department could do to abate this nuisance.
Exhaust Pipe 380 12
121 Osborn Street, Brooklyn12 March 1931
Complainant: Leo Faske, M.D. and Tenants
Dr. Faske's complaint was referred to Dr. James F. Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent of Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action.
Boring Machine 381 12
East 34th Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan11 March 1931
Complainant: Miss Marion Saunders
The boring machine was at work on the foundation of the former Community Church. Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Hinze's Restaurant 383 2
1272 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan3 March 1931
Complainant: Miss F. Claire Gallecnz
Miss Gallecnz's complaint was referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation.
Noisy Cats 384 3
near 15 Attorney Street, Manhattan27 February 1931
Complainant: Miss S. Rubin
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Excavation Work 385 2
62nd Street and Central Park West, Manhattan16 February 1931
Complainant: Arthur J. Herzig, M.D.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Machinery 386 15
520 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn2 February 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Rose Seltzer
A Department of Health employee noted that Mrs. Seltzer had corresponded with the Department about this same noise in 1930.
Subway Turnstiles 387 13
IRT Subway Station at 68th Street and Lexington Avenue, Manhattan28 January 1931
Complainant: Miss Anna E. Robinson
Robinson originally wrote to complain of the noisy turnstiles in early November of 1930. She probably passed through that station twice daily on her commute to and from work at the Julia Richmond High School on 67th Street. Her letter was forwarded by the Department of Health to Frank Hedley, President and General Manager of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company. Hedley contacted Commissioner Wynne in January of 1931 to note that new, silent turnstiles were now being installed in the station of which Miss Robinson had complained, and Wynne followed up by notifying Miss Robinson of the installation.
Automobile Motor-Running 388 1
514 Bradford Street, Brooklyn20 January 1931
Complainant: Mr. Samuel Leplitsky
A hand-written note on Commissioner Wynne's acknowledgement of Mr. Leplitsky's complaint indicates that a "Mr. Rosenberg" was telephoned. It is not apparent if Rosenberg was the noisy neighbor, or someone else to whom the complaint was referred.
Automobile Elevator 389 16
112-118 East 75th Street, Manhattan23 December 1930
Complainant: Mr. Joseph L. Morse
Morse wrote from 2598 Broadway (at 98th Street), possibly his office address. Perhaps he lived near the garage of which he complained. His complaint was forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent, who sent an Inspector to survey the premises. The Inspector concluded there was no unnecessary noise in the operation of this elevator and reported "no cause for action" back to Dr. Blauvelt, who informed Mr. Morse of this result on 8 January 1931. A "Joseph J. Hertz", also of 2598 Broadway, had written to complain of this same noisy garage in January of 1930. Perhaps Mr. Hertz is the same person as Mr. Morse, either writing under a different name, or with messy handwriting being mis-interpreted by the Health Department staff?
Ash Collection 390 10
near 73 West 105th Street, Manhattan7 January 1931
Complainant: Mr. Harry H. Cohn
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Ash Removal 391 1
near 315 West 86th Street, Manhattan5 January 1931
Complainant: Mr. J.H. Griffith
Commissioner Wynne's acknowledgement of Griffith's complaint (which was written to Mayor Walker and forwarded to the Department of Health) was "Returned to Sender," so the address Griffith provided may have been incorrect.
Nero Cafeteria 392 15
opposite 107 West 86th Street, Manhattan29 December 1932
Complainant: Mr. R. Reichenberg
Reichenberg had previously written to Mayor Walker, around 6 July 1932, to complain more generally about noise. This complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Shoemaker's Shop 393 16
1298 Findley Avenue, Bronx5 December 1932
Complainant: Mr. George Archer
Archer had complained previously of noise from this same shoe repair shop, in March of 1927. Eleanor Archer (presumably his wife) also complained in April of 1927. This time, his complaint was forwarded to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action.
Parking Lot 394 16
rear of 300-306 East 156th Street, Bronx24 October 1932
Complainant: Mr. George F. Mand, President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Mand wrote from his office address. Perhaps he lived near the parking lot of which he complained. His complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, who reported that, upon several inspections of the site, no cause for action concerning noise was found. Since the lot illegally held more than five cars in a Business Zone, however, it was in violation of the Zoning Law, and the Office of the Borough President was notified of this fact.
General Noise 395 1
[Near 101 West 57th Street, Manhattan]14 November 1932
Complainant: Miss Maude Webber
A hand-written note on the Health Department's carbon copy of Commissioner Wynne's acknowledgement of Miss Weber's letter reads "H&H Cafeteria, 1409 5th Ave." This address, up near 115th Street, is quite distant from Miss Weber's residence, however. Around the same time that she wrote, another resident of West 57th Street complained of the noise of digging and blasting nearby. Perhaps this was the noise of which she complained, and the cafeteria note referred to a different complaint.
Excavation Work 396 2
58th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Manhattan2 November 1932
Complainant: Mr. Pierre V. Key
Mr. Key wrote from his office at Musical Publications Inc., which was near the reported noise. His complaint would have been forwarded to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Printing Plant 397 2
2409 86th Street, Brooklyn25 October 1932
Complainant: Mr. Samuel Lefkowitz, On Behalf of Occupants
Mr. Lefkowitz's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action.
Barking Dogs 398 3
107 Post Avenue, Manhattan17 October 1932
Complainant: Mrs. Dolan
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Colonial Pickle Works Factory 399 14
Greenpoint Avenue, near 137 Milton Street, Brooklyn4 October 1932
Complainant: Mr. N. Schmuck
Mr. Schmuck's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action.
Three Barking Dogs 400 3
802 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn27 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. Thomas Holland
Mr. Holland's original complaint pre-dated 27 July 1932, as on that date he wrote to complain about the lack of action against an earlier complaint about the barking dogs. He believed no action was taken because the dogs' owner was a Police Sergeant. On 10 August, Wynne wrote to inform Mr. Holland that the dogs had been removed from the premises, but one of the animals must have returned later, because Mr. Holland complained again in September 1932, and subsequent to further inspections, a dog was once again removed.
General Noise 401 16
176 North 1st Street, Brooklyn27 September 1932
Complainant: Mr. Abe Helfer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Helfer had complained previously, in October 1930, about noise near his residence.
Garant Parlor Frame Corp. Workshop 402 2
441 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn23 September 1932
Complainant: Mr. Coleman Charney, On Behalf of Owner
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action." Mr. Charney complained of this same factory noise again in June of 1933.
Water Pump 403 16
60 Gramercy Park North, Manhattan10 September 1932
Complainant: Dr. Elliott C. Burrows
Mr. Burrows had complained previously, in December 1931, of this same noise. At that time, an Inspector verified the noise and instructed the manager of the property to abate it. This time, the Health Department once again sent an Inspector, who found no excessive or unnecessary noise. Burrows was informed that there was no cause for action, and that the Department could offer no legal advice with respect to his lease.
Street Cleaning 404 3
Park Avenue, near # 375, Manhattan20 September 1932
Complainant: Charles A. Riegelman
Mr. Riegelman's complaint was forwarded to the Chairman of the Sanitation Commission, who had jurisdiction over street cleaning in the City.
Amusement Park Noise 405 15
near 1274 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan8 September 1932
Complainant: Miss Babette Rothberg
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noisy Foundry 406 12
460 West 35th Street, Manhattan25 August 1932
Complainant: Mr. M.A. Bauer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 407 16
28-30 Waverly Place, Manhattan19 August 1932
Complainant: Mr. A. Townsend Kaplan, On Behalf of Owners
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
New York Edison Power Plant Whistle 408 13
East 26th Street between Third and Lexington Avenues, Manhattan14 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. John Scarpe
Mr. Scarpe originally complained to the Noise Abatement Commission. Dr. Charles Bolduan of the Dept. of Health wrote back to inform Scarpe the Commission was no longer at work, but that his complaint had been forwarded to the appropriate Assistant Sanitary Superintendent (Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt) for action. Mr. Scarpe returned this letter to the Department of Health on 8 August 1932, indicating that nothing had been done. One month later, Dr. Wynne queried Dr. Blauvelt, asking for a report. The correspondence ends there.
Scribner's Sons Printing Plant 409 13
311-319 West 43rd Street, Manhattan12 August 1932
Complainant: Mr. John Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Ambulance Sirens 410 11
neighborhood around 200 West 16th Street, Manhattan12 August 1932
Complainant: Mrs. Mary A. Markey
Mrs. Markey's complaint was originally sent to Mayor Walker. It was subsequently forwarded to the Department of Health for action. St. Vincent's Hospital was located at Seventh Avenue and 11th Street, and it is assumed the ambulances of which Mrs. Markey complained would have been traveling down the Avenue through her neighborhood toward the hospital.
General Noise 411 16
561 West 180th Street, Manhattan6 August 1932
Complainant: Mrs. S. Lederer
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Radio Loudspeakers, Noisy Neighbors, Barking Dogs, Shouting Newsboys 412 14
neighborhood of 130s-140s West 95th Street, Manhattan21 June 1932
Complainant: [illegible]
On 5 July 1932, the Dept. of Health tried to contact a man named Wilson regarding an illegibly-signed letter of complaint dated 21 June, but the Department's letter - sent to the Hotel Victoria, Seventh Avenue and 51st Street, Manhattan - was returned, indicating that no such guest was registered there. The same man, once again signing his name illegibly and this time giving no return address, wrote back on 22 July to reiterate his complaint.
Noise from Broadcasting Co. 414 2
16 East 42nd Street, Manhattan12 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. Edward W. Forrest, 42nd St. Property Owners and Merchants Assn.
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noise from Broadcasting Co. 415 3
16 East 42nd Street, Manhattan12 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. Albert M. Thorne, Asst. Manager,
Astor Trust Building
Mr. Thorne's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Borden Milk Co. Trucks 416 2
East 78th Street, near #114, Manhattan12 July 1932
Complainant: Marion Alexander Meding (Mrs. Charles B. Meding)
Mrs. Meding wrote on behalf of her husband, who was ill and whose sleep was disturbed by the noisy milk truck. A hand-written note on Mrs. Meding's letter of complaint indicates that WJM (William J. Mills, Assistant Secretary to the Commissioner of Health) spoke to someone at the Bordon Dairy, who indicated that the truck would be re-routed. Mrs. Meding was then phoned with this information.
Cushman Co. Bakery 417 2
Beach 79th Street and Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Queens11 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. Oscar C. Drucker, On Behalf of Petitioners
Mr. Drucker's complaint was forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs. He had complained previously, in January 1930, about this same noise.
General Noise 418 3
vicinity of 161st Street and The Concourse, Bronx30 June 1932
Complainant: Mr. George F. Mand, President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Mand's complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action. Commissioner Wynne's letter to Mand referred to a communication from the Stadium Operating Company, so perhaps the source of noise was the nearby Yankee Stadium.
Noisy YMCA 419 3
opposite 1 West 64th Street, Manhattan25 June 1932
Complainant: Mr. E.W. Estes, Central Park West and Columbus Ave. Assn.
On Behalf of Tenants of Harperly Hall
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Drake's Restaurant 420 11
119 West 42nd Street, Manhattan7 June 1932
Complainant: Mr. Peter F. McKenney, Chairman, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, New York Lodge No. 1
Mr. McKenney's complaint was referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation.
Drake's Restaurant 421 16
119 West 42nd Street, Manhattan2 June 1932
Complainant: Mr. Phil M. Rose, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
Mr. Rose's complaint was referred to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for investigation.
Daily Mirror Newspaper Delivery Trucks and Drivers 422 13
235 East 45th Street, Manhattan22 May 1932
Complainant: Mary Raymond
Commissioner Wynne's Secretary, William Mills, informed Mary Raymond that her complaint would receive attention. Wynne contacted A.J. Kobler, Editor of The Mirror, who passed the matter on to his Business Manager, J.F. Cullen, with instructions to relieve the condition of which Raymond complained.
Soda Bottling Factory 423 15
222 Vernon Avenue, Brooklyn6 May 1932
Complainant: Peter Brandt, United Real Estate Owners Assn., On Behalf of Owner, Mr. Ginzberg
Because Mr. Brandt complained about soot and coal, as well as noise, coming from the plant, Commissioner Wynne forwarded his complaint to the Chief of the Smoke Abatement Division. Upon inspection, the site was determined not to present a nuisance in regard to smoke or noise. The original complainant, Mr. Ginsberg, was interviewed and found to be satisfied with conditions, and Mr. Brandt was informed of this on 25 May 1932.
Noisy Chickens 424 2
2318 East 74th Street, Brooklyn12 April 1932
Complainant: Mr. Arthur Campe
Mr. Campe's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action.
Yelling Boys 425 14
neighborhood of 775 Westminster Road, Brooklyn26 February 1932
Complainant: Robert Grimshaw
Mr. Grimshaw wrote regularly to the Commissioner with his noise problems. In this case, he was informed that his complaint was not within the jurisdiction of the Department of Health, and that he should communicate with Police Commissioner Edward Mulrooney regarding the situation.
Railroad Freight Car Shifting 426 1
near the St. George Ferry Terminal, Richmond [Staten Island]15 February 1932
Complainant: I.L. Nascher, M.D.
Dr. Nascher wrote from his work address, the Hospital Department of the Home for Dependents (the city's "poor house" and hospital for indigent patients with tuberculosis) on Brielle Avenue, Staten Island. This was not near the St. George Ferry Terminal, but perhaps he lived near the terminal or just passed through it regularly on his commute.
Steam Pipes 427 2
555 Edgecombe Avenue, Manhattan27 January 1932
Complainant: Mr. George C. Haas
Mr. Haas's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan. Blauvelt reported that numerous inspections of the premises had been undertaken from December through January, and no noise was ever detected. The building's system was judged to be mechanically fine, and there was no cause for action by the Health Department. Wynne informed Haas of this conclusion on 10 February 1932.
Radio Loudspeakers 428 12
[No Location Given]31 January 1932
Complainant: A.S.M.
With no full name nor return address nor specific location for the noise complained of, the Department of Health had no means to respond to this complaint in any specific way.
Radio Nuisance 429 14
vicinity of 37 West 72nd Street, Manhattan29 January 1932
Complainant: Mr. E.W. Estes, Central Park West and Columbus Ave. Assn.,
On Behalf of Mr. R.E. LaBarre
Mr. Estes was informed that his complaint had been referred to Lieutenant O'Brien, in charge of the Health Squad, for investigation.
Iron Factory Shutters 518 1
Northwest corner of 28th Street and First Avenue, Manhattan1 February 1929
Complainant: Albert F. Cogswell
Mr. Cogswell's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter had been referred to the Sanitary Superintendent, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Truck Traffic, Barking Dogs, Radio and Other Loudspeakers 431 13
55 West 90th StreetAnd Many Other Locations Throughout Manhattan
26 January 1932
Complainant: Gertrude Heyman [?]
Gertrude's signed last name is difficult to read, but a Gertrude Heyman had previously contacted the Health Department to complain about noise in 1930. That woman lived on West 85th Street, somewhat near many of the complaints listed here. Since this 1933 letter did not include a return address indicating where she lived, her complaint was not acknowledged by the Department of Health and it is not evident if any of these many complaints were investigated.
Canada Dry and Seeley Bros. Factories 432 10
4225-4227 Bronx Boulevard, Bronx16 January 1932
Complainant: Mr. William Stahl
Mr. Stahl's complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action.
Factory Whistles 433 10
near 3030 Northern Boulevard, Queens8 January 1932
Complainant: Mr. Charles B. Williams, Honorary Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, Queens, On Behalf of Mr. H.E. Whiting
Mr. Williams's complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, for investigation and appropriate action.
Dog and Cat Hospital 434 2
153 East 48th Street, Manhattan21 December 1933
Complainant: Dr. A. Richard Stern, On Behalf of Mrs. Charles Dickinson
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Israel Zion Hospital Maternity Department 435 12
4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn19 December 1933
Complainant: Miss Anna Nigro
Miss Nigro's complaint was referred to Commissioner Wynne by John Prest of the New York State Department of Social Services. Wynne replied to Prest that the matter would be assigned to Sanitary Superintendent Dr. John Overwager for his "personal investigation."
Mobile Loudspeakers 436 12
522 West End Avenue, Manhattan15 December 1933
Complainant: Henry M. Orne
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Taxi Stand 437 2
412 East 55th Street, Manhattan24 November 1933
Complainant: Mr. H.W. Robbins
Mr. Robbins was informed that his complaint had been referred to the Sanitary Bureau of the Health Department for "immediate attention."
General Noise 438 1
157-159 East 32nd Street, Manhattan31 October 1933
Complainant: Mr. A.C. Wolmark
Commissioner Wynne wrote to Mr. Wolmark on 31 October 1933 in regard to a previous complaint. He indicated that upon "repeated investigation," no noise nuisance was discovered to exist at this location and no further action would be taken.
Mobile Loudspeakers 439 12
42nd Street, Near 1475 Broadway, Manhattan30 October 1933
Complainant: Charles G. Kadison DDS
Kadison wrote from his office address, in the Times Building on Broadway. According to hand-written notes on his letter of complaint, a member of Health Department staff called Captain Gilligan of the Police Department on 31 October, and was told that nothing could be done. Dr. Kadison was phoned on 2 November, but was not in to receive the call.
General Noise 440 2
333 Humboldt Street, Brooklyn24 October 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Mary Vaccaro and Petitioners
Mrs. Vaccaro was asked to inform her fellow petitioners that their complaint had been forwarded to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation.
Dairy Warehouse 441 1
48-50 Seigel Street, Brooklyn1 September 1933
Complainant: Jack A. Haft and Petitioners
Mr. Haft was informed, on behalf of all the petitioners, that their complaint had been forwarded to the Bureau of Food and Drugs for attention. On 14 September, the Supervisor in Charge of the Division of Milk and Milk Inspection reported that Inspector Joseph Goldstein had investigated the complaint, interviewing several petitioners as well as the local police, who said that no action had been taken because they had found no cause for action at any time which would warrant the serving of a summons. Goldstein also spoke with the operator of the Dairy, and warned him to cease any unnecessary noise. Petitioners subsequently reported an improvement in the situation, but Mr. Haft telephoned the Department of Health on 14 September to complain again. Additional inspections were made on September 20, no undue noise was noted, and Mr. Haft indicated that conditions were now much improved. Five days later, however, a Mr. Dickstein, owner of 57 Seigel Street, complained again on behalf of his tenants. Additional reinspections found no unnnecessary noise being caused by the dairy, although a push-cart market in the vicinity of the dairy was noted to cause noise in this area. On 4 October, Mrs. Dickstein was interviewed and she noted that "they are not making as much noise as they did and it is alright now." At this time the case was closed.
Factory Looms 442 11
180 New Jersey Avenue, #712, Brooklyn26 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. D. Friedman
Mr. Friedman's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action. Mr. Friedman complained again of this noise a month later, and apparently he took the owner of the factory to court under the Nuisance Law. Unfortunately, neighbors who had - reluctantly - agreed to appear in court to verify the complaint failed to show, and the case was thus dismissed. Since then, however, a patrolman from the Health Squad reported to Commissioner Wynne that there were fewer looms in operation and that the windows were closed at night to contain the noise. On 5 September 1933, Mr. Friedman was interviewed and found to be satisfied with conditions.
Noisy Machinery 443 15
71st Street and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan13 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. Walton P. Kingsley
Frick was, of course, the wealthy industrialist and financier Henry Clay Frick, who had built a mansion along Fifth Avenue at 70th Street. Frick had died in 1919, but his home did not become the museum and library complex it is today until 1935. Mr. Kingsley's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Truck Traffic 444 3
Madison Avenue, near 84th Street, Manhattan9 September 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Bella Cohen
While Commissioner Wynne's reply to Mrs. Cohen's complaint is not preserved, he generally referred traffic complaints to the Police Department for action, as they had jurisdiction over matters regarding traffic in the city.
General Noise 445 12
vicinity of 617 Fairview Avenue, Queens2 September 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Emma Reyeur
Mrs. Reyeur, writing from a different but nearby address, had complained of the noise of machinery at this same location in March of 1931. As before, her new complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Queens, for investigation.
Noisy Garage 446 1
vicinity of 37 Willow Street, Brooklyn30 August 1933
Complainant: Miss Lydia Costillo
Miss Costillo's complaint was referred to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, for investigation.
Ever Ready Label Co. Factory 447 3
257 West 17th Street, Manhattan29 August 1933
Complainant: Mr. Adam Ciccarone, Owner, On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Ciccarone's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action. In October of 1931, a resident of 253 West 16th Street, Mary Bubser, had written directly to the Department of Health to complain of noise from this same location, which she identified as the "Steiner Building."
Factory Steam Boilers 448 1
7th Street and West Avenue, Queens13 August 1933
Complainant: Mr. Arthur Crowley
Mr. Crowley had originally complained to Mayor Walker, and the Mayor's office forwarded his complaint to the Department of Health. His complaint was then referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation. A hand-written note on a copy of Dr. Wynne's acknowledgement to the Mayor's office of receipt of Crowley's complaint notes the address of the factory.
Noisy Machinery 449 3
adjacent to 316 Powers Street, Brooklyn14 August 1933
Complainant: Mr. Del Russo
Mr. Del Rosso's complaint was referred to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation.
Noisy Garage 450 16
417- 419-421 37th Street, Manhattan10 August 1933
Complainant: Mr. Andrew Beer,
On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Beer's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Noisy Garage 451 3
30-36 West 100th Street, Manhattan8 August 1933
Complainant: Mr. E. Roth
Mr. Roth, who sent his letter by Registered Mail, wrote from a mid-town address. It is not clear if he lived or worked uptown, near the noise of which he complained. His complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Alarm Gong at Garage 452 12
near 430 West 57th Street, Manhattan1 August 1933
Complainant: Miss Mary E. Dunn
Miss Dunn's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
General Baking Co. Factory 453 16
Rosewood Street and Barker Avenue, Bronx27 July 1933
Complainant: Joseph Flynn
Mr. Flynn had complained previously, in June of 1930, of noise from a bakery at this location. As had been the case then, his complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of the Bronx, for investigation. In both 1930 and 1933, other residents of the neighborhood also complained about noise from this bakery.
Newman Cleaners and Dyers 454 12
978 39th Street, Brooklyn22 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. Michael Nigro and Petitioners
The petitioners' complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation and appropriate action.
Riding Academy 455 3
adjacent to 85 Parkville Avenue, Brooklyn20 July 1933
Complainant: Mrs. S. Berger
Mrs. Berger's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation. Her neighbor Mrs. Weinstein also complained of this noise at this time.
Riding Academy 456 3
Lawrence Avenue at corner of East 3rd Street, Brooklyn19 July 1933
Complainant: Mrs. S. Weinstein
Mrs. Weinstein's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation. Her neighbor Mrs. Berger also complained of this noise at this time.
Bond Bread Bakery Factory 457 10
opposite 3240 Barker Avenue, Bronx12 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. George A. Grattarola
Mr. Grattarola's complaint was referred to an Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for investigation. His neighbor Mr. Flynn also complained of this noise at this time, and both Flynn and Grattarola had complained before, back in June of 1930.
Noisy Roosters 458 12
118-32 201st Street, Queens11 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. G.W. Cooley
Mr. Cooley's complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation. He may have given an incorrect return address, as the Department of Health's acknowledgement of his complaint was returned undelivered.
Pumping Station 459 14
Roxbury, Queens7 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. Martin Hauss
Mr. Hauss's complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation. The exact location of the pumping station complained of is unknown.
Borden Dairy Deliveries 460 15
[neighborhood of 220 East 25th Street, Manhattan]6 July 1933
Complainant: Mr. Harry Housepian
Mr. Housepian's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation. Commissioner Wynne's acknowledgement of receipt of Housepian's letter, however, was "returned to sender" by the Post Office, so his address may not be correct. It is assumed he was complaining of the noise of delivery trucks in this neighborhood.
Fairbanks-Brooks Bakery 461 15
1290 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan5 July 1933
Complainant: Frank R. Clune
Mr. Clune had originally complained to Mayor Walker, whose office forwarded the letter to the Department of Health. He wrote from a mid-town address on Madison Avenue. It is likely that he lived uptown, near the late-night noise of which he complained. His complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Truck Traffic and Fire Engine Whistles and Sirens 462 13
Lexington Avenue, near 138 East 78th Street, Manhattan23 June 1933
Complainant: Louise P. Jenkins
Mrs. Jenkins' complaints were forwarded, respectively, to the Commissioner of Police and the Fire Commissioner, for investigation and appropriate action.
Factory Noise 463 1
441-447 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn22 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. Coleman Charney
Mr. Charney's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation. Charney's return address is far from the noise complained of, but he previously complained of noise at this same location on behalf of tenants living in the area. That may also be the case this time.
General Noise 464 2
18th Street and Avenue B, Manhattan [now within Stuyvesant City]14 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. Paul Hellman
Mr. Hellman wrote from a Brooklyn address on Nostrand Avenue. It is not clear if he lived or worked near the noise of which he complained, which is now located within Stuyvesant City. His complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation. A note on the correspondence indicates that this same noise was previously investigated.
Monument Maker's Workshop 465 1
Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn15 June 1933
Complainant: Mrs. A.C. Rugen
Mrs. Rugen's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation.
Factory 466 2
Atlantic Avenue and 92nd Street, Queens15 June 1933
Complainant: Mrs. William Grieger and Petitioners
The petitioners' complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation.
Theatre Exhaust Fan 467 2
215 East Fordham Road, Bronx9 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. Raphael Pragn, Empire State Holding Co., On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Pragn's complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of the Bronx, for investigation.
General Noise 468 12
[near 2104 Dix Avenue, Far Rockaway, Queens]9 June 1933
Complainant: James J. Higgins
Mr. Higgens wrote to Mayor Walker, whose office forwarded his letter to the Department of Health. His complaint was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation.
Restaurant Exhaust Fan 469 11
121 East 23rd Street, Manhattan8 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. Leonard Weill, Owner, On Behalf of Tenants
Mr. Weill's complaint was referred to Mr. Thomas Everett of the Bureau of Food and Drugs.
Garage 470 15
Wadsworth Avenue near West 176th Street, Manhattan7 June 1933
Complainant: Mr. A. Smith and Petitioners
The petitioners' complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Garage 471 16
Wadsworth Avenue between 176th Street and 177th Street, Manhattan6 June 1933
Complainant: Miriam Realty Co. Inc., On Behalf of Tenants
The complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Tugboats 472 1
[Lower] East River31 May 1933
Complainant: Mr. Benjamin F. Castle, Administrative and Research Corporation
Mr. Castle's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
IRT Powerhouse Horn 473 1
[near 111 East 19th Street, Manhattan]27 May 1933
Complainant: Mrs. H.C. Myers
Mrs. Myers's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation. It is assumed the powerhouse of which she complained was somewhere near her residence.
Truck Traffic 474 11
vicinity of 911 Park Avenue, Manhattan31 May 1933
Complainant: Mr. G. LeBoutillier
Mr. LeBoutillier's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation. Mr. LeBoutillier, who was a Vice President at the Pennsylvania Railroad, had complained back in June 1931 about the early-morning noise of ash and garbage removal near his residence.
Kings Brewery Operations 475 14
227-229 Pulaski Street, Brooklyn18 May 1933
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Wiener
Mr. Wiener's complaint was referred to Dr. James Morrison, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Brooklyn, for investigation.
Noisy Neighbor 476 1
316 West 75th Street, Apt. 4C, Manhattan17 May 1933
Complainant: Mr. David Mintz
Mr. Mintz's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation.
Automobile Horns 477 3
Nottingham Park, Brooklyn9 May 1933
Complainant: Harry Weisberg, Chairman, Noise-Abatement Committee, Nottingham Assn.
Mr. Weisberg had previously written to Mayor Walker requesting information on New York's Noise Abatement Commission, and the Mayor's Office had forwarded his query to the Department of Health. Commissioner Wynne responded by informing Weisberg that the Noise Abatement Commission had disbanded in May of 1932, and he sent along a copy of their official report, "City Noise." Weisberg wrote back to thank Wynne and he included his own report on the Noise-Abatement Committee of the Nottingham Association, which focused on the unnecessary noise of automobile horns.
Butcher Shop 478 2
2195 Broadway, Manhattan15 May 1933
Complainant: Mrs. A. Wise
Mrs. Wise's complaint was forwarded to Mr. Thomas Everett, of the Bureau of Food and Drugs, for investigation.
Noisy Bus and Dairy Employees 479 3
vicinity of 103-44 98th Street, Queens8 May 1933
Complainant: Mr. Charles Goshkarian and Petitioners
The petitioners' complaint was forwarded to James Bolan, Commissioner of Police, for investigation.
Traffic 480 3
[near 400 East 49th Street, Manhattan]18 April 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Antoinette C. Fuel
Mrs. Fuel's complaint was forwarded to James Bolan, Department of Police, for investigation. It is assumed the traffic that bothered her was near her home.
Noisy Schoolchildren 481 12
55 East 84th Street, Manhattan13 March 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Ernest H. Wands
Mrs. Wands's complaint was forwarded to Edward Mulrooney, Commissioner of Police, for investigation. When she was informed of this in a letter from Health Commissioner Wynne, Mrs. Wands wrote back expressing her concern that, because the children's noise-making took place in an interior school courtyard - not in the street - this might not be under the jurisdiction of the police.
Noisy Neighbors 482 1
44 Bennet Avenue, Apt. 5G, Manhattan9 March 1933
Complainant: Dr. Nicholas Kopeloff
Dr. Kopeloff's complaint was referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Steel Factory Operations 483 13
166 Lexington Avenue, Manhattan27 February 1933
Complainant: Mr. A.G. McKinnen
Mr. McKinnen's complaint was referred to the Department of Health by William Schroeder, Chairman of the Sanitary Commission. It was then referred to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Manhattan, for investigation and appropriate action.
Noisy Neighbors 484 2
1738 University Avenue, Bronx26 January 1933
Complainant: Miss Jean A. Hamblin
Miss Hamblin's complaint was referred to Dr. Arthur O'Leary, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of the Bronx, for investigation and appropriate action.
Automobile Engine-Racing 485 3
near 73-53 71st Street, Queens6 January 1933
Complainant: Mrs. Gallagher
Mrs. Gallagher visited the Health Department in person to register her complaint. It was referred to Dr. John Barry, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for the Borough of Queens, for investigation and appropriate action. The Department of Health Memo lists the date as 6 January 1932, but it was filed with the 1933 complaints, and the memo may have been mistakenly dated with the previous year's date, as memos often were at the start of a new year. It is assumed here that the complaint is from 1933.
Traffic Police Whistles 486 1
[Near 21 East 40th Street, Manhattan]15 August 1930
Complainant: Henry Curran, President, Assn. Against the Prohibition Amendment
Mr. Curran wrote to both Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne and Police Commissioner Edward Mulrooney, commending the men for the recent work done to abate the noise of the "shrill toy school-boy whistles" of traffic police.
Building Construction 487 1
[Near Madison Avenue and 57th Street, Manhattan]11 October 1930
Complainant: Fred T. Ley
Mr. Ley, "a large owner of real estate," sent Commissioner Wynne a copy of a letter he had written to Peter Grimm, President of the Real Estate Board of New York. In that letter, he suggested the Board form a committee to identify practical means for reducing the noise of building construction. Commissioner Wynne responded to Ley's letter enthusiastically, offering the services of the Department of Health, if they could be of any aid to such committee.
General Noise 488 16
[Near 227 Waverly Place, Manhattan]10 September 1930
Complainant: Dr. John Ashburton Cutter
Dr. Cutter wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne pointing out the deleterious effect of noise upon the sick and encouraging Wynne for taking on the task of abatement.
Ferry Boat Whistles 489 10
[Near 140 Cedar Street, Manhattan]20 January 1930
Complainant: Arthur R. Rule, President, Federated Growers Credit Corporation
Mr. Rule wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne with suggestions for minimizing the land-side noise nuisance of ferry boat whistles. Wynne replied, thanking Rule for his suggestion and indicating that he had appointed a committee "to consider this whole matter."
Outdoor Movie Theatre Loudspeakers 490 16
1525 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn31 May 1930
Complainant: Patrick Diamond, Deputy Commissioner, Dept. of Licenses
Deputy Commissioner of Licenses Patrick Diamond wrote to Health Commissioner Wynne to inquire about the licensing of an open-air cinema, which had operated as a silent cinema for the past few years on a vacant lot. The operator now proposed to offer sound motion pictures, and he asked Diamond if this would present any problems with respect to nearby residences. Diamond asked for Wynne's advice, particularly with respect to the new amendment to the Sanitary Code, Section 215-A, which concerned the operation of loud-speaking devices. Wynne replied that such installations would indeed now constitute a Code violation, and he spoke strongly against the licensing of any such outdoor theaters.
Dairy Delivery Trucks 491 1
vicinity of 35 St. Nicholas Terrace, Manhattan6 April 1926
Complainant: Mr. J. J. Cohen
Mr. Cohen's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor, for "such investigation as you deem proper or necessary." The Department replied to Secretary Stanton that this matter has been referred to the Sanitary Bureau, "for investigation and action."
Iron Foundry 492 14
Dekalb and Knickerbocker Avenues, Brooklyn28 April 1926
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor, for "such investigation as you deem proper or necessary." The Department replied to Secretary Stanton that this matter "will be given immediate action."
Truck Traffic 493 12
138th Street, Manhattan14 May 1926
Complainant: Mr. F. Meagher
Mr. Meagher's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor. I.J. Greenberg, Secretary to Health Commissioner Dr. Louis Harris, replied to Stanton that this matter has been referred to the Sanitary Bureau for attention.
Noisy Restaurant 494 1
adjoining 102 West 54th Street, Manhattan19 May 1926
Complainant: John J. Walsh
Mr. Walsh's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor, for "such investigation as you deem proper or necessary." I.J. Greenberg, Secretary to Health Commissioner Dr. Louis Harris, replied to Secretary Stanton that this matter would receive attention.
Riveting 495 2
133 West 79th Street, Manhattan10 June 1926
Complainant: S.S. Moorehead
Mr. Moorehead's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor. Health Commissioner Dr. Louis Harris replied to Secretary Stanton that this matter would receive consideration.
Noisy Pumps 496 16
neighborhood of 974 St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan29 June 1926
Complainant: Margaret C. Garrahy
Margaret Garrahy's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by Edward Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor. Health Commissioner Dr. Louis Harris acknowledged receipt of the Garrahy letter.
Shoe Repair Shop 497 16
1298 Findley Avenue, Bronx29 March 1927
Complainant: George Archer
Mr. Archer wrote to Mayor Walker to complain of the noise from a nearby shoe shop. He also complained of "unfair treatment" from the Bronx Board of Health, but the details are not explained in extant correspondence. His letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter was referred to the Sanitary Superintendent in Charge, "for investigation and appropriate action." Eleanor Archer (presumably George's wife) also complained of noise from the same shoe repair shop in April of 1927, and George complained again in December of 1932.
Shoe Repair Shop 498 15
1298 Findley Avenue, Bronx11 April 1927
Complainant: Eleanor Archer
Mrs. Archer wrote her complaint to Mayor Walker. Her letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter would receive attention. George Archer (presumably Eleanor's husband) had previously complained of noise from the same shoe repair shop in March of 1927, and George complained again in December of 1932.
Noisy Building Machinery 499 11
318-324 East 32nd Street, Manhattan13 July 1927
Complainant: Miss Bessie O'Connell
Miss O'Connell appears to have written to Mayor Walker from her work address, 229 Lexington Avenue. Her letter was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health, who noted that it would receive attention. O'Connell wrote a second letter of complaint in July 1927 from a different address, 325 East 31st Street, Manhattan, and when she complained again about noise from the Frankel Building in June of 1930, she indicated that she was a tenant at the East 31st Street location, which is near the Frankel Building on East 32nd Street.
Dogs and Chickens 500 3
451 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn26 July 1927
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Heath, who acknowledged that the matter would receive attention.
Automobile Service Station 501 1
374-376 Madison Street, Manhattan12 September 1927
Complainant: Occupants
The occupants of 368-370 Madison Street complained to Mayor Walker. Their letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris, by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter would be investigated "and appropriate action will be taken."
Noisy Roosters 502 1
near 647 West 239th Street, Bronx24 October 1927
Complainant: Anna C. Hatton
Anna Hatton wrote her complaint to Mayor Walker. Her letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter would receive attention.
Ice Storage Plant 503 11
neighborhood of 549 West 129th Street, Manhattan30 November 1927
Complainant: George F. Halloway
Mr. Halloway addressed his complaint to Mayor Walker. His letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter would receive attention.
Sheffield Farms Dairy Employees 504 11
vicinity of 1114 East 180th Street, Bronx19 December 1927
Complainant: Joseph Saitta
Mr. Saitta wrote his complaint to Mayor Walker. His letter was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris by the Secretary to the Mayor. Harris replied that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction 505 2
opposite 306 West 100th Street, Manhattan13 March 1928
Complainant: Mrs. Roy Scherick
Mrs. Scherick sent her complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Carlton Theatre Organ 506 13
[292 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn]13 March 1928
Complainant: Thomas F. Dugan
Mr. Dugan sent his complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Radio Shop Loudspeakers 507 12
[Near 225 Broadway, Manhattan]14 June 1928
Complainant: C.A. Swope
Swope's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention. Swope wrote from his work address, at the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Company on Broadway, not far from "Radio Row" (Cortlandt Street), where numerous radio shops broadcast music out into the street.
Excavation Work 508 2
East 106th Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues, Manhattan20 June 1928
Complainant: M.M. Ward
Ward's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged receipt of the letter to Hand. No return address for Ward was indicated, so it is assumed he wrote from somewhere near the noise of which he complained.
General Noise 509 16
East New York Avenue, between Howard Avenue and Union Street, Brooklyn19 September 1928
Complainant: Mr. Harry Berliner
Mr. Berliner sent his complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Three Barking Dogs 510 16
479 Essex Street, Brooklyn19 September 1928
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Corson Construction Company 511 1
vicinity of 9th Street, Brooklyn17 September 1928
Complainant: Residents
The residents of 9th Street sent their complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. George Collins, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Collins that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction 512 2
57th Street and Madison Avenue, Manhattan11 October 1928
Complainant: J.B. Renshaw
Renshaw's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
General Noise 513 11
[Near 693 Prospect Avenue, Bronx]30 October 1928
Complainant: J. Dempsey
Dempsey's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Steam Shovel 514 1
[Near 2715 Grand Concourse, Bronx]30 October 1928
Complainant: Joseph Huberman
Mr. Huberman's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction 515 12
near 225 Central Park West, Manhattan2 November 1928
Complainant: Mrs. Blanche F. Lowenfels
Mrs. Lowenfels' complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention. Mrs. Lowenfels complained again to the Mayor of this same noise, about a week later, and she complained again in early May 1929.
Radio Shop Loudspeakers 516 1
[Near 213 West 35th Street, Manhattan]30 November 1928
Complainant: Morris Schwartz
Mr. Schwartz's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Blacksmithy 517 2
[Near Rocky Hill Road, Bayside, Queens]3 December 1928
Complainant: Peter Schutz
Schutz's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction 519 3
neighborhood of 440 Park Avenue, Manhattan4 March 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Al Warendorff
Mrs. Warendorff's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter had been referred to the Sanitary Superintendent, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Phonograph Store Loudspeaker 520 1
1353 St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan13 March 1929
Complainant: E. J. Sherwood
Sherwood's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter had been referred to the Sanitary Superintendent, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Barking Dog 521 2
338 West 46th Street, Manhattan11 April 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Van Ralte
Mrs. Van Ralte contacted the office of the Mayor in March of 1929, complaining of the Health Department's lack of action concerning a previous complaint she made in January 1929 about a barking dog owned by a neighbor, Mrs. Matney. Van Ralte asserted that Matney boasted that she had bribed the Health Inspector. The Mayor's office telephoned the Health Department to inquire about the complaint, and Commissioner Wynne wrote back on 11 April 1929, explaining that several inspections were made in response to Van Ralte's initial complaint. The Inspector reported that he found no cause for action when he made his inspections, but nonetheless warned Matney that she would be issued a summons if she permitted her dog to annoy people in the neighborhood. The Manager of the hotel in which Van Ralte resided had informed the Inspector at that time that "Mrs. Van Ralte was constantly complaining about everything," and indicated that there was no problem as far as he was concerned.
Bakery Noise 522 1
7818 Thirteenth Avenue, Brooklyn10 April 1929
Complainant: Mrs. A. Fehrenbacher
Mrs. Fehrenbacher's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction 523 2
vicinity of 225 Central Park West, Manhattan30 April 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Blanche F. Lowenfels
Mrs. Lowenfels had complained previously, in November 1928, about early morning construction noise in her neighborhood. This time she again complained to Mayor Walker, whose Assistant forwarded her letter to Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 524 12
near 157 East 86th Street, Manhattan6 May 1929
Complainant: Lewis J. Kapper
Mr. Kapper's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Kerrigan, Assistant to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Kerrigan that the matter would receive attention.
Engine-Running at Graymoor Garage 525 2
near 162 East 85th Street, Manhattan24 May 1929
Complainant: James J. Flynn
Mr. Flynn's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Miss Mary Brennan, Assistant Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to Brennan that the matter would receive attention.
Laundry 526 3
1805 First Avenue, Manhattan8 July 1929
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
General Noises 527 2
[Near 531 Hudson Street, Manhattan]16 August 1929
Complainant: Mr. Nathaniel M. Horn
Mr. Horn sent a letter to Mayor Walker offering suggestions for the abatement of noises throughout the city. The Mayor's office forwarded the letter to Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne, but Horn's letter no longer survives in the Archive and the content of his suggestions is unknown.
New York Central Railroad Trains 528 3
near 640 Riverside Drive, Manhattan16 August 1929
Complainant: Mr. Frederick W. Mathieu
Mr. Mathieu's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention. Mr. Mathieu's wife would write to complain of this same noise in July of 1930.
Freight Trains 529 16
Railroad tracks near 8906 121st Street, Queens27 August 1929
Complainant: Mrs. J. Donnelly
Mrs. Donnely's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Steam Shovels 530 12
rear of 788 Riverside Drive, Manhattan10 September 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Guy Crosby Peterson
Mrs. Peterson's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention. Mrs. Peterson would complain again, in September of 1931, about noise near her residence.
General Noise 531 10
[Near 2665 Grand Concourse, Bronx]9 September 1929
Complainant: John Devin
Mr. Devin's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
General Noise 532 13
Broadway, between 204th Street and 207th Street, Manhattan6 September 1929
Complainant: Theodore B. Barringer
Mr. Barringer's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Subway Construction 533 16
near 2535 Grand Concourse, Bronx26 September 1929
Complainant: Mr. J. Quinn
Mr. Quinn's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Radio Shop Loudspeakers 534 11
Cortlandt Street and Greenwich Street, Manhattan18 October 1929
Complainant: "The Committee"
This complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention. Cortlandt Street was known as "Radio Row" and was well-known for the cacaphony of radio shop loudspeakers broadcasting out into the street.
Subway Construction 535 3
Grand Concourse, Bronx17 October 1929
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Excavation Work 536 15
51st Street near Sixth Avenue, Manhattan29 October 1929
Complainant: Mr. J. C. Lindberg, President, American Spectacle Co. Inc.
Mr. Lindberg's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Radio Shop Loudspeaker 537 2
Flatbush Avenue and Hawthorne Street, Brooklyn11 November 1929
Complainant: Mrs. F. C. Jarvis
Mrs. Jarvis's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Subway Construction 539 11
Grand Concourse, Bronx5 December 1929
Complainant: J. Halloran
Halloran's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Street Noise 540 3
Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn26 December 1929
Complainant: Residents
The Cropsey Avenue Residents' complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Bus and Truck Traffic 541 2
[Near 500 West 51st Street, Manhattan]26 December 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Jane Rosson
Mrs. Rosson's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction Noise 542 13
near 173 West 78th Street, Manhattan30 January 1930
Complainant: Mrs. A. Darling
Mrs. Darling's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction Noise 543 1
Northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, Manhattan17 March 1930
Complainant: Mr. Guy Atkinson
Mr. Atkinson's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Building Construction Noise 544 1
near 55th Street and Broadway, Manhattan20 March 1930
Complainant: J. Franklin Boreland
Mr. Boreland's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Construction Work 545 3
First Avenue and 50th Street, Manhattan29 March 1930
Complainant: Thomas T. Hoopes
Mr. Hoopes' complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter would receive attention.
Radio Nuisance 546 2
1315 42nd Street, Brooklyn22 April 1930
Complainant: M. Marcus
Marcus's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Charles Hand, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, who acknowledged to Hand that the matter had been referred to the Sanitary Superintendent, "for investigation and appropriate action."
Frankel Building Machinery 547 3
318 East 32nd Street, Manhattan6 June 1930
Complainant: Bessie O'Connell
O'Connell's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention. Miss O'Connell had previously complained about noise from the Frankel Building in July of 1927.
Pile Driving 548 2
East 238th Street, at Harlem River and railroad lines [MacLean and Nereid Avenues today], Bronx9 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. A. Conniff
Mr. Conniff's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention. Conniff wrote again, around 23 June 1930, to complain of the noise of this bridge construction project, specifying that there was noise between the hours of 10:00-11:00 P.M., 2:00-3:00 A.M., and 5:00-6:00 A.M.
Miniature Golf Course 549 3
192nd Street and Jerome Avenue, Bronx27 June 1930
Complainant: John C. Tierney and Residents
Tierney et al.'s complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Noisy Taxi Stand 550 2
across from 912 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan18 June 1930
Complainant: J. M. Silverman, On Behalf of Phil Glemby and His Sick Wife
Mr. Silverman initially complained by telephone to the Mayor's Secretary, Thomas McAndrews, and then followed up by letter a day later. This letter was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. The matter was assigned to Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, to investigate. On June 26, Dr. Blauvelt reported that a Patrolman Goggins of the Health Squad was sent to the site. At the time of his visit there were no taxicabs present and he was told that Mrs. Glemby was on a visit to Europe, thus there was "no cause for action." This report was then forwarded to McAndrews.
Building Construction 551 2
Madison Avenue, between 76th and 77th Streets, Manhattan10 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. George P. Messervy
Mr. Messervy's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Ice Plant 552 1
Jamaica Avenue and 76th Street, Queens18 July 1930
Complainant: Claire L. Siegelack and Petitioners
Clair Siegelack et al.'s complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Restaurant Dishwashing Equipment 553 1
rear of 5 Sylvan Place, Manhattan8 August 1930
Complainant: Miss Anna Gilmore
Miss Gilmore's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Restaurant Machinery 554 2
64 Morningside Drive, Manhattan7 August 1930
Complainant: Mrs. L. M. Church
Mrs. Church's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Riveting 555 1
[Near 116 East 56th Street, Manhattan]19 August 1930
Complainant: Charles E. Hausworth
Hausworth's letter to the Mayor, which no longer exists, offered suggestions on how to abolish the noise of riveting in building construction. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Automobile Service Station 556 3
2344-61 Street, Brooklyn28 August 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Mary Lewis
Mrs. Lewis's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive prompt attention.
Outdoor Movie Theatre Loudspeaker 557 12
185th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan3 September 1930
Complainant: Josephine W. Sullivan
Sullivan's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive prompt attention. Sullivan had complained earlier, in June of 1930, about this same noise and the documents associated with this earlier complaint are included here for reference.
Truck Traffic 558 2
Rockaway Parkway, Brooklyn3 September 1930
Complainant: Mr. J. Mogil
Mr. Mogil's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the letter was received.
Radio Loudspeakers 560 2
95 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn20 November 1930
Complainant: Mrs. R. (Marjorie Z.) Sigel
Mrs. Sigel's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention. Mrs. Sigel had previously complained, in June of 1930, about noisy traffic. Having now moved to a new location, she seems to have escaped the noise of traffic, but only to encounter noisy radios.
Printing Presses 561 2
13th Street, near 322 West 14th Street, Manhattan13 February 1931
Complainant: Mr. A. C. Drummond
Mr. Drummond's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Hon. Thomas F. McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
New York Central Railroad Trains 562 15
Riverside Drive Near 183rd Street, Manhattan20 April 1931
Complainant: Mr. William Goebel
Mr. Goebel's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Hon. Thomas F. McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Steam Shovel 563 3
Near 96 East 208th Street, Bronx8 December 1931
Complainant: Mrs. Rose Cohn
Mrs. Cohn's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Hon. Thomas F. McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Wynne acknowledged to McAndrews that the matter would receive attention.
Noisy Neighbors 564 12
227 East 69th Street, Manhattan9 July 1926
Complainant: Cora G. Laux
Miss Laux's letter to Mayor Walker was forwarded to Health Commissioner Dr. Louis Harris, "for such investigation as you deem proper," by the Secretary to the Mayor.
Milk Trucks 565 16
5th Street, Brooklyn12 July 1926
Complainant: Edward J. Taubner and Petitioners
The petition from Mr. Taubner and his neighbors was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Louis Harris, "for such action as you deem proper" by Edward Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor.
General Noise 566 13
neighborhood of 1037 82nd Street, Brooklyn9 July 1926
Complainant: William Jay Leonard
Mr. Leonard's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor, for "such attention as you deem proper."
Gas Tank Construction 567 16
across from 420 East 20th Street, Manhattan4 October 1926
Complainant: Miss Helen Powell
Miss Powell's complaint to Mayor Walker was forwarded to the Department of Health by E.L. Stanton, Secretary to the Mayor, for "such attention as you may deem proper or necessary."
Street Drilling 568 3
57th Street and Seventh Avenue, Manhattan26 July 1927
Complainant: Robert Milton
Mr. Milton sent his complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health.
Barking Dog 569 1
102-37 Drive [102 37th Avenue], Queens29 July 1927
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health.
Radio Loudspeakers 570 15
near 33 Bank Street, Manhattan6 October 1927
Complainant: W. Boehm
Mr. Boehm also drafted a letter of complaint to the newspapers, and he included a copy of it with his letter to the Mayor. His correspondence was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health.
Dynamite Blasting 571 15
East 53rd Street, Manhattan16 November 1927
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Louis Harris, Commissioner of Health.
Steampipe Exhaust 572 15
West 136th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan2 January 1929
Complainant: "The Residents"
The residents of West 136th Street sent their complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health, as was a second letter from around 14 January 1929. The original letters are not preserved in the archive.
Building Construction Riveting 573 13
[Near 43 Leonard Street, Manhattan]11 March 1929
Complainant: B. M. Kohlman
Kohlman wrote to the Mayor suggesting that a law be written to eliminate riveting. His letter was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Railroad Engines 574 1
Riverside Drive, Manhattan10 July 1929
Complainant: Lewis L. Sell
Mr. Sell's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker and was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. He wrote from his work address at the American Classical Co., downtown on Park Row. He probably lived somewhere along Riverside Drive.
Factory Noise 575 10
461-465 Madison Street, Brooklyn24 June 1929
Complainant: Mrs. Clotilda Meyer
Mrs. Meyer's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. She wrote again to complain of this factory around 10 July 1929.
Steam Shovel 576 3
rear of 152 East 58th Street, Manhattan16 July 1929
Complainant: Jack Kreindel
Mr. Kreindel's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Radio Loudspeakers 577 2
[Near 2 Lafayette Street, Manhattan]12 November 1929
Complainant: Robert Ferrari
Mr. Ferrari's complaint, which included suggestions for the abatement of radio loud speaker noise, was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. The original letter is no longer extant, thus the content of his suggestions is unknown.
General Noise 578 1
726 Manida Street, Bronx20 November 1929
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker and was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
General Noise 579 12
near 110 West 86th Street, Manhattan18 December 1929
Complainant: Mrs. R. I. Shank
Mrs. Shank's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
New York Central Railroad Freight Cars 580 1
railroad tracks near 344 West 72nd Street, Manhattan17 December 1929
Complainant: Miss Miriam A. Goldfluss
Miss Goldfluss's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Ash Collection 581 3
545 West End Avenue, 302 West 87th Street, and 313 West 86th Street, Manhattan24 April 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Jane Griffith
Mrs. Griffith's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Noisy Powerhouse 582 2
opposite 141 West 16th Street, Manhattan7 May 1930
Complainant: Mr. A. Franklin
Mr.Franklin's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded by Mr. Thomas McAndrews, Secretary to the Mayor, to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Radio Loudspeakers 583 11
600 West 192nd Street, Apt. 44, Manhattan26 May 1930
Complainant: Elie Fraggi
Fraggi's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Fraggi apparently moved sometime between May of 1930 and May 1932, but in his new apartment in Queens, he was once again plagued by a radio fiend overhead, as he wrote again to the Mayor to complain some time around 11 May 1932.
Construction Drills 584 3
[Near 88 Central Park West, Manhattan]6 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Frederick Bierhoff
In her letter to Mayor Walker, which is not extant, Mrs. Bierhoff suggested that "silencers" be deployed on construction drills. Her suggestion was forwarded to Commissioner of Health Dr. Shirley Wynne.
Trolley Noise 585 10
Madison Avenue between 48th Street and 50th Street, Manhattan12 June 1930
Complainant: Henrietta E. (Mrs. Oakley S.) Barker
Mrs. Barker's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
New York Central Railroad Freight Car Shifting 586 3
vicinity of 344 West 72nd Street, Manhattan23 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Margaret Puntin
Mrs. Puntin's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Printing Plant 587 10
East 42nd Street, Manhattan23 June 1930
Complainant: Anonymous
This anonymous complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
General Noise 588 2
neighborhood of 922 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn30 June 1930
Complainant: Mr. Edward Bergen
Mr. Bergen's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Radio Loudspeakers and Water System Construction 589 1
vicinity of 167 Washington Park, Brooklyn3 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. L.W. Stewart
Mr. Stewart's complaints were sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Elevated Trains, Subways, and Railroads 590 2
[Near 244 East 59th Street, Manhattan]14 July 1930
Complainant: Mr. R. J. Simonek
Mr. Simonek wrote to Mayor Walker, requesting information on these sources of noise. His request was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Building Construction Riveting 591 1
[Near 111 East 48th Street, Manhattan]7 August 1930
Complainant: Warren T. Montgomery, Managing Director, The Barclay
Mr. Montgomery wrote to Mayor Walker, calling for the abolishment of riveting in building construction. His letter was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Barking Dog 592 14
510 West 162nd Street, Manhattan13 November 1930
Complainant: Mr. T. M. Sullivan
Mr. Sullivan's complaint, which he apparently marked as "confidential," was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Sand-Blasting Machine 593 14
East side of Fourth Avenue, between 23rd Street and 24th Street, Manhattan12 April 1932
Complainant: Victor H. McCutcheon
Mr. McCutcheon's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Radio Loudspeaker 594 3
32-16 Crescent Street, Apt. 3K, Queens11 May 1932
Complainant: Elie Fraggi
Mr. Fraggi's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. Fraggi had complained of a different radio, around 26 May 1930, when he wrote from 600 West 192nd Street. While he had apparently moved to Queens in the intervening years, he unfortunately ended up in another apartment plagued by proximity to a radio fiend.
Barking Dog 595 15
near 945 41st Street, Brooklyn24 May 1932
Complainant: Mr. Joseph Scovell
Mr. Scovel's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Noisy Neighbors Playing Radio, Piano, and Phonograph 596 1
near 439 East 51st Street, Manhattan8 July 1932
Complainant: Mr. Holton Herr
Mr. Herr's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
General Noise 597 3
[Near 107 West 86th Street, Manhattan]6 July 1932
Complainant: R. Reichenberg
Reichenberg's complaint was sent to Mayor Walker, then forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health. In late December 1930, Reichenberg had complained more specifically about the Nero Cafeteria, opposite his home on 86th Street.
Electric Machinery 598 3
267 Evergreen Avenue, Brooklyn22 July 1932
Complainant: The Neighbors
The Neighbors sent their complaint to Mayor Walker. It was forwarded to Dr. Shirley Wynne, Commissioner of Health.
Building Construction 599 11
85th Street at Fifth Avenue, Manhattan23 June 1930
Complainant: Mrs. Mortimer C. Foster
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
General Noise 600 16
vicinity of 3107 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn15 August 1930
Complainant: Mrs. J. Helle
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Washing Machine 601 16
154 Huron Street, Brooklyn24 November 1931
Complainant: Mr. John Pawlak
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Brooklyn were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Brooklyn, Dr. James F. Morrison, for "investigation and appropriate action."
Noise From Premises 603 16
329 East 31st Street, Manhattan27 June 1932
Complainant: Miss Bessie O'Connell
Complaints about noises in the Borough of Manhattan were typically forwarded to the Assistant Sanitary Superintendent for Manhattan, Dr. Alonzo Blauvelt, for "investigation and appropriate action."
