Not A Halloween Prop, Long Island Boys Find A Human Skull In A Torture Device

Long Island Kids Dig Up A Real Skeleton Horror – 1934

This news photograph showing a skull that might be a prop from a Boris Karloff or Bela Lugosi horror film, are the actual remains of an ancient criminal that were discovered two centuries after his demise.

The news slug explains: Continue reading

When A Man Tried To Enlist In The Navy’s WAVES -1965

A 1965 Civil Rights Test – For All The Wrong Reasons

In these peculiar times where rules (and logic) are constantly challenged when it comes to gender, sex and discrimination, we are often oblivious to historical precedents.

In 1965 the idea that a man could be a join an organization, team, or club exclusively comprised of women (and vice versa) was considered unacceptable by consensus. Today, the situation Continue reading

Irish New York 1964 – From Earl Wilson’s New York

A Vanished Irish New York Described By Columnist Earl Wilson

The Bronx, Gaelic Park, Irish Bars and Dance Halls

Earl Wilson (1907 – 1987) was a New York Post based nationally syndicated columnist (It Happened Last Night). Wilson also wrote several books during his nearly fifty year journalism career.

Among Wilson’s best books is an atypical guide book to New York called Earl Wilson’s New York (Simon and Schuster, 1964).

While Wilson covers some of the usual touristy things to do, such as where to stay and eat, he also writes about “Where To Find A Psychiatrist For Your Dog” Continue reading

1969 World Series – Mets Manager Gil Hodges Gets A Call Overturned

No Instant Replay, But Mets Manager Gil Hodges Convinces Umpire Lou DiMuro To Overturn A Call In Game 5 Of The 1969 World Series

If Gil Hodges wasn’t considered an honest man, the Mets might not have won game five of the 1969 World Series. Continue reading

Old New York In Photos #159 – North Of Central Park 1871

Paving The Road North Of Central Park

This barren scene is Sixth Avenue (renamed Lenox Avenue in 1887 and additionally named Malcom X Boulevard in 1987) just north of Central Park.

As the northern boundary of the city kept expanding the grading and opening of streets continued further north. Continue reading

October 8. 1956 World Series Game 5 Don Larsen’s Perfect Game

” I Still Can’t Believe It Happened To Me,”

Don Larsen Post-game Interview October 8, 1956

Don Larsen perfect game photo International News Photos Frank Jurkoski

Immortal Pitching Yankee Stadium, New York- This sequence of three photos shows Don Larsen 1) cocking for the pitch 2) delivering, and 3) following through on the mound during his historic perfect no-hitter. Don pitched to only 27 Dodgers in posting his 2-0 victory for the books. His triumph put the Bombers ahead 3-2 in games. photo: 10/8/1956 International News Photos – Frank Juroski

For all the accomplishments that have happened in the history of baseball, there is one that has never been duplicated.

Don Larsen’s masterpiece of pitching in game five of the 1956 World Series. 27 men up. 27 men down. A perfect game in the World Series.

After The Game

With his hands still shaking after the game Larsen told reporters, ” I was so damn nervous Continue reading

Celebrating “The Giants Win The Pennant” – 1951

The Giants Win The Pennant

Eddie Stanky & Leo Durocher Celebrate Bobby Thomson’s Dramatic Game Winning Home Run

This Wide World syndicated photograph did not end up running in many newspapers. What might appear at first glance to be a fight is actually a celebration.

The Giants and Dodgers tied for the best record in the National League in 1951. To advance to the World Series, a three game playoff was set.

The teams split the first two games.

Game three ended on what many baseball historians consider the most dramatic moment in the history of the game. Continue reading

Jacob Ruppert & Joe McCarthy Before World Series Game 1 1936

Yankees Owner Jacob Ruppert & Manager Joe McCarthy At Game 1, 1936 World Series

Good Luck, Joe
Colonel Jacob Ruppert, owner of the Yankees, autographs a baseball for Joe McCarthy, Yank manager, as a token of best wishes before the start of the opening game of the World Series with the Giants, at the latter’s home park, The Polo Grounds, New York City. photo: Acme September 30, 1936

This photograph reminds us that there used to be no playoffs in baseball.  The two best teams Continue reading