A CAMP FOR COPS FAMILES
Readers will recall my postings concerning the Police Camp, an upstate retreat in the Catskills that saw many police families during the 50’s & 60’s find a relaxing week in the country.
If you were there, you remember!
A reader contributed the following memories of this place.
He recalled enjoying the Police camp and the fun he had on vacation there as a kid.
The things he remembered the most about the police camp was how the first day or two you were usually bored because you didn’t know anyone, but by the time to go home you’d be having such a great time that you didn’t want to leave. Memories of hunting for snakes, frogs and lizards down by the creek were always impressionable to a “city-kid”.
Readers will recall my postings concerning the Police Camp, an upstate retreat in the Catskills that saw many police families during the 50’s & 60’s find a relaxing week in the country.
If you were there, you remember!
A reader contributed the following memories of this place.
He recalled enjoying the Police camp and the fun he had on vacation there as a kid.
The things he remembered the most about the police camp was how the first day or two you were usually bored because you didn’t know anyone, but by the time to go home you’d be having such a great time that you didn’t want to leave. Memories of hunting for snakes, frogs and lizards down by the creek were always impressionable to a “city-kid”.
The dining hall staff always had a weekly softball game against the guests that always saw a huge turnout – and could usually be counted on to provide some sore aches for those who should have known better than to play against a bunch of college kids!
There was always the summertime romance that a week away in the country could provide! Remember the Peppermint Lounge? How about the A-frame hall that was built, as the site of many a dance night?
I remember the garage that housed a fire truck – that I never actually saw get used – that was also used as the movie theater, and the church on Sundays. The pool that always seemed so big as a kid, and was always ice cold, provided a lot of summer recreation as well.
I remember the garage that housed a fire truck – that I never actually saw get used – that was also used as the movie theater, and the church on Sundays. The pool that always seemed so big as a kid, and was always ice cold, provided a lot of summer recreation as well.
A recent visit upstate by a reader noted that he took a drive to the camp with his family to show them the site of so much fond memories. He met the people that took over the site. The people at first weren’t so friendly until he told them he had stayed there as a kid; they asked if he was a policeman, then they became very nice and spoke to them about themselves. A religious group now owns the land, and they manufacture products for handicapped children. The group made some changes to the place and all live together in the main house.
I thank Chris Massaria for his contributions, and encourage others with Police Camp memories to pass them on.
I thank Chris Massaria for his contributions, and encourage others with Police Camp memories to pass them on.
Remember the box-lunch day-trips to Howes Caverns, the Catskill Game Farm, and Hunter Mountain? The music playing over the loudspeaker all day? The daily raising, and lowering, of the American flag at the main hotel?
CENTRAL OFFICE SLEUTHS
In the early history of the department, it was the detectives that were assigned to the Central Office (Headquarters) who were the first to carry a gold-plated shield.
The Central Office Detectives performed the investigative functions of the department.
Back in the 1930’s, there were approximately 300 Detectives in the department, performing citywide investigative functions.
The local precincts had Plainclothes Men who performed duty in – you guessed it, plainclothes! These officers were selected by the precinct Captain, and detailed on “temporary” duty in civilian clothes to enforce gambling, prostitution, and other vice offenses.
The public, who then – and still – calls anyone who works in civilian clothing a Detective, often got these tasks mistaken. It was the Detective who had the Gold Shield!
THE LINEUP
A daily roundup of professional crooks was performed each day at Police Headquarters, and was a staple of the department up until the early 1960’s.
This roundup, and parade of all those arrested the previous day, was known as The Lineup.
Detectives were sent from throughout the city to observe this lineup each morning.
On a raised platform, the crooks walked by, so that the detectives could review their peculiarities, characteristics, and their criminal MO.
It was known as a simple and effective system for familiarizing detectives with the personal appearance, voice, mannerisms, physical attributes and defects of the criminal.
DETECTIVE SPECIALIZATION
It was in 1906 that Colonel Arthur Woods was appointed a Deputy Commissioner, and designated to reorganize the Detective Bureau.
One of the first moves he made was to create a Homicide Squad.
Up to that time there was no specialization in investigations, and no specialized training. Cases were assigned to Detectives not in any rotation, but according to a particular aptitude one might have.
After organizing the Homicide Squad, other specialized commands soon followed. Pickpocket, Safe & Loft, Narcotics, Missing Persons, and the Radical Squad all soon followed.
GATEWAY TO AN INSIDE JOB
As he noted in his autobiography, New York Detective, which he penned in 1938, Ernest Van Wagner had a rather interesting introduction to working at Police Headquarters.
Coming on the job in 1896, he spent 36 years here and retired in 1932 as an Inspector, Commanding Officer of Detectives.
Teddy Roosevelt immediately saw good use of Van Wagner, even while he was still attending recruit training.
You see, Van Wagner came on the job with an unusual skill – amanuensis.
The Dean of the Academy thought this was a disease, and called him down to the office shortly after his training started. The Dean learned otherwise – this meant that he could write shorthand!
Van Wagner went right into Headquarters, working for Roosevelt and other high ranking members of the department, taking notes for them utilizing his knowledge of shorthand.
It was the experience he gained working for the executive staff that helped propel him through the ranks, to eventually become the department’s Chief Detective.
All because he was an amanuensis!
LEGALLY SPEAKING
Exculpatory: Evidence and/or statements which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from alleged fault or guilt. (“I didn’t do it”).
Inculpatory: Evidence and/or statements, that which tends to incriminate or bring about a criminal conviction. Holds responsible for criminal misconduct. (“I did it”).
INTERESTING WEB SITE
A free site that links to thousands of free public records sites, including people finder, criminal records, professional licenses, voter registration records, military records, email address look-up and much more, can be found at:
http://www.freeprf.com/
Free Flight Tracking Services
http://www.flightaware.com/
FlightAware offers free flight tracking services for both private and commercial air traffic in the United States. Proven to be extremely capable and reliable.
GLOSSARY OF SOME 1930’S SLANG
In the early history of the department, it was the detectives that were assigned to the Central Office (Headquarters) who were the first to carry a gold-plated shield.
The Central Office Detectives performed the investigative functions of the department.
Back in the 1930’s, there were approximately 300 Detectives in the department, performing citywide investigative functions.
The local precincts had Plainclothes Men who performed duty in – you guessed it, plainclothes! These officers were selected by the precinct Captain, and detailed on “temporary” duty in civilian clothes to enforce gambling, prostitution, and other vice offenses.
The public, who then – and still – calls anyone who works in civilian clothing a Detective, often got these tasks mistaken. It was the Detective who had the Gold Shield!
THE LINEUP
A daily roundup of professional crooks was performed each day at Police Headquarters, and was a staple of the department up until the early 1960’s.
This roundup, and parade of all those arrested the previous day, was known as The Lineup.
Detectives were sent from throughout the city to observe this lineup each morning.
On a raised platform, the crooks walked by, so that the detectives could review their peculiarities, characteristics, and their criminal MO.
It was known as a simple and effective system for familiarizing detectives with the personal appearance, voice, mannerisms, physical attributes and defects of the criminal.
DETECTIVE SPECIALIZATION
It was in 1906 that Colonel Arthur Woods was appointed a Deputy Commissioner, and designated to reorganize the Detective Bureau.
One of the first moves he made was to create a Homicide Squad.
Up to that time there was no specialization in investigations, and no specialized training. Cases were assigned to Detectives not in any rotation, but according to a particular aptitude one might have.
After organizing the Homicide Squad, other specialized commands soon followed. Pickpocket, Safe & Loft, Narcotics, Missing Persons, and the Radical Squad all soon followed.
GATEWAY TO AN INSIDE JOB
As he noted in his autobiography, New York Detective, which he penned in 1938, Ernest Van Wagner had a rather interesting introduction to working at Police Headquarters.
Coming on the job in 1896, he spent 36 years here and retired in 1932 as an Inspector, Commanding Officer of Detectives.
Teddy Roosevelt immediately saw good use of Van Wagner, even while he was still attending recruit training.
You see, Van Wagner came on the job with an unusual skill – amanuensis.
The Dean of the Academy thought this was a disease, and called him down to the office shortly after his training started. The Dean learned otherwise – this meant that he could write shorthand!
Van Wagner went right into Headquarters, working for Roosevelt and other high ranking members of the department, taking notes for them utilizing his knowledge of shorthand.
It was the experience he gained working for the executive staff that helped propel him through the ranks, to eventually become the department’s Chief Detective.
All because he was an amanuensis!
LEGALLY SPEAKING
Exculpatory: Evidence and/or statements which tend to clear, justify, or excuse a defendant from alleged fault or guilt. (“I didn’t do it”).
Inculpatory: Evidence and/or statements, that which tends to incriminate or bring about a criminal conviction. Holds responsible for criminal misconduct. (“I did it”).
INTERESTING WEB SITE
A free site that links to thousands of free public records sites, including people finder, criminal records, professional licenses, voter registration records, military records, email address look-up and much more, can be found at:
http://www.freeprf.com/
Free Flight Tracking Services
http://www.flightaware.com/
FlightAware offers free flight tracking services for both private and commercial air traffic in the United States. Proven to be extremely capable and reliable.
GLOSSARY OF SOME 1930’S SLANG
BEEF: to betray another, or for a victim to make a fuss over his loss.
BELCH: same as beef.
BIT: a prison or jail term.
BOOK: pocketbook.
BULL: a policeman.
BULL-OUT-OF-HARNESS: a plain-clothes man.
CADGER: a beggar. (Cadging: begging)
CALL THE TURN: said of a criminal after a detective has identified him.
ELBOW: detective.
FLY-COP: a detective.
FRONT OFFICE: police headquarters.
HOLLER: to tell or report to the police.
MOLL: a girl.
MOLL-BUZZER: a pickpocket who robs only women.
MOUTH-PIECE: a thief paid by the police for information; also a criminal lawyer.
PERCENTAGE COPPERS: policemen who protect thieves for a percentage of their plunder.
PETER: a safe.
PETERMEN: safe-blowers.
PORCH-CLIMBER: second-story workers.
SPOT: a term in prison; Ten spot = 10 years.
SWAG: plunder other than money (as jewelry, etc.)
SWEAT-BOX: the third degreeTHIMBLE: a watch.
YEGG-MEN: tramp thieves.
FROM THE MUSTER ROOM
Some detectives make a noticeable impact when they arrive. Just ask Johnny K, who made an impression on his arrival at the scene of a Homicide-CUPPI in the 77 recently… Retired sleuth Nicky Dimonda was around town recently. He’s been working a security job in the 23 – his old stomping grounds from patrol. Anytime Nicky and Vito get together is sure to produce a memorable event!... How’s Larry doing with the “Reality Tour” events?... The addition of a pet gecko to a squad room brought back memories of Larry walking around with a pet alligator in his pocket; or the time(s) he came in with a frog in his jacket. Larry, we surely miss you!... Which Detective recently found himself being kicked out of a motorcycle club he helped to form?... Is that just another example of “not wanting to be a member of a club that would have me as a member”?... Was that Ret Det Joe Guerra seen on recent news footage of the Don Imus incident? Seems that Joe has been working for Bo Dietl, and was guarding Don Imus. You look good, Joe… By the way, did Joe have to drive Imus around? … Great turnout at the recent 83 Squad retirement function. Lots of retirees came out to join brothers and sisters alike. Always good to see everyone at these “happy” events. Same to be said for the recent dinner honoring a great man, Joseph F.X. Cunneen. Wonderful turnout for a truly honorable man! Good luck in all you do, Chief! … Has anyone ever seen Insp Joe Campbell without a smile?... Who remembers when a certain squad commander was used as a speed bump to slow down someone trying to hot-foot it out of the cells in the 77 Precinct?? …
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The Annual Antique Police Car Show will be at the Police Museum on Saturday and Sunday, June 9th and 10th.
Also at the Police Museum, on May 16, starting at 6PM, will be a book signing and presentation by the author of the new book (and most recent addition to The Minister’s True Crime Book Collection) BOMB SQUAD: A Year Inside The Nation’s Most Exclusive Police Force.
Authors Richard Esposito and Ted Gerstein had exclusive access to the Bomb Squad starting on December 31, 2003. They will be joined by members of the Bomb Squad to discuss their work, and this new book.
Brooklyn North sleuth’s will certainly enjoy the passages from Retired Inspector Charlie Wells’ time in the Bomb Squad.
My suggestion is to get a copy of the book. I’ll be bringing mine, and have already told Charlie I’m leaving a spot for him to sign!
The Police Museum is at 100 Old Slip, between Water & South Streets.
http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/
Admission is free to MOS.
Some detectives make a noticeable impact when they arrive. Just ask Johnny K, who made an impression on his arrival at the scene of a Homicide-CUPPI in the 77 recently… Retired sleuth Nicky Dimonda was around town recently. He’s been working a security job in the 23 – his old stomping grounds from patrol. Anytime Nicky and Vito get together is sure to produce a memorable event!... How’s Larry doing with the “Reality Tour” events?... The addition of a pet gecko to a squad room brought back memories of Larry walking around with a pet alligator in his pocket; or the time(s) he came in with a frog in his jacket. Larry, we surely miss you!... Which Detective recently found himself being kicked out of a motorcycle club he helped to form?... Is that just another example of “not wanting to be a member of a club that would have me as a member”?... Was that Ret Det Joe Guerra seen on recent news footage of the Don Imus incident? Seems that Joe has been working for Bo Dietl, and was guarding Don Imus. You look good, Joe… By the way, did Joe have to drive Imus around? … Great turnout at the recent 83 Squad retirement function. Lots of retirees came out to join brothers and sisters alike. Always good to see everyone at these “happy” events. Same to be said for the recent dinner honoring a great man, Joseph F.X. Cunneen. Wonderful turnout for a truly honorable man! Good luck in all you do, Chief! … Has anyone ever seen Insp Joe Campbell without a smile?... Who remembers when a certain squad commander was used as a speed bump to slow down someone trying to hot-foot it out of the cells in the 77 Precinct?? …
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
The Annual Antique Police Car Show will be at the Police Museum on Saturday and Sunday, June 9th and 10th.
Also at the Police Museum, on May 16, starting at 6PM, will be a book signing and presentation by the author of the new book (and most recent addition to The Minister’s True Crime Book Collection) BOMB SQUAD: A Year Inside The Nation’s Most Exclusive Police Force.
Authors Richard Esposito and Ted Gerstein had exclusive access to the Bomb Squad starting on December 31, 2003. They will be joined by members of the Bomb Squad to discuss their work, and this new book.
Brooklyn North sleuth’s will certainly enjoy the passages from Retired Inspector Charlie Wells’ time in the Bomb Squad.
My suggestion is to get a copy of the book. I’ll be bringing mine, and have already told Charlie I’m leaving a spot for him to sign!
The Police Museum is at 100 Old Slip, between Water & South Streets.
http://www.nycpolicemuseum.org/
Admission is free to MOS.