USA > New York > Bronx County > History of Bronx borough, city of New York : compiled for the North side news > Part 58
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1
"North Side News" Building, 149th Street and Bergen Avenue
News" from Manhattan to the Bronx many were the prophecies of disaster that would be certain to follow such a step.
The nucleus of our present establishment was originated nearly seventy years ago, in "Thompson's Bank Reporter," which had an excellent field before the institution of the National Bank Act resultant upon the Civil War. The epidemic of "wild cat" banks which afflicted the country at that time made such a publication highly necessary in order to protect the business mmen against the unceasing flood of doubtful notes that were issued by irresponsible banks and which issues were largely supplemented by worthless imitations of the then prevailing currency. In 1885. Messes. Anthony Stumpf and Charles D). Steurer formed a partnership and purchased "Thompson's B .. uk Reporter," which is still fresh in the minds of many of the elder
business men, together with its supplement, a pamphlet bank
Portion of Library Room
verung issues of bonds by municipalities, and furnishes bankers and bond dealers with information they could obtain only by employing two or three extra clerks and paying large telegraph tolls, The "North Side News" was born on April 4. 180 ;. From its very beginning the people of the Bronx have given
W. H. Deacy
John J. Mehlem
H.J.HENNING
T. J.McDonald -----
C.E.MESSLER
HEADS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE " NORTH SIDE NEWS."
C.DSteurer Jr
405
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
it a hearty and loyal support. Every evidence of good will and other encouragements received from the public acted as stim- ulants to the maragement to more than deserve the favor which had been won. Originally an eight-page paper, of forty columns, sixteen and one-half inches long, it has successively increased in size until now the weekly, or Sunday, issue is a sixteen-page, seven column paper, with columns twenty-two inches in length. and a four-page colored comic supplement.
Perceiving the advantage it would be to have all our
Clerks Busy in the Compiling Room
plant consolidated under one roof, and not scattered, as it had been heretofore, we selected the site of our present quar- ters at 149th Street and Bergen Avenue, just at the time when the foundations were being laid for a flat house by architect and builder Albert Rothermel. The requirements of the plant in prospective necessitated the reconstruction of the foundations of the present edifice, and in August, 1900, our entire force was gathered together into the five-story and basement handson.e edifice which now graces that neighborhood.
At first part of the building was rented out to other tenants, but the increasing requirements of the business neces -. sitated our using the entire edifice, which at present is almost insufficient for our needs.
The acute demand for a daily issue of the "North Side News". was so intense that on October 1. 1902, the first issue of the "Daily North Side News" was begun as a four-page seven-column paper, but we repeatedly issue an eight-page edition. while the regular issue is now a six-page edition.
In the basement are located our large presses, comprising a Campbell multipress, which prints both side of a paper at one impression from a roll, for the requirements of the "North Side News," while two largest size new Century and one Cottrell book presses are in constant use for our other pub lications, a "pouy" press for large job work, a 35-horse-power gas engine, dynamos, electric motors on all presses, and steam heating plant.
The first floor is used for offices and stock room for the immense quantities of paper needed.
The second floor is used for the main offices, filing rooms and an army of compilers.
The third floor is devoted to the editorial staff of the various publications, and a large reference hbrary.
. On the fourth floor is located a battery of Mergenthaler Whotype machines, job presses, folding and cutting machines, and that important functionary, the proofreader and his assistant.
The fifth floor is occupied as the composing and job room!, stocked with an enormous quantity of job type to meet the ever mereasing demands apon our facilities for turning out anything in the shape of printed matter from the smallest label to it mammoth poster.
To-day, the North Side News" owes it success to the cordial support tendered us by the people of the borough whom we have endeavored to serve in a fearless and honest manner. and by strict adherence to the determination which actuated us when we embarked upon our enterprise in the Bronx, we hope to merit the continued good will of our neighbors.
The "North Side News" has proven a potential factor in the development of the borough, and its efforts have been rewarded with success. Among the various public matters in which it has raken a conspicuous part has been the following :
Urging the extension of the rapid transit system north of the Ilarlem River into the Bronx ;
The laying out of the route thereof through 149th Street instead of its divergence up Third Avenue to Westchester Ave- nue, and the elimination of two sharp curves at 149th and 150 ?! Streets;
The starting and carrying out of the movement to equip Lebanon Hospital with a complete ambulance outfit ;
Raising money which resulted in materially enlarging the number of wards in the hospital ;
Urging the construction of the Harlem Ship Canal as the proper solution of relieving the congested commercial condition, that now prevail at the lower portion of Manhattan ;
The persistent demand for the improvement of the Bronx Kills so as to derive the benefits that will accrue to the borough from the barge canal authorized by the Legislature, and thus shortening the distance from the inland commercial centers t the coast ports ;
Demanding and securing the establishment of a court hous. in the Bronx, which is now in course of construction;
Insisting upon the erection of the borough into a separate county, with all the benefits that would accrue therefrom
View of Folding and Stitching Room
Continually urging every public improvement that would con- chnice to the growth of the borough ;
Demanding at all times that home rule should be given the Brous in its fullest sense, believing that its residents are better qualified to judge of the needs of the community than ar. unsiders ;
Demanding from the general government better postal face !- ities and the institution of a central distributing station in the Bronx, and which now bids fair soon to be realized ;
1
G.W. Clarke
1
. .
S.S. Bailey
TOM KIERNAN
R. R. RAGETTE
W". C. Riehl
H.H.Eckel
MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS STAFFS_OF THE " NORTH SIDE NEWS."
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
40;
Waging an unceasing fight for the construction of the New York and Portchester Railway as the mean, whereby the upper eastern portion of the borough might be brought in touch with the heart of the business centers and thus be developed;
Insisting upon the establishment of a public market within the borough, which has been happily realized through the estab- lishinent of the College Point ferry, thus bringing the producers of Long Island in close touch with the vast army of consumers in the Bronx ;
Continually demanding improvement in the educational facil ities of the borough, which resulted in the establishment of the high school on Boston Road. Its long and persistent struggle to have it designated the Morris High School was crowned with ultimate success.
Among others of its victories gained for the community we may be pardoned for alluding to the signal victory that was gained by it in the elimination of the garbage incinerating plant that was sought to become a permanent fixture in the community.
In the matter of political affairs the "North Side News" has unalterably stood in favor of good government, and what its record has been in the past it will continue in the future.
In truth, it might be said that the "North Side News" in matters pertaining to the prosperity of the borough, has always been found in the lead, and it is with no little gratification and
pleasure that we here allude to the victories it has accomplishe ! in matters pertaining to the general welfare of the section w:" which it has linked its fortunes.
In the illustration shown one has but a faint idea of : - vast amount of paper required for the "North Side News" T :. rolls of paper show the requirements of the magnificent machst ? -a modern flat bed Web press-located in the basement. 1 ::.. machine prints from rolls of paper seventy inches in width an ! weighing three-quarters of a ton. It prints an eight-page paper of the size of the "North Side News" at the rate of 6.000 copies an hour, both sides at one impression, each paper being den .- ered from the press neatly folded.
The job printing department of the "North Side News" .. the largest and most complete in the Bronx, and everything i- printed, from a small business card to a mammoth poster, of a complete book. It may be interesting to know that this entire work was printed here
The location of this plant at 149th Street and Berg .:: Avenue has been followed by the erection of other creditalle buildings, and the conversion of 149th Street into the centre of business and financial activity that was not thought possible of attaining by the more conservative.
On May 2, 1905, Mr. Charles D. Steurer purchased :!: interests of his partner. Mr. Anthony Stumpf. and formed the Steurer Publishing Company, under which name he now co- duets the business.
1.7
Carload of Paper Being Delivered for the "North Side News"
Getting Ready to Print on the Multipress
One of Our Cylinder Presses
2
Multipress on which the "North Side News" is Printed
....
View of Job Department
The Linotype Room
409
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
PATRICK HENRY CLUNE .- The subject of this sketch, one of our most popular and successful young lawyers, was born in this city March 5, 1876, and lived in Manhattan until his twen- tieth year, when he came to the Bronx, where he has since resided. He was graduated from our public schools, passing also, the entrance examination to the City College. However, his college education sas had at St. Francis Xavier's, this city, from which he received the degrees of A. B., A. M. and Ph. B. His university and professional studies were pursued at New York University, from which he was graduated in 1897 as an LL.B., later receiving the degree ot Master of Laws. Shortly thereafter hie was admitted to the Bar. His career in senool, college and university was excepuonalty brilhant and justified the predictions of great success in after mie, that have been more than realized. nie was ever a recognized leader among the students. As an elocationist and debater he nad and has few equals, and as a general scholar was far above the ordinary, his strong points being English, history, mathematics and lan- guages. He now speaks huently Spanish, Italian, French and German and still reads Latin and Greek extensively. He is also an expert telegrapher and stenographer. He was one of the best all-around athletes at college, and possesses many beautiful trophies for his prowess on track, einder path and field. He is unquestionably one of the strongest long-distance and endurance swimmers in the Dronx to-day, also one of the best scullers on. the Harlemi River and an ardent supporter of the plan to build a National regatta course at Pelham Bay. For years he was honorary instructor in gymnastics at De La Salle Institute. He thus built up a seemingly indestructible and invulnerable con- stitution which is serving him well in the strenuous life of activity and success he now leads. Coming from a family of soldiers, he naturally acquired the military spirit instilled by the Grills at college, and immediately on the declaration of the late war he enlisted in Flanagan's Light Battery, recruiting at the Seventy-first Regiment Armory, but much to his disappointment saw no active service. He is now Second Lieutenant in the "Gallant Sixty-ninth" Regiment, is one of the most popular men in the cominand, an exeellent tactieian and one of the few who have earned the title of "distinguished expert," the highest in markmanship. For the past ten years he has been connected with the Free Lecture System of our great Educational Depart- ment, both as a lecturer and supervising and criticising inspector. and is an enthusiast on adult education and a close observer and student of educational matters generally. Professionally, he is in the front rank, for his knowledge of the law is thorough and his training and experience have been varied and comprehensive. He studied in and subsequently became connected with the cffiee of Guggenheimer, Untermyer & Marshall, one of the largest and best in the country, where, in the drawing of pleadings and papers, attendance to preliminary court work, preparation of cases for trial and on appeal, trying of cases and arguing of motions and appeals he became very familiar in a practical way with all branches of the law. His exceptional ability so impressed the firm that he was placed seeond in charge of its real estate and Surrogate's Court departments, where, in the examination of titles, the conduct of foreclosures, partition, infancy, lunacy, con- demnation, street opening and other proceedings incidental to real estate law, he became an acknowledged expert, as likewise in Surrogate's Court work, in the drawing of wills, managing of immense estates, both in their institution, conduct and settle. ment, going through almost every form of proceeding cognizable by said court. Fie also handled the partnership business and the details of the formation, conduct and dissolution of the eor- poration work of that office, and knows these branches thor . oughly. On his entering practice for himself success came
quickly, for his reputation had been fully established and had sene before him. His clients included not only individuals and corporations, but also many of his fellow lawyers, who retained him as special, consulting or advisory counsel in important and difficult cases. As a practitioner, for a while, at the criminal bar, with his eloquence, knowledge of mankind and its ways and remarkable ability as a cross-examiner, he was a pronounced success. But his tendencies were towards a broader, deeper, higher plane, and he determined to further develop his specialties by special courses, individual study and practice. For two years he was one of the learned staff of the Westchester & Bronx Title and Mortgage Guarantee Company, at White Plains, where hc became familiar with the many intricacies of country title work, and is one of the best informed lawyers in regard to Westchester County now in the Bronx. He has also for years been one of the expert examining counsel of the Title Guarantee and Trust Company, Manhattan. He likewise has, and still performs, con- siuerable special services for the various title companies in Brooklyn, and is familiar with the farm and later titles in that seetion. He has further handled much expert work, etc., in Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in this State, and in nearby States, and work involving the title to and development of gold, silver and copper mines in the West. He has furthermore been often retained by the eity in connection with the watershed development. As a resident of the Bronx, he has made a thorough study of real estate valuations therein, and is familiar with the various actual and proposed street changes, etc., with all the early and farm titles and the generally known and conceded defects in and clouds upon titles to property both in the Bronx and Manhattan. He has often testified before the courts as an expert convey- ancer and real estate lawyer in actions involving most difficult, novel and abstruse questions, and is admitted to be one of the best authorities on real estate law and Surrogate's Court practice in this eity. He is possessed of a remarkably quick, clear, pene- trating, analytical, deep mind-a rare combination of the light- ning-like characteristics of the Celt and the profundity of that of the Teuton. As a speaker he is forceful and eloquent, has a strong, clear, pleasant voiee, and with his great vocabulary and control of language, knowledge of human nature and innate sin- cerity is capable of holding the attention of an audience for hours, and of carrying it to the heights of enthusiasm. As a trial lawyer he is painstaking and thorough; as a cross-examiner astute, overpowering, relentless, enticing and irresistible; yet mild, considerate and gentlemanly; while in the arguments of appeals, with his logical mind and wonderful memory, he eluci- dates and expounds the law, arranges and marshals facts as iew men of his years can. Indeed, he has been often highly complimented by our Appellate courts for his masterful handling of an important and difficult case before them. By nature, ten- perament and adaptability he has a truly judicial mind, which by training, experience and study has been developed, strengtli- ened, broadened and amplified. He would adorn with credit any position he might be called upon to occupy, especially a judicial one. In polities he is, and has always been, an uncompromising Democrat, and a powerful factor in his party. To quote from a prominent weekly. "His powers as a campaign manager and polit- ical manipulator are both feared and admired. . .. As an
opponent, he is open and honorable, elean and above board, sineere and consistent, tenacious and aggressive; but still, not bitter, vin- dietive or revengeful. He is a good loser and a magnanimous victor." He never held any public office, though numerous offers were made to him. However, he has frequently been appointed a commissioner in street opening proceedings and a referes in actions involving close and difficult real estate questions. He is single, and lives with his father, mother and sister in a benuti-
410
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
fil home at 2087 Bathgate Avenue, corner of iSoth Street, which is the magnet of many social gatherings. He shines and is at home in any assemblage; is a "good mixer" among men and popular with and beloved by all classes. He has traveled exten - :ively both on this continent and abroad, and is a most fascin- sting conversationalist, a born humorist and an excellent story teller. With his natural and acquired eloquence, comprehensive knowledge of men and things, he has become a most interesting and instructive lecturer, and is in great demand as such. His works in charitable and humanitarian movements are manifold. but are known only to the beneficiaries and recipients; for he gives to his suffering fellowmen out of the goodness of his acart, and not for fame or publicity. In the field of fraternity there is no better known or esteemed man in the city or State. 1.> Grand Knight for six years of the largest Knights of Colum bis council in the country, and State Attorney General or Advo- cate of the Order in New York State for two terms by unani mous vote of 37.000 men, and in countless other important offices, his unbounded capacity for work, tremendous energy ant wonderful executive ability are matters of constant marvel; also as Exalted Ruler of Bronx Lodge of the Elks, and for that matter in every organization with which he is connected, for he takes an active interest in all of them, to again quote from the public press : "His capacity for all kinds of work, his executive ability, his powers of organizing and harmonizing are wonderful. As a presiding officer he is fearless, but . fair, forceful yet not overbearing, firm yet kind and courteous; is an authority of parliamentary procedure and has few superiors." The following are some of the organizations of which he is a member : Knight- of Columbus, Grand Knight; Elks, Exalted Ruler; Woodmen of America, Past Venerable Consul ; Redmen. Past, Sachem and Prophet ; and present or past officer or worker in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Clan-a-Gael, Catholic Benevolent Legion. Koyal Arcanum. St. Joseph's Lyceum, Tremont; Arthur H. Murphy Association, Jefferson Club, Democratic General Con- mittee and several special committees of the Thirty-fifth Assem. bly District, Irish-American Athletic Club, Anchor Association. Knights of Columbus Headquarters Association, Columbian Assembly, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Ireland's American Friends, Dauntless Rowing Club. "Bruskies," Bronx Press Club. Bar Association, Society of Medical Jurisprudence, Owl Liter- ary Club, Xavier Alumni Sodality, Catholic Club, Knights of Equity, Order of the Alhambra, Holy Name Society and St Vincent de Pau! Society and numerous other social, political. fraternal, religious and professional organizations. He is one of the most intellectual, educated, learned, versatile, respected and esteemed citizens of the Bronx, and has been very aptly and happily terined the "Napoleon of the Bronx." for though he is physically rather small, in every other respect he is indeed great, and a brilliant future awaits him.
PATRICK J. O'NEIL, who for a number of years has been active in Bronx real estate transactions, was born March 4. 1871. in Tipperary County, Ireland, and hails from an old and successful family of that country. He was educated in the Christian, Brothers' College, of Cashel. Tipperary County, from which he graduated. and came to this country in 1882. arriving on May 24. He began at once to learn the stonecutting trade, but did not follow his vocation long, as the firm he was em- ployed by, failed. He sought employment of the Second Avenue Railroad Company, and succeeded in securing a good position. v lich he kept up to 1880. It was during this year he realized the fact that one through careful speculation in real estate could make considerable money, so he opened up an office myl, incidental to his regular business, he acted as agent for several large insurance companies. It was not long before
he was heard from, and to-day he enjoys a large and lucrative clientage. Mr. O'Neil has resided in this section for some time, and is widely known, both in a social and political way. Ile is Tammany Hall Captain of the Seventy-fourth Election District, and a member of the Tammany Hall General Com- mittee of the Thirty-fifth Assembly District, belongs to the Jefferson Club, Bronx Club, the Bronx Country Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Royal Arcanum, No. 1618, is a
PATRICK J. O'NEIL
worshipper of the Catholic faith and is a member of the Holy Name Society. The Patrick J. O'Neil Association was organ. ized by him some time ago, and is to-day one of the largest in the Bronx, he being the standard bearer. On July 11, 1900, Mr. O'Neil married Miss Stella Walsh, who is connected with Public School No. 20, Bronx. She is also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Court Columbia, and a member of Seton Circle of the Bronx.
HIRAM TARBOX, son of Fones Whitford and Sarah (Spencer) Tarbox, was born in West Greenwich, R. I., June 15, 1817. He was a descendant of Miles Standish, through in- termarriage of the Tarbox and Standish families. He was eighth in descent from John Tarbox, who settled in Lynn, Mass., between 1600 and 1610, and of the ninth generation from John Green, of Quidnessett, R. I .; and later, General Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. Named for his uncle, Miram Tarbox, a manufacturer and importer of watches, he was called lliram Tarbox 2d until the death of his uncle in 1878. At the age of seventeen he left his father's home and went to live with his uncle in Lisbon, Conn., purposing to learn the watchmaking trade. He there met Miss Mary Clark, of Canterbury, Conn .. whom he married in 1830 and who died at her home in this city in 1807. She was a descendant of the old New England Adams-Davenport families: an estimable woman, a true and sincere friend, long mourned by those who love and cherish her memory. Fa 184 Mr. Tarbox left Connecticut with his fansts For New York City, where he entered in business as a watch maker in Maiden Lane. When Upper Morrismia was laid out in 1848 he, with about four dosen men of the same mind, pur- chased from Gouverneur Morris the farm on which Upper Mor- risania was then located, selecting plots by choice, and, three
.
411
HISTORY OF BRONX BOROUGH
years later, he completed and moved into the house, now No. 188; Washington Avenue, which he continued to occupy until his death. He was well called the Patriarch of Tremont, com- ing to the place in those carly pioncer days when there were but a handful of scattered inhabitants, and remaining a resi- dent for nearly fifty-four years. In 1856 the name of Upper Morrisania was changed to Tremont through the influence of Mr. Tarbox and a number of the other early settler. tl was argued that, as there were three hills or mounts in the neigh- borhood; Mount Hope, Fairmount and Mount Eden, it would be appropriate to have the name changed to Tremont. MIr. Tarbox was one of the founders of the Republican party in this locality and furnished the lot on which they erected their wigwam when that party assumed a commanding position in this State in the war times. He helped organize a fire depart- ment. a free library, a stage line, and steamboat company. He was instrumental in getting the national government to estab-
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