Why NYC Mayor La Guardia Ended Organ Grinding
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 кві 2024
- Jeff spends this History Hunters' Signature Edition reviewing a 1934 letter written by New York City Mayor Fiorello Laguardia explaining why organ grinding was eliminated from the streets of his city.
My Dad had an organ grinders organ that he obtained from Henry Ford’s secretary and mistress Evangeline Dahlinger. It had a number of musical rolls that you could put in it to play different tunes. This was in the early 1970s. Mrs. D as we called her was the principal person that set up the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. I think Dad either loaned it or donated it to a museum. Excellent video!
i wonder if that thing had the monkey i remember with it at woodland mall in grand rapids in the early 70s
@@bunnylovesbostons If I were to guess, I would say that organ grinders box was made in the 1800s or very eary 1900s. I’ve only ever been to Grand Rapids once and it was in 1972. My great grandfather is from western Michigan and was a cabinet maker in that part of Michigan in the late 1800s, early 1900s I think originally was employed with a company that produced ice boxes and some of the first early and primitive refrigeration units.
Thanks Jeff. I remember an organ grinder at Knotts Berry Farm when I was a kid in the 1960s. He had a monkey with cold clammy hands that would grab nickels out of one's hands; I always thought about possible diseases that the monkey might have and after a time, I quit going to see the organ grinder.
That was interesting how LaGuardia sounded; I had never heard how he sounded till today. He had a somewhat high voice similar to General Patton's.
Interesting story about Knotts Berry Farm. I had been there quite a few times as a kid and I don’t recall ever seeing one there but then again I was young. It’s funny how those old recordings make all of the people sound rather strange and tinny.
@@jbenziggy Thank you Jeff for responding to my encounter with the organ grinder. The time was about 1964 and the man with monkey and organ was placed at the north end of Knott's near the stage coach ride area.
Jeff would you fufill my suggestion by visiting the grave of John philip sousa please and you are the sweetest kindest most caring guy on youtube ♥️♥️
Yes, I remember seeing an organ grinder at Knott's, too. Probably in the mid to late '60s.
Yes. I remember that monkey also...and yes, he did have cold, clammy hands. He also had sharp little fingernails.
As a child my grandmother took me to downtown St Louis to ride on the streetcars before they were no more and there was an organ grinder. I was so fascinated with everything. I had no idea they were panhandling. Memories. Thank you Jeff
People in harder times did what they felt they had to do and it wore out its welcome . Such is life .
Great story as usual , thanks guys !
Well, firstly, love Sarah’s new hairstyle. Another fantastic history lesson. While I have been through LaGuardia Airport several times, now I know who it was named after. Jeff, you never cease to amaze me with your collectibles in letters, photos and signatures. I also must acknowledge you on the great editing of the video, such as the monkey on Sarah’s shoulder and the other special effects. Well done sir!
Truly look forward to Sundays sir. Back in the days I remember typical but not boring Sundays. Church, ccd and breakfast at regular restaurants. Now, Sundays are dog walk, coffee and History Hunters.
Seen them in a ton of old movies.. The Grinder was always portrayed by an Italian fellow with a thick accent and a big mustache..😂
Great funny opening with Sarah. Very interesting Signature edition episode. I’m 64 and have never seen an organ grinder in my life, not even at an amusement park. Was only aware of them when depicted on old tv shows of the time period.
Again, very cool episode.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great piece of history. I'm amazed that Sarah has never heard of organ grinding. The editing was outstanding.
Organ grinders were a common site at the Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock, CA in the 50s. I can still recall the feel of the monkey taking a coin from my hand. Absolutely thrilling.
I'm an old fart, and yes I have seen an "Organ Grinder" in San Diego about 1960 or so. They were fun to watch and listen to. As a young kid...Begging never crossed my mind. Thanks for the video Jeff, as always lots of memories.
Thanks Jeff for a very interesting show today. I personally have never seen an organ grinder. I was raised down in South Texas (Corpus Christi, Kingsville) and what I got used to seeing was a man bringing a Shetland pony to your front yard and then he would put you on the horse and take your picture. It seems that it was always our Mother that paid them for the pictures. I remember in my late teens, we lived in Dallas and Ft Worth and I would get to see the pictures of us sitting on the small ponies. My Mother had taken my picture and had it framed and it was hung on the wall in our hoeme. Thanks for such in interesting and very realistic show. Tomorrow I am going to watch the solar eclipse from my apartment in Plano, TX. We are going to haqve some clouds over us but there is to be openings in the cloud cover. And later that evening we will have some terrible thunderstorms with a possibility of very high winds and hail. Take care Jeff! and don't forget, Howdy from Texas!!
Interesting topic and video Jeff & Sarah. I only remember seeing an organ grinder in London, England in 1986. My parents and I were there to celebrate my graduation from SUNY. We were at a tourist spot near a fountain. The gentleman let me play the instrument and the monkey momentarily sat on my shoulder while my father took a picture. Yes. We gave him a money “tip” my father called it. The grinder never said anything, but tipped his hat to my father as we walked off.
I'm an American history nut. Anything in history, I'm watching and learning.
Thanks Jeff.
La Guardia would read the Sunday Comics on the radio to children during a newspaper delivery strike in July of 1945. He also was a supposed fire chaser and was there when the French Line ship the Normandy caught fire at the dock while being converted to a troop ship at the beginning of WWII. The NYFD poured so much water into the ship, it capsized at the dock and had to be cut up.
Interesting subject this week Jeff, it is amazing the stuff you dig up! I remember seeing/hearing an organ grinder somewhere in my childhood but don't recall when or where. And you still held true and mentioned the cemetery where the Mayor was buried. You could see the wheels churning in Sarah's head when you asked her about it... Thanks and see ya next week.
I don't have a poker face 😂
Thank you Jeff for this short on organ grinding. I personally never had the pleasure of seeing one in my life. Seen in movies and such. Had to be neat. Understand you did. And you’re younger than me. I think Sarah was thinking of something completely different. Thank you for all you share !
❤️💯👊👍
I wasn't sure what to think 🤔
Was trying to use deductive reasoning but that wasn't helping 😂
Thank you for a great job Jeff and Sarah
WOW! Organ grinders. It fascinates me how you think of these historical events. The good thing about history is there is a never-ending fountain of information to be found. Thanks for another interesting and informative video, Jeff.
Once again you never disappoint. Enjoyed the topic along with pictures. Thanx! (I like Sarah's new doo-)
So glad! Thanks, Red! Everybody likes her new style!
I have a vague memory of when I was very young (1970?) and an organ grinder monkey coming up and grabbing my hand, it freaked me out. I believe that was in downtown San Diego. I also remember seeing the organ grinder in Monterey, circa early 2000's.
Jeff..as usual another wonderful episode...i love to know a little bit about everything..lol thats the Gemini in me...and by always catching your episodes your helping me to fulfill that bit of knowledge..as always,much love to You and Sarah!
❤
It’s been many, many years since I’ve seen it, but there’s a 1936 film starring Shirley Temple where she encounters an Italian organ grinder entertaining on a NYC street. She goes home with him because he and his wife think she’s homeless, then the plot turns to something entirely different. What’s amazing is that this organ grinder is making a living off this “trade”, and has like 8 children to support!
Fascinating story about a well respected politician. Thank you for the history lesson and very cool item you have!
Knott's Berry Farm used to have organ grinders. I remember seeing them in the 60's. Another interesting show...thanks Jeff!
Very cool! Thanks!
Hello Jeff, Happy Sunday 🌞 thanks for sharing this interesting story on the organ grinding in NYC and what it would be like today if it was still around. Have a wonderful day.
LaGuardia is also the subject of the Broadway musical "Fiorello!" which ran from 1959-61 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Tom Bosley, who went on the play Mr. Cunningham in "Happy Days", won the Tony for portraying LaGuardia. Oddly, this musical has never had a revival.
Hi Jeff!
I grew up in a part of LA called Boyle Heights, specifically Wyvernwood. Occasionally, an organ grinder would come through, and all us kids would scramble home asking for spare change from our mothers. The last time I remember one coming around was maybe 1962.
Great episode, I haven't thought about that in years!
Thank you, Jeff
I always enjoy the odd bits of history that you present. I have never seen an organ grinder in person. I did know what they were from the Our Gang shorts.
I was interested in the reason it abolished.
Interesting episode! I never knew whom the airport was named after, I didn’t know there was a major LaGuardia. In the early 1950s, when I was about 4 or 5, I remember a guy coming around with a Leierorgel (I grew up in Germany). There was a little monkey collecting money. I somehow think they came with a traveling circus. However, that’s so far in the recesses of my mind I might be conflating 2 events.
I had to laugh, Sarah, when you asked Jeff to define “organ”. Since “organ” may refer to 2 very different items…. ya gotta make sure you grind the correct organ ! 😂 You’re always a good sport, and I like your new hair!
I too, used to give money to the little monkey at the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, but the organ grinder has been gone for many years. It was one of those little oddities that made the trip to Monterey special. I still remember the feel of the monkey's tiny fingers as he took the coins from my hand. Nowadays, when I go there, there is always a guitar player or two, and if I enjoy the music, I'll stop and listen for awhile before putting a few dollars in the open guitar case.
Interesting history... I learn something every Sunday watching your videos. Thank you... Take care Jeff. 🇺🇲
Jeff , Love It , Great As Always
Sarah's reaction when you told her she would just have to find out was funny. I probably have done something similar. Love her new hairstyle too.
Thanks ... Jeff didn't tell me either. I had to watch 😂
@@HistoryHunterSarah :) :)
Great video Jeff and as always. A lot of great information. I did see an Oregon grinder when I was a boy at the Henry Ford museum and Greenfield village. They had him out there performing around the boathouse area, when they had a steamboat.
Awesome Jeff. You totally cut Sara off guard. I do remember the grinders I think at Universal Studios or someplace in the 60s. I was totally mesmerized. Always a big animal person. 💜😎 love from the hometown. LIZ.
Thnx for the look back in time Jeff & Sarah! Being a little over 6 months older than you Jeff, I did see the "grinders" back in the day! Thnx for my "fix" for the week! ~Chris
I love to sit around and have breakfast or Come in from a hard day at work and watch your videos. I love your historical videos.
Our pleasure! We enjoy, knowing that you love to watch our program. Blessings to you.
Another wonderful history lesson as much was learned! This was truly fascinating! Cheers!
Great episode!!
Thanks for sharing, Jeff
My pleasure!!
A very interesting part of history. Loved the video. 🙂
Very interesting video. Thanks. Nancy
I remember seeing an organ grinder as a young child, I thought the monkey was cute. I am 74 now so that was some time ago. Your videos are always so interesting, keep up the good work.
This was a fun video. Thank you, Jeff, you for sharing your knowledge. As a kid, in the late 60s and early 70s, my family would go to Knott's Berry Farm (because it was free) and there would be an organ grinder. And the monkey would always tip his/her hat. I know at Knott's, it was for entertainment, but I never considered organ grinders on the street to be pan handlers. They are providing entertainment, as opposed to someone just putting their hand out. As a magician, I know a lot of street performers that provide entertainment and then pass the hat. Many make a good living busking. I don't consider them pan handers. But they do it willing, forcing monkeys to perform is another story, and a subject for another video. Thank you for the history lesson, and it's always good to see Sarah in your videos.
I have never seen a live organ grinder. I live in New Hampshire and there is always someone 0:06 out on the streets with their signs begging for money. Awesome episode. Than You!!!
Thank you for the nice remarks! Blessings to you and yours!
As a city dweller in Manhattan, organ grinders are part of our unique history. I'm baffled that Sarah had no clue about this phenomenon as it once was as widespread as ordinary vendors are today, Jeff. Excellent video as usual.
Well, Sarah is a bit younger than me, so I am not surprise that as the generations go on that fewer and fewer people will know what this tradition was all about. Like I explained, in my video, I had only seen one my whole life, and that was in a tourist area. Thanks for the comment. Of all people I thought you might get a kick out of this video.
I really enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for all of the hard work. Every one of your videos are top notch, Jeff.
Thank you for the interesting video I never knew anything about the details of organ grinding nor about Mayor LaGuardia - until now!
Jeff
We used to live near Monterey. We would go often to the wharf. I saw the Organ grinder gentleman with his monkey several times through the years. I think we were there about nine years ago on a visit from Idaho and I did not see him. I never did go up to the monkey like you did. I was too busy getting free clam chowder samples on the wharf.
Great video as always. Scott in Boise
Interesting video today, Jeff and l have only seen organ grinders in children's books.
The illustrations in those old books were fantastic, and they showed an idyllic lifestyle.
Thanks 👍
Wow! That letter is super cool! Thanks for the interesting video :)
Speaking of Organ Grinders, this reminds me of a pizza place in Portland Oregon that I've been to while in my college years(in EugeneOregon), mid/later 70s. The place had a huge organ with the pipes surrounding the restaurant. While the organist played, he had a mechanical monkey that was placed on the organ clapping its tiny cymbals in its hands. Then, the organist would popped it on the head to make it stop clapping, temporarily. The place was called the Organ Grinder. It is no longer in existence. And, they would play old Our Gang movies and some silent movies, Laurel and Hardy, etc.
Jeff that really interesting video, never seen a real organ grinder. Really enjoyed the history. Thanks. 👍
Thanks 👍
Jeff, I remember seeing the very same organ grinder and monkey on the wharf in Monterey. Great historic novelty that probably made that fellow and his friend a pretty good living. More power to anything like that.
I have never seen one. I agree, Sarah looks nice. Love her expression when asked.
Absolutely fascinating.
Thangs! I appreciate the enthusiasm!
I have gained a whole new respect for Mayor LaGuardia. Well stated by him. Thanks for the education! 🐒.
PS: I'm 60 years old. I've seen many organ grinders in my lifetime surprisingly. Fortunately, not in the past 20 years I'd say. Monkeys deserve a better life.
Interesting topic never really thought about it, but thanks for the background of it. Sarah is to funny loved her reaction😂
#2 Never saw one that I can remember ? Perhaps I saw one at the early circus that came to our area in the late 40 s. I remember
being at a circus when I was 6 or 7 and running to get into the side show tent. My brother had gotten ahead of me, the guy collecting
the tickets grabbed me by my coat - he wanted his 10 cent ticket, which I had. I also remember the 3c stamp on letters to our home.
Thank you. Another fascinating bit of history. I remember organ grinders. As a kid, I remember seeing one in San Francisco. A couple of other times but I can not pin point where. Being an animal lover, I always felt sorry for the little monkeys. I liked Sarah's response when you mentioned organ grinders. Ha. I like her new hairstyle. The curly look is good on her. Very becoming.
Awesome story, the world was so different back then, I'm sure in 100 year's people will say the same thing if it's still around. Thanks for sharing 👍
Cool video! The only time I've seen them is in the movies. Another interesting story of Americana!
I've been in every state except Alaska and Hawaii and have never seen an organ grinder...I've heard of them....i liked this episode but it was too short. .looking forward to your next 1. . I'm in habit of getting up Sunday morning and watching it...its kinda cool knowing you are somewhere in modesto doing videos and I'm in modesto too. Have a great day
Right on! I promise you that the next video will be longer and captivating.
Imagine having a mayor respond to a common citizen like that today!
Yes Jeff , I remember quite well Organ grinders at Disneyland añd especially Knotts Berry Farm where I would go to buy antique toy trains for my collection. I would always visit the real old McDonald's farm with horses, cows, goats and trained roosters that could play the piano! One of three Indian Chiefs that posed for the artwork you see on the Indian Head Nickel was at Knott's when I would be at the train shop. I always called him Chief and he would always come looking for me. We enjoyed each other's company. I never knew then that I 3% American Indian! I wish I had photos of all the people I met in the 1960s and 70s. Met Walt Disney on a horse wagon too!
I don't remember ever seeing an organ grinder. Guess I didn't go to the right places. Fun story, Thank you. I loved Sarah's response. Define organ.🤣
I needed to know 😂
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Marcey!
Thanks for educating the 2024 world on organ grinders. I think I have seen one in person growing up in the Bay Area at some point. I guess the 'cancel' culture isn't such a new thing.
Keep up the good work and let Sarah know her hair looked mahvelous! 👏🏼💃🏼
Thank you 😊
We used to go down on the Embarcadero in San Francisco and there'd be organ grinders working the crowd. As a kid, I was fascinated and wanted my on monkey. Then I grew up and realized they were nasty.
Just like you, we've seen the one at the Monterey Wharf. I'm not sure if that's still a thing there. Great video! Thank you both...
Very interesting video. I was aware of this type of panhandling way back when. I can understand the nuisance factor with a proliferation of them. It had to be severely regulated or outlawed and in NYC, the latter I now understand was done.
I also remember the Organ Grinder at Monterey. Last time I saw him was 30 years ago
Very interesting history on the organ grinder. Yes I have seen an organ grinder in Fishermans warf in Monterey. This monkey was larger than the Capucion monkey and it had a long thick tail. Was the only one I've seen. I loved it!
Good video thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great look at an "industry" that I knew about, yet knew nothing really about. On a side note, Sarah's new hair looks great on her.
I don't recall ever encountering an Organ Grinder in Los Angeles, but as some have mentioned, I do remember seeing them in old movies.
I, too, remember the organ grinder and monkey at the Monterey wharf some decades ago! I have wondered what has happened to that duo.
Nice video !
Huell Howser did a video of the organ grinders and also the big trailer versions of street organs. It was an event held in a park and many organ grinders, monkeys and the big organs all went to entertain and talk about their organs .😊
By the end of the video I was over the music ..
So I can imagine how people would feel if it was all day long in front of their business or home ! lol 😅
BTW.. you and Huell have a lot in common ! Both great story tellers !! Thanks again !
That's a true compliment! Thank you so much!
Interesting! I've never seen an organ grinder myself, but I've heard about them.
Thanks for this video. I think what gave organ grinders a bad name back in the day was that many of the rental busker organs were poorly maintained, out of tune, and the paper rolls so heavily used that they dropped notes or were out of sync. So a guy cranking one was just making noise. Larger versions of these organs were popular at fairs and dance halls, and could also be rented.
There is a small hobby community devoted to building and restoring small crank organs up to larger band organs. A few companies market plans, kits, and fully-built crank organs that still play from paper rolls or midi files. I have run into a few people playing these organs at various venues. A gentleman in Poway, CA has for years brought his home-built John Smith 26-note crank organ to the Poway Christmas in the Park event. It is a joy to hear one of these organs that is in tune, with music scored to bring out the qualities and quirks of these instruments.
In Amsterdam there is a famous antique hand-cranked band organ named Snotneusje (Snot Nose) that is brought out of a museum and moved to Dam Square every May 5 or so and played to celebrate the surrender of the German Army in Europe. On May 7, 1945, the people of Amsterdam turned out by the thousands at Dam Square to celebrate the end of German military occupation and a few band organs were rolled out as part of the festivities. Some German army holdouts hiding in buildings around Amsterdam opened fire on the crowd with at least one machine gun. Several people were able to take cover behind Snotneusje and the band organ is credited with saving their lives. The shot up organ was repaired to working order. but they left some of the bullet holes in it as a reminder of the day.
HAVE A GREAT DAY...JEFF AND SARAH 😊
Tipping their hat for nickels was probably the best case scenario for the monkeys, I imagine they were abandoned or worse when they were no longer useful. The all day off pitch redundant noise of the crank box is its own form of animal abuse so I can see why they fell into disfavor. Another great episode, I really look forward to new videos. 👍
I have never seen a real-life organ grinder. Looking at it from today's world, I am glad the Mayor stopped the practice, for the reasons he gave. Perhaps, at the time, it wasn't considered unkind, and mercenary... Some people feel that way about present-day circuses... Once again, another interesting, informative video, featuring pertinent audio and visual clips, Jeff...🏡🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The B.A.B. Organ Company of Brooklyn dealt with the barrel organs and programmed current popular tunes on the barrels. They sold and rented the organs as well as doing repairs and rebuilding. They went out of business in 1957.
While I've never seen one in person, I remember seeing one in the episode of George Reeves Adventures of Superman where the cute little monkey was in the Superman outfit, and it was passing notes while the music plays. This was in the first season called, "Monkey Mystery. 🙂
When I first heard the title “ Organ Grinder” my thoughts were kind of like Sarah’s, lol. I didn’t know that was the proper name for them. Only saw them in old movies. Interesting history!
Great story.Never seen an organ grinder in person.But,while in N.Y.City-there were plenty of other types of street peddlers.Car window washers and others peddling watches and jewels from their coats.Lol And now they set up tables and sell their wares.
I remember organ grinders in downtown Los Angeles. As a small boy, I thought they were great!
I just came back from Guanajuato City, Guanajuato México the birthplace of the world famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. And the site of Mexico's Independence from Spain in 1810. Diego Rivera was the husband of Frida Kahlo. I saw an organ grinder with his uniform and monkey. You see them less nowadays but when I lived as a teenager in the 1970's in México it was very common. Organ Grinders exist in beautiful México for over 100 years!
JEFF , when I was a kid living in the Bronx N.Y. we had a monkey just like the ones in your video .we had it for 9 years , it was like my little brother , I could write a book on all the stories about the monkey ps. His name was CHIP , I loved that monkey ! THANK you once again your work brings back a ton of memories. Also Sarah's hair looked very good. FRANK FROM MONTANA......
Where on earth did you get a monkey? How much did that little fellow cost you? And thanks for commenting on Sarah’s hair style. She just changed it recently. And she’s been getting a lot of good reactions.
@@jbenziggy way back in the 1960 , being Italian we would get together with all the family on Sundays and my aunt told my father her hair dresser was pregnant and was afraid to have a monkey around a new born. So she was giving it Away well my dad ( they were drinking ) told his sister YES I'LL TAKE IT. They went to her house and got it . I don't remember what it's name was when we got it it was a long Italian name , a joke I guess we changed it to chip. The coolest thing you could imagine. He was like having a handy caped child. Very smart but yet very stupid ! My mother would give him a bath in the sink he learned how to adjust the water to his liking and take a bath by him self. The only problem was he never learned how to shut the water off ! So you could guess the mess we would all come home to. I'm telling you I could write a book on the miss adventures he had over nine years.. PS your wife looks beautiful like that. You are a lucky man. THANK you for your response. As a kid I didn't care about pictures to much so I only have one picture of chip and me I was in my cubscout uniform....
It's rather sad that an old American tradition went away! I suspect that Organ Grinders were not the worst problem Chicago had, but were easy to ban.
I have seen this on pictures in vintage children books! 😊
👍🏻😘
very good !!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Yes, I saw organ grinders when I was young, loved seeing the monkeys collect the coins. Got a kick out of Sarah’s confused look at your topic. Enjoyed the history and reasoning it was prohibited.
Well, as the generations go on fewer, and fewer people will know about this strange tradition, so I was not surprised when Sarah did not know what I was talking about. Thank you so much for the comment.
Good episode! I have seen an organ grinder. Can't remember where though.
I remember in an old cartoon the monkey grinded the organ with his tail. In a Bugs Bunny cartoon he dressed as a monkey and knocked on windows to get money. In The Seven Little Foys with Bob Hope the boy playing his littlest and youngest son was grinding an organ and acting like a monkey to amuse the audience during a music number.
Never saw an organ grinder but in San Francisco`s Fisherman`s Wharf a guy was making money by dressing his cute little dog in shades and a hat. Another street performer across the street said something like, "That dog just wears a hat and sunglasses and makes money." I`m sure he made a great photo op for those who gave.
The Texas State Fair in Dallas as had an organ grinder for years. I saw my first organ grinder there when I was a kid in the 50's. When we take the grandkids to the fair they will not leave until they have seen the man with monkey..
I saw him/ one like him at the Calaveras County jumping frog jubilee anges camp California. 1965.
Loved this!
Hard to understand why it was legal to "beg" from working class yet not of the rich. 😮
I was in elementary school and we went to Knotts Berry Farm they had a organ grinder .My grandmother had her purse in her hand and the monkey tried to get in it. This was back in the 60's.