New York City History
Part of the fun I have as a writer researching the Simon Ziele detective series involves delving into the rich history of turn-of-the-last-century New York. I love poring over old restaurant menus and subway maps, touring historic mansions and reading newspaper archives.
What I find fascinating about this time period is its spirit of tremendous energy in the face of rampant change. Simon Ziele's world was influenced by the growing popularity of the telephone and the phonograph, the automobile and the newly-built underground subway—even as his job was shaped by innovative but controversial practices like fingerprinting and early criminal profiling.
Each book in the series draws upon specific historical figures and events that shaped NYC history.
IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM
The General Slocum Steamship Disaster
Prior to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the General Slocum disaster was the worst tragedy to strike New York City. On June 15, 1904, the SS General Slocum caught fire while taking a group. Thanks to dryrotted fire hoses, faulty life vests, and bad judgment on the part of the crew, over a thousand lives were lost that day.
For additional information, see www.newyorkhistory.info.
SS General Slocum
General Slocum Victims
The Hearst-McClellan Mayoral Election of November 7, 1905:
A good overview can be found at www1.cuny.edu.
A CURTAIN FALLS
Charles Frohman and The Syndicate
Charles Frohman's extraordinary passion for the theater led him to create a star system and theater monopoly that was well established by 1906. He was known for his remarkable ability to develop and manage theater talent—specifically, legendary actors like John Drew, Maude Adams, and Ethel Barrymore. To learn more, see two differing accounts of Charles Frohman and The Syndicate here: www.wayneturney.20m.com.
A brief biography of Charles Frohman may be found here: www.bookrags.com.
NEW YORK IN GENERAL
If you'd like to explore more of 1900s New York, I encourage you to check out the following links ...
New York Tenement Museum and blog.
The New York Historical Society.
The Gotham Center is a terrific resource and offers a great variety of programming.
