CITY COLLECTION: A FOR ATLANTIC CITY

A IS FOR ATLANTIC CITY. When I see this "Atlantic City Badge" it brings back memories of the New Jersey Shore. The first thought that comes to mind is the "Steel Pier." This was a national treasure, and a major attraction. It was built in 1898. My memory doesn't go back quite that far, but there are some things that I do recall from the fabulous 50's.

I remember a couple of trips to Atlantic City. It was for some special reason. Whatever it was I can't retrieve it, but I do know how thrilled I was just to go on the Boardwalk. To actually go on the Steel Pier, and then see the famous horse dive from a tower into the water was certainly a memory maker. The horse and rider always survived the jump of thirty-five feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The water was a lot cleaner then.

Once I took a ride in a Diving Bell located on the Pier as an amusement feature for daring visitors. I am not sure if it went down 20 feet or 200 feet as the visibility wasn't that good. It is, however, very clear in my mind that there were instructions to "hold on" when the thing surfaced. It came up rather quickly, and naturally I didn't listen. I learned - Follow instructions!

The pier was also home to a large theater. I understand it was the location of the Miss America Pageant. That was in the late 1930's, which was also before my time. Some major talent performed there. Frank Sinatra, a Real Home Grown Jersey Boy, played there. So did Paul Anka. I saw a star named George Hamilton IV. He sang "A Rose and a Baby Ruth." That should give one an idea of my age. I am just glad to remember these things.

There was a fire in the late 60's that destroyed a major section of the Steel Pier. That fire also marked the end of my memories associated with Atlantic City. The Pier did continue to function. It was just different after the fire.

In the 80's I again got to spent some official time in A.C. The Boardwalk was different. It was now home to many Casino's. I managed to stay in some such as Playboy, Sands, and Bally's. I also stayed in some of the Casino's owned by Donald Trump. It seems like he owned everything. I think he even owns the Steel Pier today.

During my official visits to A.C. I always had the thought of adding a badge or two to my collection from this City. I only got one. It came from a major Hotel, but that is a different memory. It took until the mid 90's before scoring the above Captain's badge. A fellow collector actually picked it up for me at a N.J. Show. I am so happy his focus is patches.

The man did a great job getting the "Captain's" shield as well as another from a city up the coast. This Atlantic City badge is number two alphabetically in my "City" collection. I have a total of twenty-one New Jersey cities represented.

The above picture does not do this badge justice. It is in excellent condition. In the center is a State Seal in multi color. It is surrounded by raised panels with reverse lettering on blue panels. It certainly is a very nice item to have in the display on my wall.

Shortly after obtaining the A.C. badge I was able to obtain another item from this City. It was not a police badge or pin, but one issued for the railroad. This item is in good condition, however I am missing its' history. It is shown for your enjoyment.

For years the badge and train pin were the only items I had from New Jersey's Casino Town. A few weeks ago the above patches made their way into my den. They were gifts from an officer with a hideout just north of my home in the Everglades. He knew of my special interest in another City in the Garden State. and gave me a badge (that will be another story), and two patches from an area he treasures. Both patches are pictured with this story. The day he gave me these items we confabulated (look it up) like we were long lost friends. Hopefully we will continue this friendship, and share many more memories.

COLD CASE FLAW

A while ago I noted a costume flaw when Lil was shown, in a flash back to her rookie days, wearing the blue uniform - with a New Jersey hat badge. Several weeks later I noticed the Philly PD officers were all using the same hat badge. I wonder who is the supplier for Cold Case uniforms. I like the NJ stuff, but really some more realism is needed. I will still watch the show and certainly keep a very close eye on Lil. I'll even watch those uniform HATS !!!

CITY COLLECTION: A FOR ASBURY PARK

A IS FOR ASBURY PARK. I once got to see the Newark Police Band participate in a parade at the Jersey Shore. It was in the City of Asbury Park.

Asbury has been called home by many famous people including Bud Abbott and Danny DeVito. The town is best known for its' wonderful boardwalk. It is world famous.

In 1934 Asbury Park's beaches made world news. It was on September 8Th that a luxury liner exploded off shore. One hundred thirty seven people died that day. At the time this was the largest, peace time, marine tragedy.

In September of this year the City of Asbury Park will mark the 75th anniversary of the S.S. Morro Castle beaching on its shoreline. The burning luxury liner attracted thousands of people looking for a memory.

I recall my father showing me a huge picture he took of the wrecked ocean liner. The picture is lost, but not my memory of it. The print was something like 10" x 18", and you had to roll it out on a table just to see the entire thing.

The above picture was found on line when researching this story. There are also some excellent photos of this tragedy which may be viewed on line at: www.asburyparklibrary.org/morrocastle/gallery

As a kid I recall staying overnight near, but not in, the famed Berkley Hotel. I enjoyed the thrill of walking 'the boards' and running on the beach looking at the ocean. The reason for one trip, in particular, to Asbury Park was to see my Dad, and the Newark Police Band. The group marched in a parade hosted by The City Of Asbury Park.

There are no pictures of that day, but I do have two that relate to the Newark Police Band. The first was from 1934. In this one my father is in the second Row, extreme left. The other picture was taken in the 1950's. My Dad is in the center of the three officers. It is his Police Band Badge also pictured with this article.

I liked parades back then. I liked seeing soldiers, tanks and fire engines roll down the street. I was thrilled to hear the bass drum give that sound that signaled that the N.P.D. Band was approaching and ready to play. The music was usually something by John Phillip Sousa. Regardless of the musical selection the presentation electrified the crowd. I can still hear it.

As they approached my eyes were surprised to see that the Drum Major, a giant of a man named "Cookie," was not in his usual position in front of the marching officers. Leading the band in this parade was a Drum Majorette! She was twirling a baton, and threw that thing a mile into the air. She then caught it without missing a step. This was a performance that made the crowd clap their hands and yell with approval.

These thoughts were dormant for many years until one day I found the pictured Asbury Park Badge for sale at a Badge Show in Coconut Creek, Fl. It's an older style badge that I have placed with badges from "Cities" in N.J.

There are twenty other "City" badges in that collection. This one is the first in alphabetical order. More important it is the daily reminder of some fine memories.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: "E" IS FOR ESSEX

In the alphabetical presentations of New Jersey Probation Officer Badges the first two County Departments, Atlantic and Camden County, have been presented in earlier stories.

The next letter in the display is "E." That is "E" as in Essex County.

Essex is the largest county in terms of population. At times it could feel like a million people are on the streets, in the stores, at the airport, or by the port. At times it could also feel like half the population was involved some way with the probation department. Fortunately that was just a feeling.

The first probation officer badge that made it into the hands of this collector is a real old timer. It once belonged to a man named Mulligan. He owned this badge in the 1950's prior to becoming Chief of the department.

The seal on this badge is the County Seal. When the State "took over" the twenty-one County Departments the State Seal became the official center piece. When that happened the appearance of those multi colored seals put the new badges in the "big leagues." At least that was the thought.

The County Seal is plated with the same finish on the badge. When H Buchlien & Son made this particular badge that was how they did the job. Multi color seals were not even on the drawing board, which gives one an idea of the age of this item. I estimate it to be 70 years old. The Seal is just a big cuddly old lion standing up with its' two front legs looking to whack someone. If one did not know this Lion belonged to Essex County they would only have to read the name printed on the outside of the circular County Seal.

As the picture reveals this is a gold finish badge with an eagle on top. It is simply lettered: "Probation Officer, Essex County, #14." Despite the age there is hardly any wear, making its' condition excellent. This is a one of a kind, and one that always brings back some great memories.

NJ PROBATION COLLECTION: CAMDEN CONTRIBUTION TO PROBATION COLLECTION

I started my career in the Essex County Probation Department in N.J. One of the guys' I met there was an ex-cop from the City of East Orange. I had family that worked for that police department, and they all knew the man who was designated to take charge of the unit where I worked. Sounded to me like a good connection was about to be established.

Things change quickly in this world. Before my departments assignments were implemented in 1967 the guy announced he was leaving immediately to become Chief Probation Officer in "beautiful" Camden County, NJ.

The years went by and I became involved with the annual officers conference. In 1982 I was working on the first multiple day convention. Also working on the Planning Committee was the Chief of Camden County. That was for several reasons. One of those reasons was that the convention was to be in Camden County at the Cherry Hill Inn.

I made it my business to let the Chief know I was now into badge collecting. I think I used every card I could play including crying and nagging with the hope of eventually getting a badge.

It took about a couple of years and, when he was ready to retire I finally got it. It was his badge, and it came right from his wallet. That became the first contribution from this county. I now have a few in my collection.

Camden Badges are the second grouping of badges, alphabetically displayed, in my State Probation Collection. Thirteen "Counties" are represented out of the twenty-one counties in N.J.

As the pictures show these fine items are finished in silver and gold tone, and have multi colored N.J. seals. They are in mighty fine condition, and I believe made in the 1970's.

In addition to the great appearance these badges have, there are also some fine memories associated with them.

UNIFORM "FLAW" IN TV'S COLD CASE

Does anybody watch TV'S "Cold Case?" Well I will always have a memory of this years' season finale.

It was part two of a story involving the death of a young female cadet in a military school. The males students didn't want the young lady in their school. The staff wasn't too happy with her being there either. Eventually she is murdered, stuffed in a locker and buried for a couple of years. When the body is eventually found, years later, the Cold Case guys (and Detective Lil) get going.

Lil has to confront memories of her past as she digs to solve the crime. As she has flashbacks she is seen as a young Philadelphia Officer in dress blue, with a nice hat. I rewound the DVR a couple of times to scope out the Philly hat badge. It was not there. The badge on the hat was from New Jersey.

The badges above are from Philadelphia, and New Jersey. They are clearly different, and there is no mistaking the old Jersey Plow Horse on the top. Personally I like the Jersey badge better.

Should I just call Lil and tell her of the mistake in wardrobe?

THE NEWARK ROOM

That cute model is not a member of the Newark Police Department. She's my granddaughter, and I made her model this fine baseball cap with the old Newark triangle patch. The hat is now on display next to a picture of my models' great grandfather. He too was with N.P.D.

Prior to taking a picture with this writer, Moonie auctioned off his hair for the St. Baldrick's Children's Cancer Fund. He was quite pleased that he lost his hair for a good cause, rather then let it be side effect from the disease he is battling.

The hat was recently given to me by a guy named "Moonie." He is also a collector of Newark memorabilia. The only difference between his collection and mine is, that his takes up an entire room in his home, plus the basement, and the garage. My collection is in a 12 x 18 inch case.

Our relationship started when Moonie contacted me following a story I wrote regarding the old "Dreamland Roller Skating Arena" on Freylinghuysen Ave. in Newark. The land where this world class arena once stood eventually became a Senior Citizen Center. With that article I showed a badge that was made for the security officer that once patrolled the grounds.

After reading the story my fellow collector wrote to me. He indicated a concern about his handwriting, but did not hesitate to let me know, from reading the Dreamland story, that he concluded: "It's apparent that I am older than you, as I not only remember it, but spent a lot of time there as a 12 or 13 year old kid." He further let me know that he had the pleasure of responding as a Newark Police Officer to this location on many occasions.

Mooney, who wore badge number 1588, described himself as "A very big Newark Badge Collector." The man said, "I have every Newark Police badge ever worn from the first to the present." The present issue was introduced in 1914. One can only guess where "number one" hangs today, along with hundreds of other vintage badges.

Despite having every badge Moonie admitted he "never seen or heard" of this badge,
and that my story "made (his) day as (he) thought he had seen them all." Of course he expressed an interest in it, if I should ever decide to part with it.

At the time I had no interest in letting this badge out of sight. I did however have an interest in having dialog with this guy from Newark. From that point forward we traded many emails, shared memories, and became friends even though we never met.

The long distance relationship was designed to end right from the beginning as I was quickly invited to see what I consider to be the "Real N.P.D. Collection." It took a little time, but finally I got there on April 10, 2009 - Good Friday.

One of my daughter collection (I have five) lives in the area. She was dispatched to make the preliminary visit for me. She joined with Moony's Lady to set up a meal that, almost made me forget about seeing The Newark Room.

When we met it was a bear hug hello coupled with some tears here and there. I ultimately was ushered into his garage. It had so many collectibles I wondered if his Harley could really find its' way out. You name it, and it was there. The only thing that moved me away was the call to come eat. Eat we did, and we also talked through a life time of memories.

After the meal I got to see the basement, which like the garage was filled with pictures, posters, badges, patches, and awards. These were items that didn't make it to The Newark Room.

One of the items that caught my eye was a "Voter Registration poster." It was captioned: "Don't let this happen again - Register -Vote." It showed a wounded 12 year old kid laying in a pool of blood, with a shotgun toting Newark Officer moving towards him. A similar picture was on the July 23 1967 cover of Life Magazine. I have that magazine in my den. It is a memory of the investigation I did for the Court regarding this shooting. Moonie and I both know that these pictures convey the wrong message. Enough said on that point.

We finally made a swift move up the stairs. Actually we were quite slow. That was "OK" as the best Newark Collection was straight ahead. In a word - amazing.

The claim to have the first badge of the current issue was quickly substantiated. The man not only had the badge, but the hat badge, and the retirement badge. They are displayed with uniform buttons, and that wonderful triangle patch. This one display restored my eyesight to a perfect 20/20.

My eagle eyes quickly caught hold of the rest of the room. There were multiple badges from every series ever issued by Newark Police. There were ranks that I did not know existed such as the "Chanceman", and one for the "Stables." There was even one from Vailsburg where I grew up, and several more badges that were a huge surprise for me. What a lesson I got on the history of Newark. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Filling up every nook and cranny of the room was something, and it wasn't limited to badges. The Newark Room also had an excellent collection of old etched night sticks. They looked like the belonged in a jewelers case. At least they were behind glass.

Mooney also displayed various restraints. Then there were old whistles, hats, police rattles, and several old lanterns. Mixed in were pictures of some old vehicles. One was from the bomb squad. I think if he could have gotten that vehicle it would be in his garage next to his Harley.

One of the displays that caught my eye was of a gray bunny rabbit. It was a large back patch showing the rabbit on a field of yellow. I noticed it because the long eared critter was holding three "R's." Those letters were explained at the bottom of the patch: "Rapid Response to Robbery." I was aware of this unit and instantly recognized the letters, however I did not recognize the bunny rabbit. I was instructed to check out the ears. They were tall and had a couple of squiggly lines on the inside. I learned those marks were not lines, but initials "M.M." They belonged to the officer who designed the patch, and who also worked in the unit.

After I absorbed all that I could regarding "The Three R's," I spotted a group of pictures, news clippings, and awards. As I studied them I learned Mooney took a swim in Newark's Passaic River. The historic river was pristine when the Lenai Lenape Indians owned the land in the 1600's. Three hundred years later it was filled with Dioxix and other chemicals. Some said the river glowed in the dark.

The man's aquatic performance took place on January 19, 1985 when there was a call reporting someone floating under the Clay Street Bridge. The reports indicate it was a bitter cold night, and there was heavy ice in the river. These obstacles didn't deter my friend from jumping in to save someone he never met. Once in the frigid river, he battled the conditions, as well as a frantic victim. Three times he went under before making this a successful rescue, and a lifetime memory.

The Deputy Chief of Police, after reading the reports filed, wrote saying: Your entry into "...the water in subfreezing weather was an unselfish act that resulted in a human life; that would, had you not taken immediate action, would have been lost." The "Medal of Honor" was subsequently awarded. All this was a millennium ago. The memory is still there, and a very proud memory it is.

It started getting late so the visit ended with my last observation. Mooney had the "Dreamland Badge" that I gave him properly displayed under glass, and surrounded by the memories of a life devoted to his City.

The proprietor of The Newark Room, is Detective Frank Donaghy, Newark Police Department, Retired (moonie1588@comcast.net). I am extremely proud to call him my friend.