CITY COLLECTION: BAYONNE, NJ

I recently obtained this Bayonne, NJ Badge from across the pond. It is a beauty and fits in my N.J. Major City's Collection.

First I need explain by using the word "Pond" I am referring to the Atlantic Ocean, and the English expression that  they use when traveling. Clarity is needed as the City of Bayonne is located on a pond if its' own.

The Waters that makes up the three sides of this City are: Newark Bay, Kill Van Kull, and New York Bay.  It's a short swim to both Newark, Staten Island and Manhattan. 

In the Bayonne's early days it was known for Yacht building. Today it is known for Cruise Ships, and a great view of the Statue of Liberty.

In actual area Bayonne is a little bigger then a postage stamp with an actual land area of eleven square miles. Sixty-five thousand people call it home.

The badge that traveled to my collection is a traditional New York- New Jersey Shape. It is seen quite frequently throughout the Garden State in various Towns, The Big Apple, and on "Blue Bloods."

The shape, size, panels and seal are quite common, yet, to a Collector such as myself, all of this is mesmerizing. It makes this addition a trophy for sure.

The shield itself is silver tone, with two panels, and a number box. In the middle is a reverse side stamped N.J. State Seal. The panels read: "City of Bayonne" and "POLICE." The letters "NJ" also appear underneath the numbers.

I have given this badge a very proper place in a display containing several community's that are designated "Cities".
Like all of my displays they fill the walls of my Den, where I am able to view and salute them every day. 

Included in that view is this Bayonne Badge of another era. That one has a distinct "City Seal" at center point.

 

I am fortunate to have both of these badges in my collection. I am grateful, and most happy to share through these two pictures with other hobbyists.

NEWARK DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE BEGINNINGS OF TONG WAR 1930

NEWARK DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE BEGINNINGS OF TONG WAR 1930

 

by: Dennis Beyer

 

In an attempt to rid myself of some of the boredom I have had, due to Covid Restrictions,  started reviewing this old scrap book I purchased a year or so ago. I blogged about it last year.  I purchased the book after a New England couple "found" it in a pile of trash. The book contains news clippings of crimes in Newark. City Detective Morris Kirwan is mentioned in almost every article, so the presumption is, This was his Book. My wife thought I was crazy to buy this old book of someone else's memories.

The Book was originally a Newark Police Desk Blotter. Det. Kirwan pasted his news clippings, photos, and letters over the original pages. Some pages included photos from different crime scenes.  These pictures were re- printed onto the pages of The Newark News, and make for very interesting reading. 

In my initial review I found a couple of very interesting items in the book, which I have since sold. I made a nice return on my investment, so My wife can't say I am crazy any longer. One of those items was a Piece of Mail,  from the Crime Scene of the murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby son in 1932.  The Second item was a "AP Teletype with Original Pictures" of three NYC Detectives, who were shot, pursuing a felon, in 1931.

In this same time period, I found a news clipping of a homicide story.  In addition to the news article there was  an "original photograph." The picture is a 4" x 6," black and white print. It shows four men in an old convertible. Condition is good.

(Original Picture showing Low Sung Hung before his murder)

This looks like a staged photo. I can only guess that the Detectives found this picture, and used it to aid in their investigation. It is assumed that Det. Kirwan marked the name "Low Sung," onto the photograph, which is now 90 years old. It is in excellent shape, and finding a nice home in my Newark Memorabilia Collection.

The news story reveals that Mr. Low Sung Hung was found dead in an alley, near midnight (date believed to be in 1930). He was shot twice, and stabbed once. 

Detectives feared that this murder was the "...fresh outbreak of War between the rival gangs Hip Sing and On Leong Tongs." Their investigation revealed the victim to be age 35, employed as a Cook, and affiliated with the "Tongs."  Police also found a nearly complete letter to his Mother.  It indicated he expected someone to kill him, and "Cut out His Stomach."

Three arrests were made the same weekend as the murder, but there is no information about a trial or convictions. The news clipping follows below.

 (Picture is of a News Clipping from circa July 1930. Photo by Dennis Beyer)

 

When I located this scrap book, I inquired as to other souvenirs from Det. Kirwan's career. Sadly I was told his badges were located, but distributed to unknown family or friends.

The badges below are representative of those in use in the 1930's. Det. Kirwan's badge would have looked like one of these. They are almost identical to the current Detective Shield, but without a "blue enamel ring" behind the letters. The Newark "City Seal," with a hand holding a hammer," is prominently located at the badge center point.

 

(Three pictures of 1930 vintage N.P.D. Detective Badges.  Photo by Dennis Beyer)

 

The above three Badges are now part of a display in my Den. They are part of my collection, and often taken to Police Shows in the Florida area. I have a deepfondness for these beautiful badges, and the history behind them. Certainly the story above has contributed to my memories, and my visits with city history.

 

 LARGE TURNOUT IN ORLANDO OR "VACATION CAPITAL POLICE BADGE AND PATCH SHOW"

by Doug Sarubbi & Dennis Beyer

 

The ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL was the location for the Sep. 4, 2021 Vacation Capital Police Badge and Patch Show. Hobbyists from across the Country used over 100 tables to display vintage badges, patches, and other Law Enforcement collectibles.

There was a positive response to this year's show even with covid still on the scene. The hosts were Doug Sarubbi,  and John Holmes.

Collectors seemed to have a twin focus at this years' show. First, was the obvious interest in the displays' and items for sale or trade. The Second, was the simple conversations regarding the impact of the covid pandemic on our hobby.

In the previous year we dealt with physical health issues, and the related strain on our emotions. Stress and turmoil ruled our lives, but this years' show was a major step forward bringing us out of the shadows of the plague that impacted our lives.

Every display at the 2021 Show was a reflection of a lifetime investment in the hobby. Each display had a story. Each item had a story.

The Badge below belongs to Ron Bartholomue. He has been a Collector for 50 years. He has every Presidential Inauguration Badge since 1935. He proudly displays his collection, and is happy to talk about each badge. The shield below was the first issue, and was made, not by a governmental department, but by the Shriner's in 1935. This was during Franklin Roosevelt's Presidency. 

 

In another corner of the Rosen Plaza Hotel's Ballroom there were multiple tables used by Jeff Peeler. He is a regular at Florida shows, and is also happy to tell the story about his Florida Highway Patrol Collection. The item below is a nicely framed and labeled grouping of the various ranks for Troopers.

 

 

Looking around the Ballroom several Displays had other items of Law Enforcement Memorabilia. Some fine examples are pictured  below. The first photo is of an antique Hat, and Red and Blue police car lights. The second photo focuses on Jacksonville Police Department and Duvall County Sheriff's Department. It includes uniform shirts and a rare photo of uniformed officers.

 

 

 

At the Noon Hour the Show was called to order and awards were presented by the organizers. Doug Sarubbi made the announcements and presentation of the 2021 trophies. Doug's daughter, Meghan, assisted with the photography.

Below are photos of the winners, with the Hosts of the Show. They are:

 

1. Jeff Peeler        for BEST PATCH DISPLAY

 2. Dennis Beyer  for BEST BADGE DISPLAY

 3. Gary Teragawa  for BEST OVERALL    DISPLAY  

4. Mark Weinstein for Honorable Mention

5. Sam Goldstein Won the Patch Drop

 

In conclusion take a look at this picture of two old license plates. The top plate carries a message - ARRIVE ALIVE. That is a very positive thought. Keep it in mind when thinking of 2022, your future endeavors, and next years' Show.

 

  

     

 

 

NEWARK BOMB SQUAD TO THE RESCUE

 

(This is a re-post of an article published several years ago. Enjoy it again.)

NEWARK POLICE BOMB SQUAD TRUCK

Wow, if the last picture I posted, with those single headlights mounted on the fender looked old, check this one out. There doesn't seem to be any headlights.

This is supposedly from 1911 (plus or minus). It is of a vehicle that was used by the NEWARK BOMB SQUAD.  You would think they would want to see the road, and a its pot holes. One little "bump" could make one huge "boom."

What was surprising to me when I obtained this photo was that the City of Newark would actually dedicate funds to purchase a vehicle for this purpose.

I have since looked for "bombings or explosions" in Newark's History. I was able to find an article that reported a huge explosion of unknown origin in 1880. The location was the Celluloid Manufacturing Co. located on Ferry St. The blast killed three instantly, destroyed an entire brick building, and burned two additional men so bad, that their recovery was impossible. 

I am sure there were other incidents before and after this major explosion. Thus the need for officers and a vehicle designed to handle explosive situations is well documented. 

A friend of mine was once assigned to the "Bomb Squad," and he told me their motto was: "If you see me running, try to keep up!" That gives you an idea of how dangerous this job is. 

Hope you enjoyed looking at the photo.

 

FOUR TABLES LEFT FOR ORLANDO BADGE SHOW

Attention Everyone - We have jut received notice that the Vacation Capital Badge and Patch Show in Orlando has just FOUR tables left.

If you have an interest contact Doug Sarubbi at:     

sarubb@aol.com

Hope to see everyone

LAST CALL FOR ORLANDO SHOW, SCHEDULED SEP 4TH

 

It's time to sign up or the "Vacation Capital" Police Collectors Show in Orlando this coming September 4. There still are a few Tables available.

As in the past the Show will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr. Orlando. Rooms are available to Show Registrants for a discounted rate. Free parking is also included.

There will be 90 Tables available and are offered at the rate of $30.00 per Table. Contact Doug Sarubbi for Table Reservation 

The doors will be open to the Public, however there is a $5.00 charge for admission.

"VACATION CAPITAL" POLICE COLLECTOR'S SHOW RETURNS - SEP 4TH

 

It's time to sign up or the "Vacation Capital" Police Collectors Show in Orlando this coming September 4.

As in the past the Show will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Dr. Orlando. Rooms are available to Show Registrants for a discounted rate. Free parking is also included.

There will be 90 Tables available and are offered at the rate of $30.00 per Table. Contact Doug Sarubbi for Table Reservation 

The doors will be open to the Public, however there is a $5.00 charge for admission.