“Hurray for me!”

September 28, 2021
1940


“HOORAY FOR LOVE (¡Viva el Amor!)”; Benny Goodman and his Orchestra; Helen Ward; Jimmy McHugh; Dorothy Fields; Victor (25011-B); 1935


“HOORAY FOR SPINACH”; Van Alexander and his Orchestra; “Butch” Stone; Johnny Mercer; Harry Warren; Bluebird (B-10158-B); February 16, 1939


Buffalo Currier Express, September 27, 1940

2 TRIGGER MEN
OF MURDER, INC.,
TO DIE IN CHAIR

Goldstein screams as he hears
judge pronounce sentence;
Strauss remains glum

New York, Sept. 26 (AP) – Martin (Buggsy) Goldstein – who once struck terror in his victims’ hearts as executioner for Brooklyn’s bloody murder-for-profit syndicate – screamed today as a judge decreed his death in the electric chair.

“The same to you and members of your family,” he yelled hysterically.

As the 33-year-old Goldstein yammered, beside him sat his fellow-gangster, silent and glum-eyed – Harry (Pittsburgh Phil) Strauss, described by the state as a “cruel killer.”

To Die in November

Both were sentenced to die the week of November 4th by Brooklyn County Judge John J. Fitzgerald, for the “contract” slaying of Irving (Puggy) Feinstein on Labor Day in 1939. They were convicted six days ago.

As the clerk asked if he wished to speak before his sentence was pronounced, Goldstein leaped to his feet and cried:

“I want to thank the court for the charge that is sending us to our death and I only wish that the same happens to you and members of your family.

“If you can’t go to your death in a nice way, you might as well go in a bad way. I was found guilty on perjured evidence and if I die, I want to die like a man. Now go ahead.”

Third and Fourth Convicted

Solemnly, the judge decreed the sentence, and as he reached the words, “where during the week of November 4th you shall be – ” Goldstein screamed, “put to death in the electric chair.”

Then, with his voice rising to a screech, he shouted, “Hurray for me. I’ll be better off than a lot of you.”

The convictions were the third and fourth obtained by District Attorney William O’Dwyer, since he began smashing the ring which holds responsible for 83 underworld slayings…

Buffalo Currier Express, September 27, 1940


“Hip Hip Hooray”; Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy; June Richmond; Henry Nemo; Milt Ebbins; Decca (4366 A); 1942


“Hooray, Hooray, I’m Goin’ Away”; Beatrice Kay; Skylar; Mitchell Avres; Columbia (37922); 1947

“Hooray for me!”

September 27, 2021
1940, NY Times


“ROCCO’S BOOGIE WOOGIE”; Maurice Rocco And His Rockin’ Rhythm; Maurice Rocco; Decca (8523 A); Publication date: September 27, 1940

TWO IN MURDER RING
SENTENCED TO DIE

Goldstein Launches a Tirade
at Judge, but Strauss
Stares Vacantly

CALLS ACCUSERS ‘RATS’

Leaders of Gang, Liked to 83
Slayings, Hear Week of
Nov. 4 Set for Doom

The New York Times, September 27, 1940


“TONKY BLUES”; Maurice Rocco And His Rockin’ Rhythm; Maurice Rocco; Decca (8523 B); Publication date: September 27, 1940

Harry (Pittsburgh Phil) Strauss and Martin (Buggsy) Goldstein, leaders of the Brooklyn murder syndicate that has been accused of committing eighty-three underworld slayings, were sentenced yesterday by Kings County Judge John J. Fitzgerald to die in the electric chair in Sing Sing Prison during the week of Nov. 4…

…”The first thing I want to do is to thank the court for the lovely charge that is sending us to death. I can only hope that same thing for you and your family…

The New York Times, September 27, 1940


“ROCCO BLUES”; Maurice Rocco And His Rockin’ Rhythm; Maurice Rocco; Decca (8504 B); Publication date: September 27, 1940

Snarls Out His Phrases

…”That’s it. Let it go at that. If you can’t go to your death in a nice way, you might as well go in a bad way. I’m willing ti die like a man. I was found guilty on a perjured evidence. I’ll die like a man. Go ahead”….

“In the electric chair. I know all about it. In the electric chair. Hooray for me! I’ll be better off than the lot of you.”…

“Make it tomorrow. It’s all right by me. I’d be better satisfied.

The New York Times, September 27, 1940


“RHUMBOOGIE”; Maurice Rocco And His Rockin’ Rhythm; Maurice Rocco; Don Raye; Hughie Prince; Decca (8504 A); Publication date: September 27, 1940

Maledictions on Judge

…The two men were convicted on Sept. 19 by a blue-ribbon jury of strangling and attempting to cremate Irving (Puggy) Feinstein, a smalltime bookmaker, whose death was “contracted for” by Albert Anastasia, fugitive leader of the Brooklyn waterfront rackets.

The New York Times, September 27, 1940

“At the Photo League…”

September 26, 2021
1941, exhibition, Photo League


“VOODOO MOON (Enlloro)”; Enric Madriguera and his Orchestra; Tito Rodriguez; Sunshine; Morales; Blanco; Victor (27759-A); Publication date: September 26, 1941

EXHIBITIONS:

New York Sun, September 26, 1941


“Lets Get Together”; Felix Gross; Felix Gross & his Sextette; Swing Beat (129-B); Publication date: September 26, 1941

CAMERA CLUBS:

New York Sun, September 26, 1941


“Since We Put A Radio Out In The Henhouse”; Hoosier Hot Shots; Finley; Hull; Okeh (06435); Publication date: September 26, 1941

EDUCATION:


New York Sun, September 26, 1941

The state of Photography, light writing, from the New York Sun, September 26, 1941…


“It Isn’t a Dream Any More”; Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra; Jo Stafford; Charles Newman; Walter G. Samuels; Victor (27710-A); Publication date: September 26, 1941

Entirely irrelevant, new museum news:



The New York Times, September 26, 1922


“Rocks in My Bed”; Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra; Duke Ellington; Ivie Anderson; RCA Victor (27639-A); Publication date: September 26, 1941

Weegee Warhol Window

September 25, 2021
exhibition


“Uncle Josh in a Museum”; Cal Stewart, September 1903


“Smash the Window”; Jolly Tunesmith; Standard (F-14001-A); 1947


“Weegee Warhol Window,” 8/28/2021


“Hanging in The Hock Shop Window”; Kay Lorraine; Harold Grant’s Orchestra; M. Leeds; F. Wise; H. Grant; Standard (T-2097-A)


“EXPERIENCE UNNECESSARY”; Sarah Vaughan; Hugo Peretti And His Orchestra; Shelley; Whitman; Peretti; Creatore; 1955


“Weegee Warhol Window,” 8/28/2021

Weegee in the window, Park Avenue South, beautiful building, five years older than Weegee…


“Window Shopping”; Hank Williams; His Drifting Cowboys; Joseph; MGM (11283-B); 1952


“(How Much Is) That Hound Dog in The Window”; Homer and Jethro; Bob Merrill; RCA Victor (20-5280); March 19, 1953

“Death House Reunion”

September 24, 2021
1940, PM


“There Is No Death”; Richard Crooks; Victor Orchestra; Geoffrey O’Hara; Gordon Johnstone; Maximilian Pilzer; 1946


PM, September 24, 1940

Death House Reunion

It will be like old home week in the death house at Sing Sing pretty soon. Frank (The Dasher) Abbandando and Harry (Happy) Maione, Murder, Inc. slayers already there, will be joined by <artin (Buggsy) Goldstein and Harry (Pittsburgh Phil) Strauss, who on Thursday will hear themselves sentenced to die in the electric chair for the murder of Puggy Feinstein.

PM, September 24, 1940


“The Angel of Death”; Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys; Hank Williams; June 1, 1950

“MORE MURDER PIX”

September 23, 2021
1941, exhibition


“Call of The Freaks”; King Oliver and his Orchestra; 1929

Photography By John Adam Knight

MORE MURDER PIX, also fires, accidents and freak shots were demanded by visitors, therefore Arthur (Weegee) Fellig, as shown…, hangs out the sign for a second edition of his fascinating exhibition at the photo League, 31 E. 21st St.


New York Post, September 1941

…the Photo League, 31 E. 21st St., second edition of Weegee’s pictures of night violence… New York. A fascinating…

New York Post, September 1941


“The (New) Call of The Freaks”; Luis Russell and his Orchestra; Luis Russell; Paul Barbarin; Albert Nicholas; J. C. Higginbotham; Henry Allen; Charlie Holmes; Russell; Barbarin; September 9, 1929

“MURDER INCORPORATED”

September 22, 2021
1940, NY Times


“Murder in the First Degree”; St. Louis Jimmy; James Burke Oden; Burton & Oden; April 1956


The New York Times, September 20, 1940

MURDER INCORPORATED

The jury has decided that the two gangsters on trial for murder in Brooklyn were working members of Murder Incorporated. The implications of this trial are shocking. In a certain stratum of the community in which we live it was possible for a few dollars to hire assassins who would guarantee the murder of any specified individual…

The chief informant against the two gangsters who were convicted – “Kid Twist,” as Abe Reles prefers to call himself – glories in his record. Questioned on the number of victims he has “rubbed out,” he counts them on his fingers and figures up to eleven. He has difficulty in remembering the names or mob-names of so-many, but finally calls the roll triumphantly. He had no animosity against any of them, the death of each was accepted “on contract.” The only doubt excited by his graphic recital is whether such a man should be allowed to save his life on any terms.

The New York Times, September 20, 1940


“It’s Murder”; Lil Armstrong And Her Swing Orchestra; Lil Armstrong; Buck; Armstrong; 1936

“Weegee says it’s pretty good.”

September 21, 2021
1942, PM, World War II


“Air Raid”; 1957


“Air Raid Sirens”; 1960


PM, September 21, 1942, p.9

Last Time Tonight At Polo Grounds:

What Air Raid here Might Be Like

What might happen during an air attack on New York is subject of Polo Grounds show that goes on for the last time tonight. Saturday was the first night of the show, and these photos show you what it’s like. Because it’s important, admission is free and no tickets are required. Furthermore, the Polo Grounds can hold, without crowding, a lot more than the 10,000 persons who were there Saturday. Show starts at 8, lasts till about 10:30, and our photographer, Weegee says it’s pretty good. Come early and bring the kids.

Master Sgt. Monroe R. Bethman shows what enemies who bomb New York would get in return as he demonstrates how to wreck pillbox with flame-thrower.

Control panel like one that will be used by New York to keep track of enemy planes is an exhibit.

Mayor La Guardia and Col. Joseph D. Sears led parade before show started Saturda. Mayor gave Oath of Allegiance to crowd.

Using chair for shield, U.S. soldier puts out incendiary bomb with stream of water. Loud explosions make show realistic.

PM, September 21, 1942, p.9


“Obey Your Air Raid Warden”; Tony Pastor and his Orchestra; Tony Pastor; Les Burness; John Morris; March 16, 1942


PM, September 21, 1942, p.10

As House was ‘Bombed’ at Polo Grounds

These two photos show miniature building “bombed” in Polo Grounds show. Here bomb has struck sat building afire. Now see here –

Firemen quickly get the flames under control. Show demonstrates that homes with clean attics are more fire-resistant than others.

Trapped in one of the “bombed” buildings policeman W. C. Gossman needs first aid. Emergency squad arrives, and –

Gossman is carried away for attention. All bombs from two-pound… to 4000-pound German “Satan” are shown at Polo Grounds.

PM, September 21, 1942, p.10


“In Case of an Air Raid”; Harold Grant and His Orchestra; The Good Fellows; H. Lenk; E. Drake; Harold Drake; 1942


“Air Raid Warden”

“I also live in the Tombs.”

September 20, 2021
1940, NY Times, PM


“Stop Teasing Me”; Bob Pope And His Band; Bob Pope and Creole Sisters; Pope; Publication date: September 20, 1940


The New York Times, September 20, 1940

TWO IN MURDER RING
QUICKLY CONVICTED

Strauss and Goldstein to Die
in the Chair – Judge Praises
O’Dwyer Drive on Crime

The New York Times, September 20, 1940


PM, September 20, 1940, p.8

Goldstein and Strauss Found Guilty… Will Die for Murder, Inc. Butchery

…It was over. People pressed their congratulations on District Attorney O’Dwyer and young Turkus. Among them was a slihght, pale girl in black. She squeezed Turkus’s hand. “Thanks. Thanks for what you’ve done.”

She was Puggy Feinstein’s sister.
PM, September 20, 1940, p.8


“When You Got To Go You Got To Go”; Bob Pope And His Band; Bob Pope and Ensemble; Pope; Publication date: September 20, 1940

‘How to Commit a Murder” or “…flies in here at night and gets under the bed…”

September 19, 2021
1940, NY Times, PM


“A Handful of Stars”; Ina Ray Hutton and her Orch.; Stuart Foster; Lawrence; Shapiro; Publication date: September 19, 1940


The New York Times, September 19, 1940

MURDER RING TRIAL
HEARS NO DEFENSE

Goldstein’s Counsel Pleads
With Jury to Spare Client
He Terms ‘a Poor Bum’

STRAUSS STARES VACANTLY

Two Psychiatrists Testify He
Could Not Tell Date — Opinion
on Sanity Forbidden

The New York Times, September 19, 1940


“Gotta Have Your Love”; Ina Ray Hutton and her Orch.; Woode; Jackson; Loman; Publication date: September 19, 1940

NEW YORK: MURDER, Inc.
A Picture Story of An Industry.
By John Kobler.

District Attorney O’Dwyer (left foreground) listens dead-pan, while from the witness stand Abe Reles demonstrates how he and his two old friends, Srauss and Goldstein (seated center), strangled Irving (Puggy) Feinstein. Goldstein’s lawyer, paunchy Leo Healy is trying to enter an objection. The quizzical gentleman in front of him is Mr. O’Dwyer’s young assistant, Burton B. Turkus. Sketched in Court by William Sharp.
PM, September 19, 1940

Madness in Great Ones Must Not Unwatcht Go

When they jailed Harry Strauss, Brooklyn’s leading Angel of Destruction, on a murder rap, he let his beard grow long and matted, babbled idiocies, generally behaved like a loon. But three stated alienists said he was faking.

Yesterday, in Kings County, his lawyer tried to show that the alienists just don’t know their psychic onions. The alienists said he saw Abe Reles under his bed. Reles wasn’t.
PM, September 19, 1940

How to Commit a Murder — By Abe Reles

Of the story of Murder, Inc., as pictured in the preceding pages, Abe Reles told much as a witness in the current case against Strauss and Goldstein. Samples:

“I killed 11 men… Joey Silvers…and Plug Schuman… and Jack Paley. And, wait a minute, I can’t recall his name… Oh yes, a fellow by the name of Ferasco.”

“The boss said he wanted a clean job… Big Harry jumped on Puggy from behind and mugged (strangled) him like this.”

“I gave Big Harry one end if the rope and we put it under Puggy’s head while Buggsy held the other end.”

Sketched in Court by William Sharp.
PM, September 19, 1940


“The World Without You”; Will Hudson And His Orchestra; Kay Kenny; Will Hudson; Maria Kramer; Publication date: September 19, 1940