“To ask Seymour Berkson to relax”: Bob Considine, It’s All News to Me: A Reporter’s Deposition (Meredith Press, 1967), 106.
“Empress of Seventh Avenue”: “Eleanor Lambert, Empress of Fashion, Dies at 100,” New York Times, October 8, 2003, C17.
In the early part of December: See Night Beat, WABD-TV interview of Seymour Berkson by host Mike Wallace, Thursday, February 14, 1957, 11:00 p.m. Courtesy of the Paley Center for Media.
“rather innocent”: Ibid.
“stab in the dark”: “Bizarre Case Is Unique in Police Annals,” Bridgeport Telegram, January 23, 1957, 6 (AP).
CHAPTER XIII: “PLENTY OF WHACKS”
“At first we requested”: “13 Bomb Threats Harry City in Day,” New York Times, December 5, 1956, Page 80.
“Every hopeful lead has vanished”: “His Secret Notes Paint the Portrait of Mad Bomber,” 10C.
“Any one who has any helpful information”: “The Search for the Bomber,” New York Herald Tribune, December 27, 1956, editorial page.
“This then clearly is a case”: “The Mad Bomber,” New York Journal-American, December 27, 1956, editorial page.
“For more than 15 years”: “Police Distribute Circular Warning of ‘Mad Bomber’s’ Deadly Danger,” New York Journal-American, December 11, 1956, 5.
“The hysteria”: “Bomb Hoax Wave Compels Police to Limit Checks,” New York Times, December 29, 1956, 1.
As Christmas approached: “Hoaxers Tormented Bomb Squad with 160 Calls in December, Then Shifted to Schools,” New York Times, January 23, 1957, 18.
One New York police officer: Ibid.
“Every time we find a real bomb”: “The Mad Bomber,” New York Times, December 30, 1956, E2.
“I paid $258 for that durned TV set”: “Not A ‘Bomb’ Just TV Tube!” New York Journal-American, December 31, 1956, 1.
“He’s my husband”: “Tips on Bomber Funny and Tragic,” New York Journal-American, January 23, 1957, 13.
Bomb scares and homemade devices: “Hoaxers Tormented Bomb Squad with 160 Calls in December, Then Shifted to Schools,” 18.
“Not since the ‘Jack the Ripper’ murders”: “Siege by Bomber Recalls Terror of ‘Jack the Ripper,’” New York Journal-American, December 27, 1956, 5.
“The Mad Bomber . . . is a man”: “Bomber Mystery Baffles Hitchcock,” New York Journal-American, December 30, 1956, 7.
would soon begin production: “Fox Plans Movie on ‘Mad Bomber,’” New York Times, January 3, 1957, 27.
“a suitably dramatic ending”: “Talk of the Town, Notes and Comments,” New Yorker, January 12, 1957.
“calculated risk”: “Police Get New Leads on Bomber, Kennedy Backs Publicity Policy,” New York Herald Tribune, January 7, 1957, 1.
“The public can cope”: “Hoaxers Tormented Bomb Squad with 160 Calls in December, Then Shifted to Schools,” 18.
He publicly warned: “Hoax Calls Slow Hunt for Mad Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 2, 1957, 15.
“Our policy is to arrest these people”: “Firm Penalty Due for Bomb Cranks,” New York Times, January 1, 1957, 23.
and in Brooklyn two girls: “2 B’klyn Girls in Court Today on Bomb Hoax,” New York Journal-American, January 5, 1957, 4.
a thirty-seven-year-old fruit store clerk: “‘Bomb’ Disrupts Subway Travel,” New York Times, December 31, 1956, 26.
Arraigned on a charge of disorderly conduct: Ibid.
“If I, or any of my colleagues”: Ibid.
In the early morning hours: “New Bomb Found in Seat at B’Way Theatre,” New York Journal-American, December 28, 1956, 6.
“Fire in the Hole”: “Bomb Hoax Wave Compels Police to Limit Checks,” 30. Also see “Explode Mad Bomber’s Bombs; They’re Real!” New York Daily News, December 29, 1956, 6.
“Resolved . . . that the City of New York”: “26G for Bomber,” New Daily Mirror, December 29, 1956, 2.
“of the killer type”: “Bomb Hoax Wave Compels Police to Limit Checks,” 30.
“atmosphere of a siege prevailed”: James, “The Mad Bomber vs. Con Ed,” 47.
During two hours of interrogation: “Tell of Talk in Library with Suspect,” New York Journal-American, December 26, 1956, 1.
Of particular interest to police: “Pair Believe They Saw Bomber with Woman,” New York Daily News, December 30, 1956, 3.
The idea that the Bomber: See “Push Bomber; Could Be a Woman,” New York Daily News, December 27, 1956, 2.
“poorly dressed, thin, pale-faced . . . [man]”: “Find Pipe, Watch Mechanism at Grand Central,” New York Journal-American, December 27, 1956, 2.
“I am NOT the Mad Bomber”: About New York, Itinerant Watch Repairer Is Leading a Freer Life with Arrest of the ‘Mad Bomber,’ New York Times, January 28, 1957, 18.
As 1956 came to a close: “Crime Sets New Record,” New York Journal-American, December 30, 1956, 6.
CHAPTER XIV: “THE FOUR FISHERMEN”
“uncharted course”: “The Journal’s Role—Step by Step—in Capture of Elusive Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 23, 1957, 2.
“We’ve heard of people”: Ibid.
“a fair deal under American justice”: See Night Beat, February 14, 1957.
“pique his interest and tempt him”: “The Journal’s Role—Step by Step,” 2.
While Berkson maintained a good faith belief: See Night Beat, February 14, 1957.
“four fishermen”: Bob Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” American Weekly, April 7, 1957, 25.
“More than one rival paper”: Ibid., 23.
Stearn had, in fact, received several letters: “How the Journal Helped Police in Solving of Case,” New York Journal-American, January 22, 1957, B.
“To the sick person”: “Walter Winchell of New York,” New York Daily Mirror, January 14, 1957.
“Reporters, advertising salesmen, secretaries”: Hearst, The Hearsts: Father and Son, 283.
“finest hour”: Ibid., 293.
The building itself: Ibid., 284.
“Arthur, you’ve done it to me again!”: Ibid.
“I MAY PAY YOU A VISIT”: “How the Journal Helped Police,” B.
“TO JOURNAL-AMERICAN”: Ibid.
“BEFORE I AM FINISHED”: Ibid.
“Unquestionably genuine”: Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” 23.
130 from Christmas Eve: “‘Bomb’ on 57th St. Is a Firecracker,” New York Times, January 2, 1957, 48.
The task of distinguishing: Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” 24.
Each of the three politicians: “City Tests Clear Dead Bronx Man,” New York Journal-American, January 12, 1957, 10.
“blind alley”: Ibid., 1.
Investigators had always found: “Bomber Hunted in White Plains,” New York Times, January 4, 1957, 42.
Samples of the Bomber’s distinctive block printing: See “Search for the Bomber,” E2; “Cops Check Jury List In Search for Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 9, 1957, 1; “150,000 Jury Forms Sifted for Bomber,” New York Times, January 18, 1957, 14; and “Comb Alien Files for Bomber Clue,” New York Journal-American, January 16, 1957, 1.
To aid in this monumental task: “Police Rush New Search for Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 9, 1957, 1.
Meanwhile, the department: “‘Bomber’ Presses Threat on Utility,” New York Times, January 11, 1957, 16.
The resulting list of forty-two matches: “Suspects Tailed by Top Sleuths,” World-Telegram and Sun, January 11, 1957, 1.
On the recommendation of Dr. Brussel: “Bomber Hunt Centers on Doctors, Hospitals,” New York Daily Mirror, January 11, 1957, 3.
Initial descriptions of Kleewen’s handwriting: “Mystery Man Dies—Sparks Bomber Hunt,” New York Daily Mirror, January 12, 1957, 3. See also “Dead Bronx Machinist’s Home Searched for Clues to Bomber,” New York Times, January 12, 1957, 10.
when a stack of bills: “Dead Bronx Machinist’s Home Searched for Clues to Bomber,” 10
.
The following day: “Mad Bomber’s Letter Hints Brief Truce,” New York World-Telegram and Sun, January 7, 1957, 1.
“psychopathic ‘enemy of society’”: “Hunt Workshop of Mad Bomber in White Plains,” New York Journal-American, January 4, 1957, 1.
“TO NEW YORK JOURNAL AMERICAN”: Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” 23.
“F. P. We are publishing for you”: “An Open Letter to the Mad Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 10, 1957, 1.
The January 10, 1957, issue: Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” 23.
“I WILL EXTEND THIS ONE SIDED ‘TRUSE’”: “Bomber’s New Letter Tells Motive, Extends His ‘Truce,’” New York Journal-American, January 15, 1957, 1; “The Bomber’s Grievances Came to Light in a Series of Letters,” New York Times, January 23, 1957, 19.
Lehman, Pelotti, and Andrews: Ibid.
“I DID NOT GET A SINGLE PENNY”: Ibid.
“WHEN A MOTORIST INJURES A DOG”: Ibid.
The embossed postal cancellation: “Bomber Tells Motives in New Note to Journal,” New York Journal-American, January 15, 1957, 6.
“Can you name the perjurers?”: “Another Open Letter to F.P.,” New York Journal-American, January 15, 1957, 1.
“Your story is convincing”: Ibid.
“On January 16, the paper published”: “We Want to Help,” New York Journal-American, January 16, 1957, 1.
“If an injustice has been done”: “State Promises Review of Case,” New York Journal-American, January 16, 1957, 1.
As with the letter from Con Ed: Ibid., 11.
“the most scientific medical care”: “Wait Reply to Promise of Fairness,” New York Journal-American, January 17, 1957, 1.
opinions from lawyers: “Check Old Files to Help Bomber Get Fair Hearing,” New York Journal-American, January 18, 1957, Page 1.
Perhaps overstepping its journalistic bounds: “Wait Reply to Promise of Fairness,” 11.
“top legal counsel”: State Spurs Effort To Help ‘Bomber,’ New York Journal-American, January 21, 1957, Page 3.
“THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR EFFORT”: “Letters Lead to Bomber’s Capture,” 5.
“I was injured on September 5th, 1931”: Ibid.
CHAPTER XV: ALICE KELLY
Finally, it was agreed: Considine, “How They Caught the Mad Bomber,” 25.
“You can decide where”: Ibid.
According to Con Ed: “Con Ed Girl Aide to Skip Reward,” New York Journal-American, January 24, 1957, 7; “Con-Ed and Cops Wrangle Over Who Gets the Credit for What,” New York Daily News, January 23, 1957, 4; “Investigate Con Edison Bomb Role,” New York Journal-American, January 25, 1957, 5.
Con Ed reported that: “Edison Clerk Finds Case in File; Bomber’s Words Alerted Her,” New York Times, January 23, 1957, 18.
At approximately 4:20 p.m.: Ibid.
The file contained the same: Brussel, Casebook, 63.
There were several typewritten letters: “Edison Clerk Finds Case in File,” 18.
“The word ‘injustices’ sort of remained: “Girl’s Memory Uncovered Clue,” New York Journal-American, January 22, 1957, 2.
“I think we have it!”: “Con-Ed and Cops Wrangle Over Who Gets the Credit for What,” 4.
“kind attitude of the Police Commissioner”: “Letters Lead to Bomber’s Capture,” 5.
“WHAT ABOUT MY PEOPLE”: Ibid.
“Were I alone”: Ibid.
On the following morning: “Didn’t Call at His Home For 70 Hrs.,” New York Herald Tribune, January 24, 1957, 1.
Pakul, a veteran officer: Brussel, Casebook, 65–66.
Under the pretext: Ibid., 66.
At 4:37 that afternoon: Ibid., 67. “Didn’t Call at His Home For 70 Hrs.,” 2, and “Metesky Given 1-Day Stay in City Court Here,” Waterbury Republican-American, January 22, 1957, 12.
Commissioner Kennedy would later protest: “Police Give Clerk Bomb-Clue Credit,” New York Times, January 24, 1957, 23.
At 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 21: Brussel, Casebook, 67.
CHAPTER XVI: “THE PRICE OF PEACE”
“very vague religion”: Patrick Allitt, Religion in America Since 1945: A History (Columbia University Press, 2005), 31, quoting William Lee Miller.
the twentieth amendment to the U.S. Constitution: The amendment had been ratified under FDR, and this marked the first time the event had fallen on a Sunday.
“[n]ew forces . . . stir across the earth”: U.S. Presidential Inaugural Addresses (Kessinger Publishing 2004) 242–245.
a chilling fog had begun to gather: James, “The Mad Bomber vs. Con Ed,” 45.
He called a relative: Memorandum of interview with Detective Michael Lynch, April 15, 1957.
Kelly, recollecting his prior rancorous dealings: Ibid.
“a good bet.”: Ibid.
Several of the detectives: James, “The Mad Bomber vs. Con Ed,” 46.
“It was almost like the guy”: Ibid.
“George Metesky?” asked Captain Pakul: The circumstances of and exchanges during Metesky’s arrest are derived from Memorandum of interview with Detective Michael Lynch, April 15, 1957; Brussel, Casebook, 69; James, “The Mad Bomber vs. Con Ed,” 46; “To Face Check by Psychiatrists in N.Y. Hospital,” Waterbury Republican-American, January 23, 1957, 3.
He was wearing”: “Sisters Shocked,” 20. See also Brussel, Casebook, 69.
“George couldn’t hurt anybody”: Ibid.
“an innocent, happy, strange smile”: Year End Review 1957, WRCA-TV, Host Bill Ryan, December 29, 1957. Courtesy of the Paley Center.
He spoke in soft and courteous tones: “Metesky Given 1-Day Stay in City Court Here,” 12.
“got a bum deal”: “Suspect Is Held as ‘Mad Bomber’; He Admits Role,” New York Times, January 22, 1957, 1.
“Waterbury went coast-to-coast”: “Waterbury Arrest Brings Coast-to-Coast Hookup,” Waterbury Republican-American, January 22, 1957, 1.
“There is absolutely no question”: “‘Mad Bomber’ Captured at Home,” New York Herald Tribune, January 22, 1957, 1.
Pakul commended Metesky’s “remarkable memory”: Ibid.
Their dialogue was captured: Transcript of interrogation of George Metesky, January 22, 1957.
Following the formal interrogation: Telephone interview with William F. Schmitt, December 10, 2009. See also Esposito and Gerstein, Bomb Squad, 279–280.
“Find what, George?”: Telephone interview with William F. Schmitt, December 10, 2009.
“the items [taken from the Metesky home]”: Memorandum of Opinion from Detective William Schmitt, Shield #909, Bomb Squad concerning, List of Items Found At 17 Fourth Street, Waterbury, Connecticut, dated January 24, 1957, NYC Department of Records/ Municipal Archives.
“Metesky was smiling”: Brussel, Casebook, 70.
CHAPTER XVII: “YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR”
The police had privately feared: “Police Use Extreme Caution in Dismantling ‘Bomber’s’ Shop,” Bridgeport Telegram, January 23, 1957, 6.
“This is the man”: “N.Y. ‘Mad Bomber’ Seized in State,” Bridgeport Post, January 22, 1957, 1.
The usually tranquil and dignified courthouse: “Letters to Journal Trap the Mad Bomber,” New York Journal-American, January 23, 1957, 4.
“It is a bit unusual”: “Judge Permits Cameramen in Court,” Waterbury Republican-American, January 23, 1957, 2.
“Do you understand these proceedings?”: See “Didn’t Call at His Home for 70 Hrs.,” 1, for details of arraignment and dialogue between Metesky and Judge McGill.
As they approached the steel bars: See “Kin Refuse to Believe He’s Guilty,” New York Journal-American, January 22, 1957, 1, for statements of Metesky’s sisters and brother.
Prior to Metesky’s departure: See “Bomber Heard on Con Ed TV Show,” 5, for facts, circumstances, and all quotes regarding the John Tillman interview.
“The story of the century”: “The ‘Bomber Story,’” Waterbury Rep
ublican-American, January 23, 1957, editorial page.
“The man police arrested today”: ‘‘Bomber’ Seems to Like Being in Public Eye,” Bridgeport Telegram, January 23, 1957, 6.
“could well have passed”: “N.Y. ‘Mad Bomber’ Seized in State,” 1.
“[t]he prisoner resembled”: “Bomber Is Booked; Sent to Bellevue for Mental Tests,” New York Times, January 23, 1957, 18.
As word spread: See “Bomber Is Booked; Sent to Bellevue for Mental Tests,” 18, for entire scene.
“impress both the officer and the prisoner”: Fodor’s New York City 2010 (Random House, 2009), 69.
“You glad it’s over”: Ibid. See also “‘Mad Bomber’ Booked, Sent to Bellevue,” New York Herald Tribune, January 23, 1957, 1, for entire dialogue.
The initial charges alone: “Bomber Is Booked; Sent to Bellevue for Mental Tests,” 1.
“the poor man’s legal representative”: “Benjamin Schmier Dies at 65; A Retired Brooklyn Prosecutor,” New York Times, November 16, 1975, 75.
“I must however state”: For all dialogue of Metesky’s New York City arraignment” see “Transcript of Court Appearance . . . January 22, 1957.”
CHAPTER XVIII: REWARDS, ACCOLADES, AND ACCUSATIONS
“rare photographic memory”: “Girl’s Memory Uncovered Clue,” 4.
invited to the reviewing stand: “Wants Alice Kelly to Review St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” World-Telegram and Sun, January 26, 1957, letters page.
considered to fill an open seat: “Con Edison Votes Stock Increase,” New York Times, May 21, 1957, 49.
“. . . [W]e say it’s not so”: “Con-Ed and Cops Wrangle Over Who Gets the Credit for What,” 4.
Though Arm acknowledged: “Who Traced Bomber: Police or File Girl?” New York Herald Tribune, January 23, 1957, 1.
Kennedy made special public mention: “Con-Ed and Cops Wrangle Over Who Gets the Credit for What,” 4. See also, 23 On Bomb Case To Be Promoted, New York Times, January 23, 1957, 19.
“The main thing is: “Didn’t Call at His Home For 70 Hrs.,” 2.
“This was not good police work”: Ibid.
“A man has been arrested”: “Police Give Clerk Bomb-Clue Credit,” 23.
“Police were working for five or six years”: “Didn’t Call at His Home For 70 Hrs.,” 2.
On January 14, 1957: “Investigate Con Edison Bomb Role,” 5. See also “Bomb-Hunt Delay Laid to Con Edison By Police Sources,” New York Times, January 25, 1957, 1.
The Mad Bomber of New York Page 29