New Map Pinpoints NYC Noise Complaints From The 20s And 30s

Ever wondered what New York life was like in the earlier part of the 20th Century? The Roaring Twenties, a new collaboration between historian/author/Princeton professor Emily Thompson and designer/USC program creative director Scott Mahoy, can at least give you a better idea of how it sounded.

Thompson and Mahoy plotted NYC noise complaints from the 1920s until 1933 on an interactive map, complete with hand-written documents and news reels when available. Sadly, there are no reels in our area — but there are a few remaining complaints and even documents from 1926-1931.

• On September 24, 1931, Mrs. S. Mulholland of 310 8th Street complained about noise from the B.F. Keith [Prospect] Theatre, where Steve’s C-Town is today.

• On September 17, 1928, residents of 9th Street complained about noise from the Corson Construction Company. According to the map, the residents sent their complaint to Mayor Walker’s office (who resigned in 1932 after a “spectacular scandal“), and it was then forwarded to the Commissioner of Health, who said that “the matter would receive attention.”

• On January 9, 1930, Judge Alfred J. Talley complained about “around-the-clock subway construction and drilling under houses” from his home at 546 16th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenue). The complaint was forwarded to the Department of Transportation. Here’s to hoping they followed up on it. You’d hate to be the one to annoy a judge.

And you thought it was loud now! If you’ve got some time to explore the map, see what other noise complaints were filed in our borough at the time, and check out news footage from Manhattan.

Image via The Roaring Twenties