THE BURGLAR WORE A SILK HAT (1892)
Brownstone Detectives investigates the history of our clients’ homes.
The story you are about to read was composed from research conducted in the course of one of those investigations.
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“A burglar broke into the house of Martin Ficken, at 138 Van Buren Street, last night,” reported the the Brooklyn Daily Eagle on page six of its 8 February 1892 edition, “and carried off plated ware and clothing valued at $40.”
The burglary must not have rattled Ficken’s faith in the neighborhood or the safety of his rented Stuyvesant Heights house, however, as two years later he would marry Frances Stillwell and she would move into the house to live with him there.
Six years later, Ficken, a German-born grocer and veteran of the Civil War (he was a first sergeant of Troop F, Sixth New York Cavalry), would further signal his investment in Stuyvesant Heights when, in 1898, he, with Frances, purchased No. 138 Van Buren Street.
The burglary must have at least caused Ficken wonder at the mental status of the burglar, though, as the newspaper further laid out not only what the burglar took – but what he left behind.
“The thief,” the Daily Eagle continued, “took a derby hat from the rack and left in its place a new silk hat which was evidently too large for him, as a whole newspaper was folder and stuffed under the sweat lining.”
Was the burglar prescient? Did he see derbies as an upcoming Spring fashion style? It is unknown, as there is no reporting on whether the burglar was ever caught.
We can only surmise, 120 years or so later – Different hats for different cats…
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Brownstone Detectives is an historic property research agency. Our mission is to document and save the histories of our clients’ homes. From our research, we produce our celebrated House History Books and House History Reports. Contact us today to begin discovering the history of your home.
