THE HUNGRY BURGLARS OF HENRY ST. (1890)
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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Not all burglars are intent on “getting in and out quick.”
And so it was when, in 1890, two Brooklyn thieves, during a burglary of a Brooklyn Heights home, actually interrupted their own burgling in order to sit down and enjoy a full meal – before carting off their substantial haul.
It was in the wee hours of a February morning when the men were prowling about for a target of opportunity. Approaching Henry Street, they noticed the corner house at No. 303.
The entire house was dark and so, hopping the fence, they approached the back of the residence to check the kitchen windows. Finding them closed and locked, they forced one of them open, then entered the house.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle noted that the burglars, at this point, began to help themselves to “everything they could find on the basement floor.”
In the process they “broke open the cook’s trunk and stole $18 of her savings,” and “carried away silverware and a clock valued at $60.”
Before going, however, finding themselves hungry and realizing they were in the house’s kitchen, they located the dishware and glasses, and fastidiously set the table.
Soon, they were all seated and enjoying “a substantial meal of meat, bread, cake, and other articles of food that they found in the closet.”
To cap it all off, they also “finished a bottle of wine” together. Having thus satiated themselves, they rose and “left the empty bottle on the table with the dishes and the food they had not eaten.”
The following morning, the cook “found the dining room in disorder” and “called Mrs. Tinker (the owner) and the police were notified.”
The newspaper article noted that Captain Campbell was “looking for the burglars.”
It was suggested that he look in the kitchen.
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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.
