John Kirschhoff (1 results)

An archive of original materials relating to customs seizures of alcohol, opium, and other illegal goods in New York City by customs guard John F. Kirschhoff between 1925 and 1954. Includes typewritten lists of harbor patrol raids, correspondence, subpoenas, newspaper clippings, and an original handwritten account of a 1930 liquor raid seizing 1,095 cases of liquor in the East River. At least one of the clippings depicts Kirschhoff in action. The archive appears to have been assembled by Kirschhoff himself, and includes letters to him praising the efforts of him and his colleagues from government officials. Also includes modern (1990s?) photographic reproductions of c.1920s photos of seizures/prohibition protests. An extraordinary archive spanning the entirety of a man's career fighting crime and smuggling in New York, begging for a Hollywood adaptation. Archive is housed in modern white binder. Includes approximately 100 different documents. Many of the accounts read like a dramatic Hollywood movie: "We took up position on the end of B.&O.R.R. Cinder Dock on Staten Island at dusk . We passed a Tanker slowly . A man appeared on dock, asked if we were coast guard. Wanted to speak to man in charge, Conroy stepped on dock and spoke to him. After a few minutes Kirchhoff jumped on dock, rubbed his hand on connection of electric pump and hose that was connected with Tanker and smelled alcohol, called engineer Warner and told him to smell my hand, he agreed it was alcohol. I turned around and called to Conroy 'You got it, it's alcohol-- grab him'. There was a scuffle . I put twisters on his wrist and told Harrison to put him on Patrol boat" (Typewritten account of 1936 seizure of the Tanker Charles D. Leffler). Very good. Toned, minor short tears, letter folds, or.