Louis F. Haffen Papers
Information, Description, and Finding Aid
Collection Information
Reference: MS-HAFFEN
Dates: 1904–1905
Extent: 0.67 linear ft. across 1 archival box
Finding Aid Information
Creator(s): Steven Payne, Ph.D., Librarian and Archivist
Date created/updated: June 2, 2020
Biography
Louis F. Haffen, son of a brewer, was born in the village of Melrose, then in Westchester County and now part of The Bronx. He was of Irish and German ancestry. He attended St. John’s College (now Fordham University) and graduated with an A.B. in 1875. He graduated from the School of Mines at Columbia University in 1879, where he trained as a civil engineer.
After graduation, Haffen headed west, seeking further education and mine work, but he returned in 1883 and was appointed an engineer in the Department of Parks. Haffen quickly moved into the Commission of Street Improvements for the 23rd and 24th Wards (areas now part of the Borough of The Bronx), then under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks. He became the second elected Commissioner of Street Improvements for the area in 1893. This office was the model for the borough presidency, and he was elected the first Bronx Borough President in 1898.
Louis Haffen was elected Borough President for four terms. While Borough President, he opened streets, mapped the area, and built the courthouse on E. 161st Street and Third Avenue. Six months before the end of his final term, in August 1909, he was removed from office by New York’s Governor, the result of charges leveled against him by the City’s Commissioner of Accounts and supported by Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr.
Haffen was named Borough Engineer in the 1920s and served as a consulting engineer for the borough between 1918 and 1933. He was known as the “Father” of the borough when he died in 1935 at his Bronx home on East 162nd Street. He was 81 years old.
Description/Scope and Content
The collection comprises correspondence with the Borough President’s Office during the years 1904–1905. Subjects discussed include street repair and improvement, transport, mapping, recreation, zoning, and finances.
Provenance
The Haffen Collection was found in a box erroneously marked as part of the Hallock Collection. They were made a separate collection in August 2005.
Preferred Citation
[Item name or description,] Louis F. Haffen Papers, box _, folder _, The Bronx County Archives at The Bronx County Historical Society Research Library.
Points of Access
- Bronx, NY -- E. 161st Street and Third Avenue -- East 162nd Street --
- Colleges and Universities --St. John's College (Now Fordham University) -- School of Mines, Columbia University --
- Ethnicities --German -- Irish --
- Individuals -- James J. Lyons -- Louis F. Haffen -- Mayor George B. McClellan, Jr. --
- Neighborhood (Westchester, NY) -- Village of Melrose --
- Organizations -- Commission of Street Improvements -- Department of Parks --
- Government Offices -- 23rd Ward -- 24th Ward -- Bronx Borough President --
Related Collections
- Bronx Museum of the Arts records. The Bronx County Archives at The Bronx County Historical Society Research Library.
- Carl Rosenstein papers. The Bronx County Archives at The Bronx County Historical Society Research Library.
Container List
|
Box |
Folder |
Contents |
Date |
| 1 |
1 |
Correspondence files, nos. 10958, 11775, 11926–11949: 10958. Josiah A. Briggs, Chief Engineer of the Borough of The Bronx, July 20, 1904. |
1904 |
| 1 | 2 |
Correspondence, nos. 11951–11979: 11951. George E. Best, Department of Bridges, City of New York, October 26, 1904.11952. Edward A. Maher, President, Union Railway Company of New York City, December 30, 1904. |
1904-1905 |
| 1 | 3 | Correspondence, nos. 11980–11996: 11980. The Bedford Park Tax Payers Association, March 4, 1905. 11981. Oberly & Newell Printing and Publishing (550 Pearl Street), March 4, 1905. 11982. Anonymous [property owner on 164th Street between Morris and Grant Avenue], March 6, 1905. 11983. Law Offices of Charles Stewart Davison, March 6, 1905. 11986. North Side Board of Trade, March 6, 1905. 11987. Josiah A. Briggs, Chief Engineer of the Borough of The Bronx, March 8, 1905. 11988. Julius Lewine, March 6, 1905. 11990. John C. Hunt, March 7, 1905. 11991. East Morrisania Property Owners Association, March 7, 1905. 11992. North Side Board of Trade, December 30, 1904. 11993. Morris, Sentell & Main, Attorneys and Counsellors, February 2, 1905. 11994. Peter A. Sheil, Alderman, 44th District, February 25, 1905. 11996. Matthew P. Doyle, Counsellor-at-Law, February 24, 1905. |
1904 - 1905 |
| 1 | 4 | Correspondence files, nos. 12003–12029: 12003. G. A. Rachell, Secretary, The Protective Association of Mapes Estate, February 28, 1905. 12004. East Morrisania Property Owners Association, March 7, 1905. 12005. North Side Board of Trade, March 15, 1905. 12006. Josiah A. Briggs, Chief Engineer of the Borough of The Bronx, March 11, 1905. 12007. Office of Superintendent of Highways, March 14, 1905. 12008. Juilius Lewine, Silk and Mohair Manufacturer, March 6, 1905. 12009. Van Nest Property Owners Association, March 6, 1905. 12010. Joseph Hagenauer, March 17, 1905. 12011. John A. Steinmets, Real Estate and Insurance, March 11, 1905. 12012. Business Office of Morris K. Jesup, March 13, 1905. 12013. Citizen’s Improvement Association, March 13, 1905. 12015. William M. Belknap, March 17, 1905. 12016. B. G. Cooke, Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 11, 1905. 12018. Harry Lehman, March 15, 1905. 12019. Thomas H. O’Neil, Deputy Commissioner, Borough of The Bronx, March 14, 1905. 12020. E. N. Vallandigham, March 16, 1905. 12021. Charles A. Smith, Life Insurance, March 16, 1905. 12022. Annie T. Goettings, March 17, 1905. 12023. George e. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, March 17, 1905. 12024. J. H. Oberle, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 14, 1905. 12025. Jerome L. Wilson, Manager, The Equitable Life Assurance Society, March 18, 1905. 12026. John C. Shaw, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, March 18, 1905. 12027. Burfeindt Brothers, Fancy Groceries, Fruits and Wines, March 19, 1905. 12028. Malcolm C. Rose, M.D., March 21, 1905. 12029. Charles L. Granders, March 21, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 5 | Correspondence files, nos. 12030–12070: 12030. Fred Storck, March 21, 1905. 12031. Morris, Sentell & Main, Attorneys and Counsellors, March 21, 1905. 12032. Heights Taxpayers’ Association, March 22, 1905. 12033. Woodlawn Taxpers’ Association, March 23, 1905. 12034. Emil Calman & Co., Varnishes and Japans, March 24, 1905. 12035. Jerome J. Wilson, The Equitable Life Assurance Society, March 24, 1905. 12036. Mary J. Seymour Regent, Nathaniel Woodhull Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, January 24, 1905. 12037. Stephen H. Keating, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, January 3, 1905. 12038. John Mitzger, January 3, 1905. 12039. Martin C. Dyer, January 3, 1905. 12041. Morten J. Christensen, January 4, 1905. 12042. J. Irving Hadden, January 5, 1905. 12043. Henry C. Lammert, January 6, 1905. 12044. Max Friedman, January 7, 1905. 12045. The New York State League of Co-operative Savings and Buildings Loan Associations, January 7, 1905. 12046. Alfred M. Downes, Secretary, Fire Department, City of New York, January 7, 1905. 12047. The New York State League of Co-operative Savings and Building Loan Associations, January 7, 1905. 12048. Regie Weil, January 26, 1905. 12049. Department of Street Cleaning, City of New York, January 9, 1905. 12050. James McKenzie, January 4, 1905. 12051. John H. J. Ronner, Register, Register’s Office, County of New York, January 9, 1905. 12052. Joseph K. Ellenbogen, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, January 9, 1905. 12053. The City Island Board of Trade, January 9, 1905. 12062. Municipal Court of the City of New York, Borough of The Bronx, First District, January 14, 1905. 12063. Charles H. Heown, The Lorraine, January 14, 1905. 12064. P.S. 4, Department of Education, City of New York, Local School Board District No. 25, January 14, 1905. 12065. Philip Paff, January 15, 1905. 12066. S. C. Freed, Manager, The American Cameragraph Company, January 16, 1905. 12067. Madison Grant, Secretary, New York Zoological Society, January 16, 1905. 12068. Ebling Brewing Company, January 16, 1905. 12069. Taxpayers’ Association of Long Island City, January 16, 1905. 12070. G. A. Rachell, Secretary, The Protective Association of Mapes Estate, January 16, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 6 | Correspondence files, nos. 12071–12099: 12071. G. A. Rachell, Secretary, The Protective Association of Mapes Estate, January 16, 1905. 12072. George W. Birdsall, Acting Chief Engineer, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, January 16, 1905. 12073. Robert Wallace, Agent and Broker, January 17, 1905. 12074. I. Abramson, Real Estate Broker, January 17, 1905. 12075. George W. Birdsall, Acting Chief Engineer, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, January 18, 1905. 12076. George R. Malby and James T. Rogers, Senate Chamber, State of New York, January 18, 1905. 12077. Law Offices of A. C. and F. W. Hottenroth, January 18, 1905. 12079. Nathaniel Rosenberg, New York City Improvement Commission, January 17, 1905. 12080. Peter A. Sheil, Counsellor at Law, January 18, 1905. 12081. Olin J. Stephens, Coal and Wood, January 18, 1905. 12082. The Bedford Park Tax Payers Associations, January 18, 1905. 12083. Law Offices of A. C. and F. S. Hottenroth, January 18, 1905. 12086. C. F. Lacombe, Engineer of Surface Construction, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Bureau of Lamps and Gas, January 19, 1905. 12087. I. Abramson, Real Estate Broker, January 19, 1905. 12088. Northern Union Gas Company, January 20, 1905. 12090. Michael J. Tully, January 23, 1905. 12091. L. E. Oxee, January 31, 1905. 12092. A. H. Hall, Central Union Gas Company, January 23, 1905. 12093. Property Owners’ Association of the Twenty-Third Ward, January 23, 1905. 12094. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, January 24, 1905. 12095. John Joseph Manley, January 24, 1905. 12096. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, January 24, 1905. 12098. Josephine Weber, January 24, 1905. 12099. Edenwald Taxpayers’ Alliance, January 25, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 7 | Correspondence files, nos. 12100–12133: 12100. C. F. Lacombe, Engineer of Surface Construction, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Bureau of Lamps and Gas, January 25, 1905. 12101. Robert L. Luce, Counselor at Law, January 26, 1905. 12102. Thomas H. O’Neil, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, January 27, 1905. 12103. Wilhelmina High-Class Apartment House, January 27, 1905. 12104. Emil Ginsburger, Architect, January 27, 1905. 12106. East Tremont Taxpayers’ Association, January 28, 1905. 12107. Office of the President of the Board of Aldermen, City of New York, January 30, 1905. 12108. Property Owners’ Association of the Twenty-Third Ward, January 30, 1905. 12109. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, January 30, 1905. 12110. D. M. La Porte, Branch Office of James M. Leopold & Co., Bankers and Brokers, January 31, 1905. 12111. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, January 31, 1905. 12112. M. Hopkins, January 31, 1905. 12113. Committee on Buildings, Board of Education, January 31, 1905. 12114. Thomas S. Bassford, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, February 1, 1905. 12115. Mary Denbigh, February 1, 1905. 12117. Edward McKenna, St. Raymond’s Church, February 2, 1905. 12118. Annie Farley, February 2, 1905. xxxxx. Charles Baxter, February 2, 1905. 12121. Sophia Halpin, February 3, 1905. 12122. J. J. McKelvey, Park District Protective League, February 3, 1905. 12123. Olin J. Stephens, Coal and Wood, February 3, 1905. 12126. Office of the President of the Board of Aldermen, City of New York, February 7, 1905. 12127. Property Owners’ Association of the Twenty-Third Ward, February 7, 1905. 12129. Property Owners’ Association of the Twenty-Third Ward, February 7, 1905. 12130. Ronald K. Brown, Counselor at Law, February 7, 1905. 12131. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, February 8, 1905. 12132. Interborough Rapid Transit Co., February 9, 1905. 12133. Herbert A. Shipman, Shipman & Lambias, February 9, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 8 | Correspondence files, nos. 12134–12166: 12134. North Side Board of Trade, February 11, 1905. 12137. William J. Matthews, Murray, Bennett & Ingersoll, Counsellors at Law, February 14, 1905. 12139. Department of Commerce and Labor, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Washington D.C., February 15, 1905. 12141. James H. Hardy, February 15, 1905. 12142. Office of Superintendent of Highways, February 18, 1905. 12143. Law Office of Luce & Davis, February 16, 1905. 12144. Law Office of Fettretch, Silman & Seybel, February 18, 1905. 12145. Fielding L. Marshall, Attorney and Counselor at Law, February 20, 1905. 12146. John J. Cleverdon, February 21, 1905. 12147. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, February 24, 1905. 12148. C. M. Morgan, Deputy Superintendent of School Buildings, Borough of The Bronx, Department of Education, City of New York, February 23, 1905. 12149. Straley & Hasbrouck, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, February 24, 1905. 12152. S. B. Howes, February 27, 1905. 12153. Anonymous (“A Tax Payer”), March 6, 1905. 12154. North Side Board of Trade, February 28, 1905. 12155. F. B. Makepeace, Secretary, Woman’s Municipal League, February 27, 1905. 12156. Woodlawn Taxpayers’ Association, February 27, 1905. 12158. William Howell, Secretary, Police Department, City of New York, February 28, 1905. 12160. Anonymous (“A Member”), February 4, 1905. 12161. Property Owners’ Association of the Twenty-Third Ward, March 3, 1905. 12162. Hermann G. Friedmann, Counsel, South Bronx Property Owners’ Association, March 10, 1905. 12163. Frederick J. Reilly, President, Male Teachers’ Association, March 13, 1905. 12164. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, March 15, 1905. 12165. Henry Rogge, Leveler, March 15, 1905. 12166. S. H. Holthouse, The Twentieth Century Limited, March 21, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 9 | Correspondence files, nos. 12170–12198: 12170. The Bedford Park Tax Payers Association, March 21, 1905. 12171. Law Offices of George M. S. Schulz, March 21, 1905. 12172. The Taxpayers’ League of Wakefield, March 23, 1905. 12174. Robert L. Luce, Counselor at Law, March 23, 1905. 12175. James Sloyan, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 21, 1905. 12176. J. P. Hoops, March 22, 1905. 12177. David Lewis Woodall, Twenty-Fourth Ward Real Estate Office, March 23, 1905. 12178. John Crinnion, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 22, 1905. 12179. Elias M. Johnson, Isaac G. Johnson & Co., March 23, 1905. 12180. Stephen H. Keating, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, March 24, 1905. xxxxx. John J. Kenny, March 25, 1905. 12183. James Sloyan, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 27, 1905. 12184. Heyman Harris, Sampson & Harris Tailors, March 23, 1905. xxxxx. [name illegible], March 25, 1905. (fragmentary) 12186. Richard Dickson, Real Estate and Insurance, March 25, 1905. 12187. E. H. Rosenquest, President, The Bronx Gas and Electric Company, March 25, 1905. 12188. Josiah A. Briggs, Chief Engineer of the Borough of The Bronx, in regards to correspondence by Stephen H. Keating and Clinton Stephens, April 6, 1905. 12189. Clinton Stephens, March 25, 1905. 12191. [illegible name], March 26, 1905. 12192. E. N. Vallandigham, March 28, 1905. 12193. John Hopp, March 28, 1905. 12195. I. M. DeVarona, Acting Chief Engineer, Department of Water Supper, Gas and Electricity, March 28, 1905. 12196. Abraham Nelson, Attorney at Law, March 28, 1905. 12198. Daniel Fitzpatrick, March 29, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 10 | Correspondence files, nos. 12200–12233: 12200. Frank Gass, Alderman, Forty-Third District, March 29, 1905. 12201. Frank Gass, Alderman, Forty-Third District, March 29, 1905. 12202. Anonymous (“Owner’s”), March 29, 1905. 12203. Eustis and Foster, Attorners and Counselors at Law, March 30, 1905. 12204. G. A. Rachell, Secretary, The Mapes Estate Property Owners’ Association, March 30, 1905. 12205. E. H. Rosenquest, President, The Bronx Gas and Electric Company, March 31, 1905. 12206. William H. Quinn, Foreman, Engine Company No. 64, Fire Department, City of New York, March 31, 1905. 12207. Anonymous, February 25, 1905. 12208. Baldwin G. Cooke, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, April 25, 1905. 12209. Charles E. Banker, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, April 26, 1905. 12210. M. Bernhardt, April 29, 1905. 12211. Thomas H. O’Neil, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, April 2, 1905. 12213. William Anderson, Alfred L. Horton, and other taxpayers residing on Centre Street in City Island, March 27, 1905. 12214. Brother Edmund, President, Sacred Heart Academy, March 30, 1905. 12217. Thomas J. Walsh, Secretary, April 1, 1905. 12219. J. J. Smith, April 1, 1905. 12221. Charles E. Banker, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 31, 1905. 12222. William P. Reilley, Treasurer, The Sunday Democrat, April 3, 1905. 12223. James Radin, April 3, 1905. 12225. Edward Beacom, April 28, 1905. 12226. S. H. Holthouse, The Twentieth Century Limited, April 3, 1905. 12227. J. Arthur Pinchbeck, Builder, April 3, 1905. 12228. Frederick E. Saward, Editor and Priprietor, The Coal Trade Journal, April 3, 1905. 12229. Emma DeVinne, April 18, 1905. 12230. M. Baron, April 1, 1905. 12231. Henry G. K. Heath, Counsellor at Law, April 4, 1905. 12232. E. B. Bowering, April 4, 1905. 12233. Edward H. Witzmann, April 4, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 11 | Correspondence files, nos. 12235–12265: 12235. Joseph F. Prendergast, Secretary, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Commissioner’s Office, April 4, 1905. 12236. R. Vallender, April 4, 1905. 12237. Louis Lewinsohn, Julius Kayser & Co., March 28, 1905. 12238. Joseph F. Prendergast, Secretary, Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, Commissioner’s Office, April 5, 1905. 12239. Alfred M. Downes, Secretary, Fire Department, City of New York, April 5, 1905. 12241. Peerless Brick Company, April 4, 1905. 12242. Law Offices of William D. Peck, April 3, 1905. 12243. W. Boardman Reed, Engineer, Maintenance of Way and Buildings, April 3, 1905. 12244. Ira A. Place, April 5, 1905. 12245. Charles H. Broas, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, April 5, 1905. 12246. A. M. Sonelyn (?), April 5, 1905. 12247. Luder Hanken, April 4, 1905. 12248. J. H. Oberle, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, March 31, 1905. 12250. Louis Lewinsohn, Julius Kayser & Co., April 6, 1905. 12251. John H. Price, April 6, 1905. 12252. Samuel Green, Real Estate Investments, March 25, 1905. 12253. Office of Commissioner for the Borough of The Bronx, Department of Parks, City of New York, April 6, 1905. 12254. North Side Board of Trade, March 25, 1905. 12255. Frederick Crowenshield, President, Fine Arts Federation of New York, March 22, 1905. 12256. Lawrence A. Engelhart, Customs and State Notary, March 31, 1905. 12258. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of new York, March 20, 1905. 12260. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, March 31, 1905. 12263. W. H. Parker, March 30, 1905. 12264. Michael J. Burke, Secretary, Harmony Democratic and Social Club of Wakefield, April 7, 1905. 12265. The Bedford Park Tax Payers Association, April 7, 1905. |
1905 |
| 1 | 12 | Correspondence files, nos. 12267–12301: 12267. Charles E. Banker, Sanitary Inspector, Department of Health, City of New York, April 3, 1905. 12268. Thomas W. Hart, March 26, 1905. 12269. J. Polock, April 10, 1905. 12270. Department of Street Cleaning, April 4, 1905. 12271. Department of Street Cleaning, April 8, 1905. 12272. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, March 20, 1905. 12273. Heights Taxpayers’ Association, April 10, 1905. 12275. Heights Taxpayers’ Association, April 10, 1905. 12277. James B. Nevilles, Horseshoer, April 6, 1905. xxxxx. Robert Wahldner, April 10, 1905. 12279. Rudolph Doher, April 11, 1905. 12281. North Side Board of Trade, April 11, 1905. 12282. Board of Rapid Transit Railroad Commissioners, April 12, 1905. 12283. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, April 12, 1905. 12284. [name illegible], April 12, 1905. 12285. G. R. Enscoe, Contracting Engineer, McClintic-Marshall Construction Company, April 12, 1905. 12287. William M. Browne, Municipal Court of the City of New York, Borough of The Bronx, Second District, April 13, 1905. 12288. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, April 13, 1905. 12289. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, April 13, 1905. 12290. Robert A. Trainor, April 12, 1905. 12291. Archibald M. McEwen, April 19, 1905. 12292. Joseph B. Curran, April 14, 1905. 12293. J. A. Devlin, General Contractor, April 14, 1905. 12294. George E. Best, Commissioner, Department of Bridges, City of New York, April 14, 1905. 12295. John DeHart, Architect and Engineer, April 15, 1905. 12296. Joseph B. Curran, April 15, 1905. 12297. Guy W. Culgin, Vice President and Treasurer, Culgin-Pace Contracting Company, April 15, 1905. 12298. James E. Gaynor, Attorney and Counsellor-at-Law, April 15, 1905. 12299. F. V. Smith Contracting Company, April 15, 1905. 12300. William A. Cokeley, April 15, 1905. 12301. Dave Hensen Morris, President, Morris Park Motor Racing Club, April 17, 1905. |
1905 |