Baruch Houses, NYC Dedication

This recording marks opening of the Simon Baruch Houses (now the Bernard Baruch Houses) in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Bernard Baruch is also honored with a bust and a playground dedication.

Speakers include emcee and Baruch family friend, Herbert Swope; Commissioner Robert Moses; New York City Housing Commissioner, Philip J. Crews; Mayor Vincent Impellitteri; Governor Thomas Dewey; President Dwight D. Eisenhower; and Simon Baruch's son and fellow honoree, Bernard.




A WNYC announcer introduces the proceedings - the opening of the Baruch Houses and Playground.

Herbert B. Swope performs the duties of the Master of Ceremonies. The Police and Sanitary Department band perform the National Anthem.
Swope thanks the attendees including the honoree and birthday celebrant, Bernard Baruch.
Swope waxes poetic about the opening of the houses. He talks about slum housing and the role of public housing. He praises Baruch. He is "the first private citizen of the republic."
Swope goes into Baruch's family history, from South Carolina to the present day. He describes Simon Baruch's scientific pursuit, Dr. Simon Baruch birthed Arthur Sulzberger of the New York Times and Warren Tripp of Pan American Airways. Swope paraphrases Homer: those whom the Gods love, live young.

Swope introduces Cardinal Francis Spellman who provides a benediction.

Swope reads a statement of Winston Churchill in praise of Baruch.

Swope introduces Robert Moses.

Moses thanks the crowd. He pleads for the surgical removal of old slums. He is against phony compromises that stand in the way of his urban renewal programs. He does not want to patch up existing buildings and slums. He talks about the lack of neighborhood amenities if changes are made piecemeal. He talks about the year migration of Puerto Ricans. He discusses the reactionaries in congress who have stood in his way. He talks about immigration. He talks about the aids that exist besides the creation of public housing.
He talks about the use of private capital in the creation of public houses. He talks about the role of the Federal Housing Authority in driving families to the suburbs. This is a reason for reclaiming the central core.
He talks about Simon and Bernard Baruch's helping of the poor in New York. He mentions Eisenhower breaking his vacation to attend the event.

Swope thanks Moses and introduces Housing Commission Chairman, Philip J. Crews,

Crews talks about the honoring of the Simon Baruch houses. He talks about the many friends Baruch has in attendance. He regards the housing project as a symbol of New York's appreciation of Baruch.

Swope calls Charles Boynton to give the blessing to the housing projects.

Swope introduces Mayor Vincent Impelliterri.

Impelliterri thanks the attendees. He is honored to be among the guests, including Baruch and President Eisenhower. He talks about the rarity of finding a name, place, and occasion so perfectly suited as they are now. He talks about Simon Baruch's fight for public health and quality living conditions on the Lower East Side. He talks about Bernard Baruch's work in public housing - he provided money for property when it was needed.
They are due to unveil a bust in Bernard Baruch's honor.
Impelliterri talks about the housing problem and immigration's contribution, particularly from Puerto Rico. He acknowledges the attendees from the three level of government involved in public housing.

Swope seconds Impelliterri's sentiment. He then introduces governor Dewey.

Dewey counters a joke Swope made about the size of Dewey's hometown.
Dewey talks about the many housing dedications he has seen. No solution has yet been found to the housing problem in Dewey's opinion. He talks about preventing the creation of slums in the first place. He is pleased with the urban renewal project that resulted in the Baruch houses and that they are named for so great a citizen. He talks about his many contributions, monetary and otherwise. He praises Bernard Baruch's friendship - citing Eisenhower's visiting for the event.

Swope introduces Belle Baruch, who unveils the monument in honor of her father. Swope mentions Bernard Baruch's plaque.

Eisenhower talks about having met Bernard Baruch, he did not know Simon. He regards Bernard as an elder statesman. He thanks Bernard for his help with Eisenhower's career.
Eisenhower talks about spirit of America being represented in the Baruch Houses. Eisenhower tells us that a system of government that cannot provide a standard of living for its citizens does not deserve to survive - this includes quality housing. Government is people, responsibility cannot be transferred. He talks about Baruch's belief in America showing in his work. He thanks Baruch.

The Sanitation and Police bands play happy birthday for Bernard Baruch.

Baruch speaks. He expresses his thanks. He talks about his father's contributions to public health. His honor is his father's as well. He thanks Eisenhower, Impelliterri, Dewey, and others for attending. Last but not least he thanks Moses and Swope.

Swope introduces Rabbi Bernard Bamberger to provide a benediction.

The WNYC announcer recaps the program with the sanitation and police bands playing God Bless America.


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 150418
Municipal archives id: LT3619