Rededication Ceremony of New York City Hall

New York City Hall, October 2016.

At the rededication ceremony of City Hall, announcer Tommy Cowan describes the restoration as well as the history of the building and surrounding areas.

"The interior of City Hall has been done over as well as the exterior and Commissioner Frederick H. Zurmuhlen, of the department of public works and his capable staff, the architects and all concerned can certainly take place with Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and all the great artists who create living monuments that are imperishable because of their true beauty."

While describing the parade, Cowan interviews Charles H. Silver,

"The restoration of City Hall is further evidence of the determination of our Mayor, and his aids, to make New York the showplace of the world. And giving this building new life, we are honoring the illustrious figures who have left us here a legacy of freedom that endures beyond life."

The following speakers are introduced to the microphone:

Frederick H. Zurmuhlen, Commissioner of Public Works
Reverend Julius Mark, Temple Emanu-El
Hulan E. Jack President of the Borough Of Manhattan
Robert Moses, City Construction Coordinator
Richard C. Patterson Jr., Commissioner of Commerce and Public Events George J. Lober, Executive Secretary of the Art Commission
Monseigneur John M. Fleming
John D. Butt, President of the Downtown Manhattan Association
Abe Stark, President of the City Council
Clarence G. Michalis, Chairman of the Board of the Museum of the City of New York
Lawrence E. Gerosa, Controller of the City of New York
Mayor Robert F. Wagner of the City of New York
Reverend Dan M. Potter, Executive Director of the Protestant Council of the City of New York

Each speaker adds their congratulations, thanks those involved in bringing the project to completion, and discusses the historic and artistic significance of the building. Michalis gives a timeline of memorable events that took place at City Hall. Gerosa reads the first city controller's budget from 1802. The Sanitation Band performs "The City of New York."

Cowan resumes discussing the significance of the building.


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 150427
Municipal archives id: LT7171