William Hodson on Civil Defense: "If War Comes to NYC (We'll Take Care of the Homeless)"

In this series, produced by CBS, Elmer Davis speaks with different New York City officials to describe how the city will function if "Hitler's aces do come to drop their bombs on Time Square, the Grand Course, Queens Boulevard or Flatbush Avenue."

In this recording, the fifth in the series, Davis speaks with New York City's Commissioner of Welfare, William Hodson on the subject: "We'll Take Care of the Homeless." Hodson describes designated emergency welfare centers staffed by thousands of volunteers to disseminate information and facilitate basic services. These "shock troops" have been instructed to give the public assurance, "quiet hysteria and give peace of mind to those who are suffering."

In cooperation with private agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, temporary and permanent housing have been identified by the bureau for immediate use as well as clothing, food, and reporting services for missing persons.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150197
Municipal archives id: LT4724