A NOTABLE HAPPENING

passing of the 42nd st. spue of the elevated a forerunnek of

GREAT   importance.      BEGINNING   OF   THE   END   OF
OVERHEAD RAILROADS  IN THIS  CITY.

May, 1924

Forty-second Street property owners donned their gray
fedoras or new straw hats yesterday and Grover Whalen
buttoned on his pearl gray spats and together they marched
in celebration of the removal of the "L" spur from
Forty-second Street. The municipal and street cleaners'
bands led the way and strangers emerging from Grand
Central Terminal asked, "What's all the flags and racket
about?"

After the parade the 800 or more celebrants repaired
to the ballroom of the Hotel Commodore and listened to
city officials explain how the elevated structure had been
removed and who was responsible. George W. Sweeney,
vice-president of the Commodore, was grand marshal of
the parade and presided at the luncheon.

Mr. Whalen, Commissioner of Plant and Structures,
speaking for the Mayor, pronounced the demolition of the
"L" spur as the greatest constructive work done in New
York in twenty-five years. He said Mayor Hylan hopes
to see all the "L" structures in the city removed and closed
by outlining what he had done to bring about the improve¬
ment. Comptroller Craig told how he had made it possible
to raze the spur.

Then George P. Nicholson, Corporation Counsel, re¬
vealed, "with all due respect to Mr. Craig," how he had
given legal advice and had had enabling acts drawn and so

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