About Me
By The Hatching CatThe Hatching Cat of Gotham
For Media and Book Inquires: pgavan@optonline.net
Ever since I started writing about cats and other animals of Old New York, many people have asked me why I call my website The Hatching Cat. I chose this name because my project began in 2002, just after I had discovered the story of the French Hatching Cat in the book “Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories,” by Vince Gargiulo.
I originally intended to write a children’s book about the French Hatching Cat, but as I started to dig into the history of Palisades Park, I realized that this was more than a children’s story. Writing the telling the story was a really fun way to learn and share the history of New York. From that point on, I’ve been on a never-ending quest for animal tales in New York City history from the 1800s to the 1940s.
Many of these animal tales are amazing, some are curiously odd or absurdly humorous, and others fall under the file called “You just can’t make this stuff up.” My favorite stories, though, are the ones that make people say, “Wow, who knew!?”
Every story on this site has two things in common: They each feature one animal or more and they are each woven with interesting historical facts about the people, places, and events of Old New York. Most of these animal stories originate in the archives of The New York Times, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and other New York newspapers, although I also get tips on potential stories from my readers.
The Cat Men of Gotham
The Bravest Pets of Gotham
In 2019, I published my first book based on some of my favorite cat stories of Old New York. In August 2020, The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York, won a 2019 Muse Medallion from the Cat Writers’ Association.
My second book, The Bravest Pets of Gotham: Tales of Four-Legged Firefighters of Old New York (Rutgers University Press), was published in September 2024.
This book features more than 100 stories about the fire horses, dogs, cats, and other FDNY animal mascots from the late 1800s through the 1940s. Some of the stories feature “Historical Hooks,” which explore the history of fire hydrants, fire escapes, fire poles, buffs, chaplains, and much more.
Cats About Town Walking Tours for Cat Lovers
In the fall of 2024, I partnered with Dan Rimada of Bodega Cats of New York to create walking tours for cat lovers. The tours take place several times a month (except in winter) in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. Click here for more information or to book a tour.
About Me
I started my career as a magazine editor and freelance news reporter after graduating from Syracuse University with a degree magazine journalism. I spent about 15 years in children’s book publishing as an editor for Troll Books and Scholastic Book Clubs, and then worked as a marketing writer for a large pharmacy benefit manager.
In 2012, I received a Master of Science in Health Communications from Boston University. I currently work as a senior medical editor in pharmaceutical advertising. I am also a licensed New York City tour guide.
Outside of work, I have 30 years of service as a volunteer with the Warwick Fire Department, and my husband and I are volunteer cat socializers for the Warwick Valley Humane Society.
Recently I joined the inaugural steering committee of the future Cat Museum of New York City. In this role, I will be serving as an ambassador for the museum, providing advice and guidance on museum planning and attending various events. The mission of the museum is to support the work of cat rescuers, no-kill cat shelters, cat nonprofit organizations, and the local community of cats and the humans who care for them. To donate to the future museum: https://lnkd.in/g8xdaEAC
My husband and I have three cats, and we both love animals, New York City, the Yankees, kayaking, golf, swimming, and traveling.
I hope The Hatching Cat will make history fun for everyone–come back often and enjoy! And be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Also feel free to contact me at pgavan@optonline.net if you have any questions or tips about old animal stories.
Peggy Gavan
Hello !
I’m Natacha, I live near Paris and I’m very interesting in the story of The Lion Cub and the Princess Who Lived at The Plaza Hotel (1908) because she was my great great grand-mother.
That’s why I want to know where have you collected all these informations ? If you can tell me where I can find these articles and informations it would be awesome. It’s very important for me.
Thank you very much for this article !
Natacha I.
Allo, Natacha. Qui, I will make a list for you. Do you have email? You can send me an email at pgavan@optonline.net and I will get back to you. I am glad you enjoyed the article. I am writing another story about your great great grandmother and her animals soon. I will let you know when I publish this story, too.
Hi. I wish there was a way to reach you. I wanted to ask you if you had a copy of “Frank Leslies illustrated from September 7, 1889. I have had no luck trying to find a copy. Thanks.
No I don’t — You’ve probably already checked, but sometimes you can find these on Ebay.
RE: 1894: The Last Cow Standing: Spingler ~> Looks like you’ve seen my site on Geni.com. Your photos mesh nicely with what I’ve posted there. Nice writing. regards, Mike van Beuren
I’m glad you enjoyed the story — please feel free to share with your family or share on your website. One of my goals for this site is to help people learn something about a long-lost relative that they never knew before (through a true animal tale, of course!). I get much joy knowing that someone, somewhere, is reading about a descendant in one of my posts.
RE: 1894: The Last Cow Standing: Spingler. I just found your story; how delightful! I love the details, paintings and pictures about my family. You’ve provided lots more detail than I’ve had to date about their life in New York City and it’s so much more interesting than reading names in a genealogical record. Your love of researching and writing about New York animals undoubtedly has resulted in many grateful beneficiaries like me. Best regards,
Gem
Thank you, Gem — I just love when people discover stories about their ancestors on my blog! I absolutely do love writing about the animals and people of Old New York.
Please feel free to share this story on any genealogical site you have or print it out for family members. Enjoy!
Dear Peggy G. / Hatching Cat,
I am an architecture graduate of the City College of New York. I am writing a book on the history of the area, including the former Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, and surrounding parks. I loved your article about Christopher Fagan and his Newfoundland friend, Spruce.
Here is the article:
https://hatchingcatnyc.com/2015/04/18/1904-spruce-the-new-york-newfoundland-evicted-from-st-nicholas-terrace/
I just wanted to ask where you found the photo of the “Point of Rocks” and the illustration of Spruce? This is such a wonderful story, I wonder where you found this unique tale? Thank you for the stories you write, I’m glad to see someone giving the animals of NYC some love!
Best,
Dalton W.
Dalton, I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! I’m at my full-time job right now–and I’m absolutely swamped with work–but as soon as I get a chance this weekend or over the next few days, I’ll look back at my manuscript to see where the photo and stories came from. I do hate to burst your bubble though: the photo of the dog is just a vintage dog, not really Spruce. Sometimes I luck out and find an actual photo of the animal in the news article, but when I can’t find the real thing, I use a vintage photo of a dog or cat that I imagine was what the animal in the story looked like. (Usually I note that in the caption; not sure why I didn’t note it on this story). By the way, I have a book coming out early next year called The Cat Men of Gotham. It will be all cat stories, but if you enjoy NYC history and like cats, check it out.
Dear Peggy G. / Harching Cat,
Thank you for your willingness to look back at your records. I apologize that I had neglected to notice your response to my message until now, I also got caught up with other things.
I would very much appreciate any information on the origin of that photo of the Point of Rocks. Thank you also for your thoughtful suggestion on your new book on Cat Men of Gotham, sounds interesting!
Best regards,
Dalton Whiteside
hi what happened to pt 2 of the NYPD mounted patrol story? I am related to William Galbraith and i was curious to what was to be mentioned..Thx
My plan was to write about both William Galbraith and Artemas Fish in one story, but the story about Artemas got so involved I just focused on him. My great-grandfather was a mounted policemen with the Richmond Hill Police in the late 1800s, so I’m very interested in this topic. I will notify you when I do a story with William Galbraith, as was my original intention.
While doing a bit of news research for my owl facts, I came across your article on Newsweek! Congrats! Here it is: http://www.newsweek.com/old-zoo-york-blog-explores-new-york-citys-animal-past-325086
Dear Peggy and The Hatching Cat,
I have been researching the NYPD Mounted Unit and Police Horses, which in contemporary times has happily enjoyed a wonderful safety record, due, no doubt to the extensive training and habituation program that is part of the horses’ education; the height of horse and mounted officer that makes these “10-foot-tall cops” so visible in traffic; and the strong bond of trust that grows between the officer and his or her horse during training and service, so that the officer can often sense a potential spooking incident in time to calm the horse by letting him see that the officer is not afraid of the scary stimulus, thus persuading the horse to give the benefit of the doubt until he can be led to safety–which only works when a horse trusts a human partner.
I was so interested to read your three entries about NYPD Mounted Police and their Police Horses in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and particularly the history of heroic Harry, where you give us a wonderful glimpse into the work and lives of the Police Horses of that era.
In “1919 and 1922: Bulb, the Bad-Luck Police Horse of the NYPD,” you mention “Since 1871, the year that the Board of Police established the first official Mounted Police Unit in New York City, more than a dozen mounted patrolmen have been killed in the line of duty in horse-related incidents.” The accidents you describe in detail took place no later than the 1920’s. Could you please tell me in what year the last, most recent of those accidents took place. I would be grateful to have that information.
Thank you so much, and thank you for the fascinating histories you share in The Hatching Cat!
All best wishes,
Casey
Casey, thank you for writing me — I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these stories. My great-grandfather was a mounted patrolmen in Queens in the late 1890s, so these stories are extra special to me.
According to the Officer Down Memorial website, the last NYPD patrolman to die of a horse-related accident was Patrick Fahey, who died Sunday, February 12, 1928, after being thrown from his horse.
Patrolman Fahey was on traffic patrol on West End Avenue and 60th Street, Manhattan, when his horse was frightened by a passing New York Central Railroad train. Patrolman Fahey was thrown to the ground and injured. He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital, where he died the next day from his injuries. Patrolman Fahey was assigned to Traffic Precinct C.
Here is the source: https://www.odmp.org/agency/2758-new-york-city-police-department-new-york
Good luck with your research.
Hi there, My great-great grandfather was Tex Austin and I love the article you wrote up about his rodeo in New York. I loved the quote you used from him and I wish I could find a copy of the poster promoting the rodeo at Yankee Stadium. I would love if you could share any of the pics or other info with me. Thanks, Brooke Austin
Brooke,
Thank you for writing — I just sent you an email with a few details about the photos.
Dear Peggy,
The presentation you delivered at the Wisner Library on New York history, and the furry members of society that graced its making, was su-purr-lative! Enjoyed every moment and have very fond memories of Palisades Amusement Park myself. Oddly enough, my own two cats at present bear a striking resemblance to your pair. I look forward to spreading the word among my friends about your talk so they can invite you to speak to their groups!
I’m so thrilled that it was a big hit with you and many others who also contacted me. Certainly, if you know of any other groups that may be interested, please let me know. For dog lovers, I’m also considering putting a presentation together on the Dignified Damsels of Old New York and the Dainty Dogs They Doted On, and I have another version of my cat presentation that focuses more on Brooklyn cats. I’m going to be sending some proposal letters to other New York libraries and historical groups — would it be OK to use your note as a testimonial (I’d just use your first name/last initial). Please let me know. Thank you!
Peggy, Wishing you and your husband (and your “babies” – of course!) the very happiest of Valentine’s Days! I would be honored & pleased to have my note included in your proposals. I look forward to the “Dainty Dogs” talk, which I hope will be offered at Wisner – Warwick is certainly an area of pet lovers, and the audience should be extremely receptive. It is wonderful to reside in Orange County where domesticated and farm animals may be viewed all around you – staying grounded through a genuine love for any kind of non-human is a gift to be treasured.
Peggy,
I have recently begun researching the history of Brooklyn’s Barren Island and I came across your posting “The Hogs that were Hunted…” Your essay is one of the best online sources I have read on Barren Island. I really enjoyed it. I see in your “About” section that you are willing to share your reference list for your work and I am hoping you would share your list for Barren with me. Thank you! Matt Thoren
Hi, I just came across your post about the hog hunt on Barren Island. I’m beginning to research a history master’s thesis on Barren Island and Dead Horse Bay, and I’m hoping you can send me your reference list for that post. Thank you! mmsicherman@gmail.com
I would like you to post a comment from me on the final Crispin’s Crispian page in your fabulous set of posts thereon that is simply, for more about Mister Dog and Margaret Wise Brown, see: http://newyorkwanderer.com/mister-dog/
Correction: this is my proper email address; please forgive the typo therein when I sent this just now
I would like you to post a comment from me on the final Crispin’s Crispian page in your fabulous set of posts thereon that is simply, for more about Mister Dog and Margaret Wise Brown, see: http://newyorkwanderer.com/mister-dog/
Thank you, Ben. I have added your comment and link to your story. Glad you enjoyed it — I also enjoyed reading your personal journey with Mister Dog!
First and foremost, I want to compliment your site. It’s quite a bit of quirky but captivating reading from which I had a hard time tearing myself away to stay on the topic I came to read up on.
I, like several others here, came via a mention of an ancestor and would love to know what more you know about him.
Could you please contact me regarding Richard Amos? He’s a brick wall in my research and I’m hoping someone might know something I don’t know yet that may give me a hint on him and his family.
Martin,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article — yes, a lot of it is quirky stuff; some say when they land on my site they fall through a rabbit hole and find it hard to get out.
There is quite a bit of information out there on Richard Amos, so I’m not sure what you’ve come across or not. The NY Times did a large article in 1921: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9394598/a_brief_history_of_greenwich_village/
Have you tried looking up old newspaper articles in archives such as newspapers.com (paid service) or fultonhistory.com (free)? I find that you can find many little details in old news articles, so I always turn to those as my first source. And of course I always use a site such as Ancestry.com to get additional details. Hope that helps!
FYI…The Seafaring Cats of Gotham
The Seafaring Cats of Gotham
A Talk with Author Peggy Gavan
Wed, October 16 | 6:30 pm | $5 | Members FREE
True tales of ships, sailors, and their mascot cats in early 20th-century Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Peggy Gavan, author of The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York, will wind the audience through the piers and streets of Old New York as she tells amazing stories of the sailors, dock workers, and ship captains of Gotham and the ship cats they adopted and came to love. Hear about:
The pirate cats of Chelsea Piers who celebrated Christmas on the RMS Olympic
The little black kitten presented to Captain Arthur Rostron, the hero of the RMS Carpathia
The Viking ship cat who was rescued by lifeboat en route to Brooklyn
The determined ship cat of Pier 95—and more nautical cat tales
Fun for cat lovers and New York maritime history fans alike!
A reception will follow.
Purchase Tickets
This event will be held in the Melville Gallery at 213 Water Street. Doors open at 6:15pm.
Hi and FYI…The Seafaring Cats of Gotham
The Seafaring Cats of Gotham
A Talk with Author Peggy Gavan
Wed, October 16 | 6:30 pm | $5 | Members FREE
True tales of ships, sailors, and their mascot cats in early 20th-century Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Peggy Gavan, author of The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York, will wind the audience through the piers and streets of Old New York as she tells amazing stories of the sailors, dock workers, and ship captains of Gotham and the ship cats they adopted and came to love. Hear about:
The pirate cats of Chelsea Piers who celebrated Christmas on the RMS Olympic
The little black kitten presented to Captain Arthur Rostron, the hero of the RMS Carpathia
The Viking ship cat who was rescued by lifeboat en route to Brooklyn
The determined ship cat of Pier 95—and more nautical cat tales
Fun for cat lovers and New York maritime history fans alike!
A reception will follow.
Purchase Tickets
This event will be held in the Melville Gallery at 213 Water Street. Doors open at 6:15pm.
Ahoy Ms. Gavan!
I enjoyed your lecture last night at the South Street Seaport Museum. I gave you my card at the end which has our contact info.
A favorable review of your talk will be on my blog by 10 am this morning. And, on a different subject, if you would be interested in a day of sailing with me, you are cordially invited, for next summer. It is too late for 2019. But we do not transport our cats to the boat for day sails, just for cruises, so you will not meet them.
Best, Roger
Thank you for your wonderful blog! While researching the Brooklyn Caledonian Club, I went down a side passage in the internet rabbit hole and found your story about Max, the hero police dog of Parkville.
Max must have patrolled my great-grandfather Gustave Joppert’s property, Joppert’s Hotel, located at Webster Avenue and Ocean Parkway. It was a popular spot with cyclists, an activity that he avidly supported. In 1894, the Good Roads Association of Brooklyn pledged that the wheelmen of the city would make up the deficit in funding for the completion of the bicycle roadway from Prospect Park to Coney Island. While most donations were 50 cents or $1.00, Gustave contributed $5.00, as did the Schwalbach brothers of the Schwalbach Cycle Company. As the path was under construction, five sections were graveled with different specimens of material. “The gravel approved by the good roads committee is that on the section immediately in front of Joppert’s.” (Brooklyn Eagle, 27 Aug. 1894.)
Gustave was also active in the Parkville fire department, which I’m sure you will appreciate. When the Farmers Hook and Ladder company was founded in 1888, he was in the first group of officers, serving as assistant foreman. In 1889, he was made foreman, and in 1890 he was elected to the position of first assistant chief.
But back to Max. Parkville had been plagued by night burglaries for years before the police department hired canine officers; I found this account in the Brooklyn Eagle of 24 February 1889:
THIRSTY FLATBUSH THIEVES
On Thursday night the hotel of Gustave Joppert, on Ocean Boulevard, Parkville, was entered by some unknown person and money, cigars and a watch were stolen. The thief or thieves left no clew. On Friday night the hotel of ex-Judge William McMahon, which adjoins Joppert’s, was also entered by breaking a pane of glass. A large demijohn containing liquor was carried away. The Flatbush police were notified and began an investigation. The demijohn and it’s contents were found behind a barn.
The Jopperts were also victims of another crime, sadly animal-related:
WHO CUT POOR BILLY’S THROAT?
A large billy goat, the property of Mr. Gustave Joppert, hotel keeper on Ocean Parkway, Flatbush, was seen at 10 o’clock last evening to enter the yard and drop dead. Investigation by Mr. Joppert showed that the animal’s throat was cut clean across. The police and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have been notified of the parties suspected.
By 1908, Gustav was no longer in the hotel business, but he and his family still lived on Webster Avenue, so I’m sure they were familiar with Max and his fellow canine officers!
I wonder if you’ve ever found references to Joppert’s Hotel in your research? Besides the mentions in the Brooklyn Eagle, I’ve found some in the New York Times, usually in relation to cycling events (Gustav’s son, Willie Joppert, was a wheelman.) I would love to find a picture of it, or an advertisement, or some description. If you ever come across anything, I would be very grateful if you could let me know!
Sally, I’m so glad you are enjoying the stories on my blog. And thank you for all this wonderful information about your great-grandfather! I have never come across Gustave, but I’m going to look into the goat story and maybe I’ll be able to find more information. I’ll keep you posted. By the way, you may also enjoy this story about Pitkin Avenue, which was also part of the Good Roads project: https://hatchingcatnyc.com/2019/10/31/pitkin-avenue-fire-cat/
Thank you! I hope you discover that the suspected parties were brought to justice. And I love the Pitkin Avenue story! It has everything – firemen, wheelmen, and an heroic cat.
Hi:
I discovered your wonderful website the other day. You certainly have done your history homework. You may be interested in my book: All Around the Town: Amazing Manhattan Facts and Curiosities; Fordham University Press, 2nd edition, 2010. Thanks Patrick Bunyan
Thank you, Patrick. I’m always looking for new books about New York history and trivia. I will check it out. I was supposed to start doing walking tours in Manhattan this spring, but of course, that’s been put on hold. So, in the meantime, I’m gathering as many tidbits as I can so I can share amazing stories when I start doing my tours. Sounds like your book may have a few good stories to tell on my tours!
Peggy,
I wish to make contact in relation to your piece, https://hatchingcatnyc.com/2018/08/25/daily-news-too-many-dogs/
Joseph W Gavan was also my great uncle. I am currently writing a short biography about him and his brother Henry L.
Pat.
Hi, I haves charter boats here on Jamaica bay and also live on the bay. Really enjoyed your pics and stories. i also am the outdoor editor for the Rockaway Wave . I would love to speak with you sometime my cell 516 7286952
Vinnie, I’m so glad you enjoy my stories — I will be in contact with you.
Hi my Great Uncle is William H Galbraith who you mention.
Interested in what you were to write. Here’s the scoop you might already have
I live near West Point so close to Warwick.
Stay Well!
Paul Galbraith
https://www.green-wood.com/2017/honored-by-nypd-a-century-after-their-deaths/
ps i have some other photos can email or share on FAcebook
So I know it’s not a real cat so maybe not your wheelhouse, but there is a model cat on the window mantel of 122 Prince Street that has been there easily over a decade. I’ve looked for absolutely anything about it but so far have come up with precisely nothing. Not a sausage. Not even a smidge about who made it or why it’s there or continues to stay there. Any chance you have insight? Or know who to ask to find out? Honestly, this has become one of my white whales.
I don’t know anything about this cat statue — someone who may know is the person who writes Ephemeral New York, Esther Crain. She writes a lot about this subject.
https://ephemeralnewyork.wordpress.com/
May be something as simple as the person who lives there loves cats, but then again, there may be more to the story. If I come up with anything, I’ll let you know. Now you have me wondering…