The Big Apple: Con Dead (nickname for a Con Ed power failure)

A plaque remaining from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.

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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.

Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.

Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.

Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.

This site is edited by Barry Popik.

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Entry from July 28, 2006

Con Dead (nickname for a Con Ed power failure)

After the July 2006 Queens power failures caused by Con Ed, some have called the company “Con Dead.”

http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/07/26/con_dead.php
July 26, 2006
Con Ed Restores (Most) Power But It’s Still “Con Dead” to Queens

http://www.sploid.com/news/2006/07/crazy_from_the.php
In Queens, New York, incompetence and heat conspired to kill the power to tens of thousands of people. Consolidated Edison used to be known as “Con Ed.” But after nearly two weeks without power, many began calling it “Con Dead.”

Posted by Barry Popik
New York City • Names/Phrases • (0) Comments • Friday, July 28, 2006 • Permalink