Hauptmann's Ladder: A Step-by-Step Analysis of the Lindbergh Kidnapping

Chapter 4: J.F.C.

| 34 | hauptmann’s ladder J. F. C. The single most fascinating person involved in the lindbergh kidnapping was dr. John F. Condon. anyone investigating this case cannot help but be intrigued by this man. neither his involvement nor his ultimate impact on the investigation could have been foreseen. With one odd act, Condon went from being a minor celebrity in his neighborhood to the front pages of newspapers around the world before slipping from the headlines and public attention, all in a matter of four years. his actions in this case have been the source of debate and controversy among lindbergh scholars. By way of comparison, Condon is to the lindbergh case what the magic bullet theory is to the Kennedy assassination. Before joining the investigation, John Condon was a semiretired educator who gave occasional lectures at Fordham university. he was seventy-two years old, but had the physical conditioning of a much younger man, standing just over six feet tall and weighing a firm two hundred pounds. his hair and mustache were thick and gray, and he was almost always attired in a black three-piece suit with matching bowler hat. There is some dispute about his educational background. he was always referred to as “doctor,” but many question this title.1 it is generally agreed, however, that Condon received a bachelor of arts degree in 1882 from the College of the City of new york, a master’s degree from Fordham university in 1902, and a doctorate in pedagogy from new york university in 1904.2 regardless of his actual academic achievements, the title stuck. prior to retiring, Condon taught in various city schools for forty-six years, beginning at public school 89 in harlem and eventually serving as principal at public school 12, claiming that he never missed a class. Condon was very influential in the establishment of the Bronx Borough flag, which predated the new york City flag by three years. in 1912, on Bronx Borough day, Condon presented the new flag to Borough president Cyrus miller on the steps of the Bronx Borough hall on tremont and Third avenues. dr. Condon was extremely patriotic and never afraid to take action when he deemed it necessary. one year, the annual Bronx Borough day parade was to be| 34 || 4 | J. F. C. | 35 | cancelled. Condon stepped in and organized his own parade to properly celebrate the occasion. he was very fond of children and spent many hours coaching sports such as baseball, boxing, and swimming. according to records from the FBi, Condon was awarded the Gold lifesaving medal by the commandant of the Coast Guard for saving a young child from drowning. he was further credited with saving children from drowning on at least five other occasions.3 Condon idolized Charles lindbergh and considered him a national treasure. When he learned of the kidnapping, Condon was extremely upset. several days later, on march 5, 1932, Condon read the news that lindbergh was dealing with gangsters to negotiate the return of his child. Condon was incensed. to him, this was fast becoming a national shame and disgrace. in an act that reflected his high opinion of himself, Condon wrote a letter to the Bronx Home News. The Bronx Home News was a small publication (about 100,000 readers) whose publisher was Condon’s personal friend. over the years, Condon submitted many letters, poems, and articles to the paper. often he used pseudonyms such as “J. u. stice,” “l. o. nestar,” and “p. a. triot” for his work. Condon sat down in his study and, using homemade purple ink, wrote his letter. it read: John F. Condon | 36 | hauptmann’s ladder 2974 decatur ave. Bronx, n.y.C., march 7/32 editor of home news: i have followed your columns since the pioneer days and i now ask you to go even beyond the realm of “journalism,” into speculative philosophy for the benefit of Colonel Charles a. lindberg’s child. i have written stories the contents of which have been drawn from firsthanded sources, yet i have never betrayed a confidence. even now one of those stories is being considered in a western town with a view to publication. With a view to assisting the brave Colonel, and his devoted wife mrs. lindberg to bring back to her bosom the tender offspring, with his tiny arms around her neck, with his little fingers causing that joy...