© Frank H. Jump
The verb to annoy is verveelen in Dutch (pronounced “fer-fail`-en”). When passing the Robert’s Books & Stationery / Kornblau-Goldblum Supply Co signs on the Major Deegan Expressway, I never thought I’d be rediscovering another odd Dutch street name. Brooklyn has its Varkens Hoek (Hog’s Corner) and Paerdegats (Horse’s Hole) street names and the Bronx has its Annoying Place. But in all reality, this street probably got its name from a Dutchman with the surname, ver Veelen. Read the genealogical study of this family name by John Blythe Dobson for the New York Genealogical & Biographical Record – April, 2002.
