Collyer’s Mansion
n.— «In New York City, and along much of the East Coast, a dwelling jammed rafter-high with junk is referred to by rescue personnel, with dismay and no small degree of respect, as a “Collyers’ Mansion.” As in, primary searches delayed because of Collyers’ Mansion conditions.» —“‘Collyers’ Mansion’ Is Code for Firefighters’ Nightmare” by Andy Newman New York Times July 5, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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Carl in Sebastopol, California, was reminded of his childhood on New York’s Lower East Side while ready Harry Golden’s book For 2 Cents Plain (Amazon), the title referring to how customers ordered a plain glass of seltzer. For a little...