"A CLEVER COUNTRY FEMALE CAT NAMED 'BILL'"

POLICE CAT GIVES BIRTH TO FOUR KITTENS ON THE 4TH

Alexandria, Virginia (JFK+50) On July 7, 1925, The Washington Times reports that on July 4, 1925 four kittens were born to Alexandria* Police Department's "misnamed" feline mascot, 'Bill.'

This same thing happened last winter leading to many police officers calling "for a change of name."

They describe their mascot, however, as " a clever, country cat."

*Alexandria is located on the Potomac River just South of the Nation's Capital.  Founded in 1749, it is known for brick sidewalks & well-preserved 18th & 19th century buildings.  

SOURCE

"Alexandria's Police Cat Gives Force a 'Quartet'," The Washington Times, July 7, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Old Town

Alexandria, Virginia

photo by Ken Lund

www.flickr.com/

"SHE DID ME WRONG, BUT..."

SECOND HUSBAND WILLING TO FORGIVE MRS. VERMILLION 

Alexandria, Virginia (JFK+50) On February 5, 1925, The Washington Times reports that Mr. Elmer Flowers, claiming he is the second husband of Mrs. Leon Vermillion, "is planning to drop the case against his spouse."

Mrs. Vermillion, who is being held by police here in Alexandria* on a charge of bigamy**, says she "hates the sight of Flowers" while expressing "undying affection" for Leon Vermillion who she married in 1907.

Mr. Flowers, on the other hand, says...

"She did me wrong--but I am willing to forgive her."

JFK+50 NOTE

Legally, marriage is considered an exclusive property sharing contract between two people. Bigamy is a class C felony which can be fined up to $100,000 & sentenced up to 40 years in prison. In some cases, however, bigamy can be charged as a misdemeanor.

*Alexandria, founded in 1749, is located south of Washington, D.C. in the state of Virginia.  The city is known for its 'Old Town' which has restored 18th & 19th century houses & buildings with brick sidewalks.  

**bigamy is the act of going through a marriage ceremony while already married to another person.  

SOURCE

"Love's 'Wife' Despite Other Husband," The Washington Times, February 5, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

"Bigamy"

www.flickr.com/

"D.C. POLICE NO MATCH FOR HIGH-POWERED CRIME CAR"

SPECTACULAR D.C. POLICE CHASE ENDS WITH CRASH INTO COAL TRUCK

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 21, 1922, a "high-powered 1921" automobile led local police officers on a "spectacular" chase through the streets of the Nation's Capital.

The vehicle came into the city from Alexandria, Virginia and was suspected of containing bootleg whiskey.  The chase ended when the crime car crashed into a coal truck at 5th & O Streets, NW.

One of the suspects got out of the demolished vehicle and attempted to escape to a nearby railroad yard.  Donald Kane* was caught and placed under arrest, but his accomplice eluded capture.

Police found many quart jars of "corn whisky" in the back of the demolished car and had to guard its contents from the throng of spectators.

Despite the outcome of the chase, the Evening Star comments that this incident demonstrates the need for local police to have "more efficient equipment" as their police cars were no match for this high-powered vehicle.

*Donald Kane, at the time of this incident, was on probation with a 7 year suspended sentence for assaulting police officers.  The judge had given him probation on the grounds that Kane would "stay out of trouble."

SOURCE

"Shots Fly Thick As Police Chase Auto With Whiskey," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 21, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Crashed Model T (1922)

"I DIE HARD, BUT I AM NOT AFRAID TO GO."

PRESIDENT WASHINGTON DIES

Alexandria, Virginia (JFK+50) On December 14, 1799, George Washington*, former General of the Continental Army and first President of the United States passed away at Mount Vernon**.

The General, who was 67 years old, took a horseback ride on his estate two days before in snow, hail and freezing rain.  Late for his evening meal, the General dined in wet clothes.  The next morning he came down with a sore throat and hoarseness.

Dr. James Craik was called in when the General began to experience breathing difficulties.  George Washington told his old friend, "I die hard, but I am not afraid to go."

The General worshiped at Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  The first diary entry he made of attending services there was on July 15,  1773. After becoming president, he attended on July 4, 1793.  One of his Bibles was presented to the church on April 12, 1804 by George Washington Parke Custis.

General Washington asked that his remains not be entombed until three days after his passing.  The body was placed in a mahogany casket in the New Room of Mount Vernon.

*George Washington (1732-1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. GW served in the French & Indian War & was C&C of the Continental Army during the Revolution.  GW served as POTUS 1789-1797.

**Mount Vernon is located on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, VA.  MV was built by Augustine Washington in the 1730s. The funeral of GW was held here on Dec 18 1799 with burial in the family tomb on the estate.

 SOURCES

"Christ Church, Episcopal, Alexandria, Virginia," www.historicchristchurch.org/

"The Death of George Washington, Mount Vernon," www.mountvernon.org/

Mount Vernon Estate

Photo by Martin Falbisoner (2013)

www.commons.wikimedia.org