"IT'S ONE, TWO, THREE STRIKES YOU'RE OUT"

TWO HOSPITALIZED AS A RESULT OF FREE-FOR-ALL FIGHT DURING POLICE LEAGUE GAME

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On July 1, 1926, Associated Press reports "two base ball teams of policemen...wound up the contest (played yesterday) in a free-for-all fight."

Two men were taken to the hospital.  One, Edward Kane, who, as the umpire, made several calls during the game which were disputed by some players, was knocked unconscious at the end of the 7th inning along with a spectator who spoke in his favor.

Park Commissioners have barred all police teams from Lincoln Park.

JFK+50 NOTE

Many cities have baseball teams composed of law enforcement officers and first responders.  The Chicago Knights is a non-profit team which participates in charity events and hosts youth baseball.

SOURCE

"Police Ball Game Ends in Free Fight; Two in Hospital," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 1, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Police Baseball Cap

West Midlands Police Museum

Birmingham

Photo by Chris McKenna (2014)

"ANONYMOUS SAMARITAN OFFERING MEALS TO STUDENTS"

WANT A FREE LUNCH?  ENROLL AT HOBO COLLEGE

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On March 1, 1926, Associated Press reports that an anonymous Samaritan "has been dropping in regularly every day for a week" inviting students of Hobo College* to free lunches.

The numbers of students taking advantage of the offer have increased steadily from six to fifty.  At the end of a lecture yesterday, 300 students were treated to lunch at a local eatery.

*Hobo College, located on West Madison Street in Chicago, Illinois, was organized in 1924. The 'college' offered daily lectures on social & economic subjects & provided a reading & recreation room.  

Dr. Ben L. Reitman, director of HC, was reported in the NY Times (3-25-26) of suggesting a way to reduce crime in NYC was "to take young gangsters in hand & make something out of them."

SOURCES

"Finds 'Bum' Passed With The Saloon," The New York Times, March 25, 1926, www.nytimes.com/

"Hobo College Samaritan Hides Name After Laying Third Spread for Crowd," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 1, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Hobo Statue at Underground Atlanta

Aug 31 2011

Photo by Mrgiarc

"WHERE I GO, HE GOES, OR I DON'T GO!"

WOMAN REFUSES ADMITTANCE TO POOR FARM WITHOUT HER DOG

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On September 6, 1925, The Sunday Star reports that Mrs. Alice Hamilton, a 65 year old "destitute woman," was sent to the Poor Farm* but was not accepted because she refused to be admitted without her dog.

Mrs. Hamilton said...

"Trilby has saved my life twice, and where I go, he goes, or I don't go."

A municipal judge has "postponed a decision" on the matter.  In the meantime, she has been sent back to women's quarters at the South Clark Street station here in Chicago.

*Poor Farm, a.k.a. almshouse or county home, a publicly funded farm & residential institution providing food, shelter & basic care for the impoverished, disabled, and/or sick.  They were eventually replaced by professional social services & special institutions.

SOURCE

"Woman, 65, Destitute, Spurns Home That Refuses Admittance to Her Dog," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., September 6, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Frederick County, Virginia Poor Farm

Photo by AgnosticPreachersKid

2016

CC-SA 4.0

"i'M ONLY RUNNING AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND"

WIFE OF MILLIONAIRE RESISTS ARREST IN ATTEMPT TO FLEE TO EUROPE

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On December 3, 1924, the Associated Press reports Mrs. Dorothy Hillman*, wife of millionaire department store heir Edward Hillman, Jr.**, is determined to just "go away."  Mrs. Hillman apparently is bound for Europe by ocean liner...without Mr. Hillman.

Police attempted, directed by her husband, to detain Mrs. Hillman but she told them they would need a warrant.  Meanwhile, she jumped in a taxi to Fort Wayne, Indiana where she boarded a train.

Authorities boarded that train in Crestline, Ohio and when confronted a second time, Mrs. Hillman said...

"You can't arrest me.  You have no warrant and I'm only running away from my husband." 

*Dorothy Martin Hillman was from Evansville, Illinois, she married & divorced Edward Hillman, Jr. in 1924.

**Edward Hillman, Jr. (1900-1966) was born in Chicago, son of a wealthy family & 'something of a playboy.'  His father founded a successful department store chain & left his fortune to EHJ in 1927.  The son was also a successful polo player.  He would marry & divorce multiple times.

SOURCES

"Edward Hillman, Jr. (1900-1966), Wikitree, www.wikitree.com/

"Millionaire's Wife Defies Officers In Running Away From Her Husband," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 3, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Madison & State Streets

Chicago, Illinois 

1920s

www.picryl.com

 

"AND LEAVE SOMETHING TO THE IMAGINATION"

ENFORCEMENT OF BATHING SUIT ORDINANCE FUTILE IN CHICAGO 

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50) On June 6, 1923, The Indianapolis Times reports authorities in the Windy City "have realized the futility of trying to enforce an antique bathing suits ordinance."

The Times says that "the one-piece suit is still the vogue," but, even so, "its...appallingly small."

Beach censor Walter C. Wright is quoted as saying...

"Just wear something and leave something to the imagination."

SOURCE

"'Just Wear Something,' Chicago Bathing Edict," The Indianapolis Times, June 6,1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Suzanne Wurtz

1920

Getty Images via Picryl.com