In my historical research, I've come across many unique tidbits of information that serve basically no purpose other than being interesting. Here is some of the info I've run across and maybe someone else will find them a little interesting as well. In January 1911, in Brooklyn, New York, a young man by the name of John Michels was arrested for stealing jewelry. He was incarcerated, and prior to being locked up, he asked his friends to help keep his 80-cigarette-a-day habit going. Unfortunately, his friends were not able to supply him with 80, and couldn't even cough up a few over a two day span. In that time, Michels quickly fell sick, was hospitalized, and soon died. The deprivation of cigarettes was blamed on his death. The 1900 United States Federal Census tabulated that 12,488 people were living in Nome, Alaska during the gold rush. By the time the 1910 Census was taken, only 2,600 people remained. The rest had gone on to their next moneymaking venture. A boxing match was scheduled to be held in Gregory, South Dakota on February 2, 1911 between Bill Steward and "Dummy" West, but both men were arrested before the fight could be staged - maybe because boxing was outlawed in the city. Upon release, the two men "eluded" officers and staged their scheduled match somewhere just "outside of town." Steward of Wayne, Nebraska and West of Gregory, ended up fighting 10 rounds to a stalemate until 2:00 a.m. on February 3. They sure were determined to fight this bout. Just how many people saw it? Chicago Cubs ballplayer Joe Pepitone received two traffic tickets on April 6, 1971 for displaying expired plates and driving without a license. In the midst of the situation, Pepitone said to the two officers, "You guys must be White Sox fans." On January 20, 1920, hundreds of students and faculty members from Simmons College in Abilene, Texas attended the funeral of the school's mascot white bulldog known as "Dammit." A student spoke at the funeral, saying that "Every dog has his day," and the campus grave stone where he was buried read, "Dammit, he's dead." The Associated Press reported on December 21, 1936 that a 74-year-old man was returning to the ring to box a 45-year-old opponent in Rockland, Maine on January 1, 1937. William "Bill" Withee was a former Grand Rapids, Michigan police officer and bare-knuckle fighter, and stood 6'3". He owned a restaurant in Bangor. His opponent was a promoter in Rockland named Oliver Hamlin. Withee won his comeback match, knocking his rival "to his knees five times and floored him for a six-count at the bell of their exhibition." Research by Tim Hornbaker |
Historical Odds & Ends - Non Wrestling Related |