Appetite Frees Jailed Man

1919

FAIRMONT, West Virginia — The appetite of Harvey Martin, arrested on a charge of nonsupport, threatened to bankrupt the county, so he was released on his own recognizance.

The first meal Martin ordered after being placed in jail was 50 cents worth of hamburg steak, 25 cents worth of wieners, nine eggs, sliced tomatoes, creamed potatoes, two apple pies and four cups of coffee. His second meal outdid the first by 50 per cent in cost, and each succeeding meal showed that jail life and Martin would never be accused of incompatibility.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 12.

Comment: Hmm, so this is a jail where you can order anything you want. And if it turns out to be more expensive than they want to spring for they let you go. That sounds about right!