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!

Lassoing Fish Through Ice

1905

Unique Sport Enjoyed on a Potomac Branch Stream

In Hardy county, W. Va., the south fork of the south branch of the Potomac resolves itself into a series of fishing or swimming holes connected by riffles. The water is from two to five feet deep and quite clear.

When the ice forms on these ponds the men and boys indulge in a unique mode of fishing.

Three holes are cut in the ice in line across stream, at which are stationed as many men with snares or strip loops of soft copper wire that will tighten on being drawn round an object. These men kneeling by the holes watch for the fish to pass.

The others in the sport go, some to one end of the pond, others to the other. Those downstream, by stamping or beating on the ice with rails, start the fish upstream, when the men stationed at the holes try to snare them. The men upstream in turn drive the fish back past the holes.

The process is repeated again and again, until the mess of fish is obtained, or the enthusiasm of the fishermen is exhausted. — Country Life in America.

"Specialties" at Beehive Store

1899

All retailers like to have and announce their specialties ; and sometimes, it seems, such commercial specialties may take on a very general character. A travelling man tells the Washington Star that, while visiting lately a small but enterprising town in West Virginia, he came upon the following sign:

"THE BEEHIVE STORE,
"Ronceverte, W. Va.

"Dealers in General Merchandise and Country Produce of Every Kind.

SPECIALTIES: Coffins, Caskets and Burial Supplies; Salt, Bacon and Lard; Hides, Furs and Live Foxes."

In addition to these somewhat diverse specialties, the proprietor of the store carried on the business of a fire insurance agent. — Youth's Companion.