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Groundhogs and a hoax shape a Kansas reporter’s day
In Monmouth Kansas on February 1 1921 reporter Fred Brinkerhoff creates a groundhog test tale using a fictitious Willheimer and five fake animals. The story spreads nationwide prompting debates and mock headlines before the hoax collapses as letters are trapped by postal regulations. Brinkerhoff later recalls the prank as his only fiction effort.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fred Brinkerhoff
Ottawa Herald
The
Herald
Kenneth Mace
Brinkerchoff
Pittsburg
Fred W. Brinkerhoff
Monmouth
Kan
John Wiliheimer
Willheimer
Lightning Creek
Will
Brinkerhoff
A.P
New York Tribune
John Willhelemer
Kansas
Willhelmer
John Willhelmer, Jr
San Willits
New York Evening Post
Boston Globe
Lena B. Wylie
John Willhelmer
Fred'Suppe
Suppe
Willehelmer
Wylie
Mr. Willhelmer
George H. Booker
Booker
Monemouth
Wittsburg Headlight
Sun
Associated Press
Lena Wylie
John Willeheimer