The Englishman and His Trap Joke
An Englishman at a Chicago hotel orders a trap from a desk clerk and later discovers the hotel carpenter has brought a literal trap. He pays half a dollar, roars with laughter, and concedes the joke is on America.
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Newspaper
Wayne County Herald
Location
Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jul 18, 1901
Page
3
An Englishman at a Chicago hotel orders a trap from a desk clerk and later discovers the hotel carpenter has brought a literal trap. He pays half a dollar, roars with laughter, and concedes the joke is on America.
An observer details a beaver grooming itself at close range, noting the beaver tucked its tail and used its hind feet and forepaws to reach all areas. The careful, deliberate process lasted over a quarter hour as daylight faded, with the observer undisturbed at three feet distance.
The article traces military salutes from hand to head gestures. It links the origin to medieval tournaments and coronation pageantry. It notes sword hilt and blade positions signifying fealty, courtesy, or submission, with various explanations for raising the hand to the brow or forehead.
Professor Lanciani argues ancient Rome built ten to twelve story structures in Augustus's era. Later periods reportedly produced even higher buildings rivaling modern apartments. Constantinople's skyline reportedly blocked Emperor Constantine's view of the water from his palace.
An elderly Scotsman is jailed for a minor offence. The warder offers a pail of water next morning saying it is to clean you well. Returning later, the man sees Randy with his leg removed and saving two baths, prompting a bewildered exchange about cleaning himself and his wounds.
In a Tit Bits fragment, a peacemaker halts a quarrel between two men who trade insults. One calls the other a thief, the other a lazy loafer, yet the peacemaker stays calm, noting that a disagreement over opinions need not end in fighting and that both may be right.
A humorous exchange shows Mr Bowers questioning the need for a new thermometer while Mrs Bowers insists a borrowed barometer is useful. The joke ends with Bee noting it says rain and it is indeed raining, illustrating playful domestic logic.
A mother comments that her son is four as the conductor asks if he is married. The boy stands beside his mother in a Broadway car last week, while a playful, sarcastic exchange unfolds about the child's age and future. The note closes with a whimsical line about a dog guiding attention to a bright star.
A fragmentary poem describes an old orchard scarred by wind and fire. The speaker contemplates fallen trees, burning embers, and a shifting memory of summer as the snow coats the orchard floor. The piece ends noting authorship by M. A. DeWelle from Atizetic.
Longman's Magazine recounts the popularity of games at court under the Hanoverians. Whist and quadrille rose as favorites, with large wagers on Twelfth Night. It notes royal and noble participation, gambling laws, and anecdotes such as Lady Cowper protecting her children, and card-backed writings like the retreat order at Colleden.
The piece recalls Horace Greeley leaving frank notes on his dislike of his legible writing. In New York he sent a telegram he failed to translate, causing a stir. In a barber shop he woke to find the missive unreadable and exclaimed at the author of the message.
The article notes diplomacy hinges on social culture and courtly savvy. It cites Washington practice, stressing embassies rely on ministers' sociability for international bargaining. It also reports Dr Freer’s address at the M E Church, and local incidents: Albert Graybill’s heat collapse in Creston, Mrs Hoyer’s death in West Virginia with Loudonville interment, and Josiah Meck’s pension raise to $17 monthly in Doylestown.
At Monday’s council meeting, merchants petitioned to force Charles Zarlengo to cease business on the west side of the square citing unrest. A bond settlement proposal seeks new bonds payable at par with reduced interest. David Martin named special police officer at $25 monthly to serve the current council term. A $3 annual light fund for the band stead was approved. Items referred to street and finance committees and Central Union Telephone Co rights referred to finance.
Minnie Zaver of Cleveland visited at home with a female friend over Sabbath. Rev Becksed family to move into the new Lutheran parsonage. Presbyterian to collect for China sufferers next Sabbath. Creston excursion to Cedar Point Thursday. Phillip Landes of Wooster to speak at C E Society and organize missionary study class next Sabbath evening. Mrs Oller of Smithville and Mrs Owen of Berea visiting Haskins family. Carr Anderson and son from Pittsburgh to visit Somers. Gay Totten injured breaking a collarbone while loading hay last Wednesday. C E Society to host ice cream supper Saturday evening July 27 at Gen Mathes home. cordial invitations extended.
The report notes steady gains in contributions despite hot weather and vacation slowdowns. Since the last tally, 1901 and 1904 funds have increased to 10683.69 and 19983.67 respectively, with the State Fund at 353.598. Oliver W. Stewart urged supporters to remit from Manhattan Building Chicago as Prof Notestein and Prof Compton report vacation and fishing camp activities.
Shreve and Stark county items note residents like James Newkirk discharged from bankruptcy court in Cleveland. Obits include Len E. Taylor aged 1? and Lidia Swindhbert of Latten... July events, accidents, divorces, and local business moves are summarized with mentions of shipping, farming, and court actions.
An old classified style note touts Hall's Catarrh Cure as a constitutional remedy for catarrh. It claims internal action on blood and mucous surfaces and offers a $1000 reward for any case not cured. Includes testimonials and Toledo address for purchase.
Multiple property transfers listed from Saltcreek Twp to Shreve, including 40 acres for 2045 dollars and 84 acres for 63584, involving buyers such as Jules Merillat, Wm C Floom, and trustees. Transactions cover Orrville, Sugarcreek Two, Greene Two, Dal ton, Chippewa Twp, and Wooster with prices ranging from 40 to 9,900 dollars and no consideration in one case.
East Liberty market news notes steady cattle with prime heavy at 6.20 to 6.25, medium around 6.2x, various bids. Sheep and lambs supply fair, best offerings steady, good quality lambs bring around 3.75 to 4.00, other grades shown. Also a recruitment ad seeks trustworthy men and women for advertising with paid cash salary and travel, address 435 Caxton Ridge Chicago.
Stewart Williamsport Pennsylvania July 18 Stated rail excursion offers annual trip to Milwaukee Wisconsin via Pennsylvania Lines. Tickets priced fifty cents with deposit, advance purchase by July 27 entitles return extension to August 10. Grand Lodge will address attendees at 10 AM at a local community hall.
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