Flashback Friday - Taxes and Threatening and Annoying Letters

Taxes in 1921!

Income Tax Facts

Births, deaths and marriages during the year 1920 affect materially income tax returns for that year.

Millions of babies were added to family circles, each of whom brings an exemption of $200 in the parents' income tax returns.

Widows and widowers who lost their husbands or wives during the year are especially affected. They are single for the purposes of the income tax law and are granted only an exemption of $1000, unless the head of a family.

Persons who were divorced or separated by mutual agreement during the year must also consider themselves as single persons.

The status of the taxpayer on Dec. 31, 1920, determines the amount of the exemptions. If on that day the taxpayer was married and living with wife or husband, claim may be made for the $2000 exemption. If single, or married and not living with wife or husband on Dec. 31, the exemption is only $1000.

Persons who reached majority during the year and whose earnings for that period amounted to $1000 or more, or $2000 or more, according to their marital status, must file a return and pay a tax on their net income in excess of those amounts.

To avoid penalty, the return must be in the hands of the Collector of Internal Revenue for the district in which the taxpayer lives, or has his principal place of business, on or before midnight of March 15, 1921.

--Casa Grande Bulletin, February 12, 1921

THREATENED PRESIDENT.

Brooklyn Man Says He Wrote Mr. Harding Hoping to Get $300,000.

--The New York Times, April 19, 1921

I didn't see any record of what happened to him since then, but yes, there have been people a little touched in the head for at least 90 years... But they took him to court in Coney Island.

Speaking of Coney Island (how is that for a flimsy segueway?), this Saturday in 2011 is when the famous Cyclone and the new Luna Park open for the season.

Back in the 1840s, of course, people visited Coney Island for the fresh air and even to see nature. Now people also go for thrill rides!

Saturday Bonus - San Carlos Week - Casa Grande - April 4-8, 1921

In Casa Grande, they were excited about San Carlos Week:

SAN CARLOS WEEK
April 4-8

Next week is San Carlos Week. Meaning that throughout the length and breath (sic) of the Casa Grande Valley the business men and farmers will discuss and attend meetings, or rallys, called to perfect a strong movement to secure the construction of the San Carlos Dam, the great storage reservoir, in the Box Canyon, of the Gila river. The dam which will turn this valley to one of the greatest agricultural districts in America, and double the population of Phoenix and Tucson, with Florence and Casa Grande, the valley's commercial centers, putting on a growth which will amaze the west. This is not imagination. The history of the Salt River Valley, the growth of Central and Southern California, and other communities which have been stimulated by development of irrigation, and organized marketing of products, demonstrates that there is not in Arizona today a man with imagination so fertile that he will exaggerate in portraying what the future holds forth under the magic of abundance of water in this valley.

The fight for the building of the San Carlos dam was started by a handfull (sic) of pioneers over thirty years past. The gradual growth of this valley was caused by the publicity created by their efforts. Later the good work was carried on and government investigations have declared the great project feasible and practical.

For several years it has been up to Congress to say the word and the reclaiming of this valley would have been one of the grandest and most profitable business ventures the nation could have entered into to (sic) for the people.

Money provided for the building of dams is returned and the building up of a great country is an asset to the nation.

The whole state of Arizona has everything to gain in standing shoulder to shoulder with Pinal county in the movement to secure favorable congressional action this year towards obtaining the necessary appropriation and the ordering of construction of the dam.

San Carlos Week has been inaugurated so that the whole valley can hear a report of the work done by the San Carlos Committee of Six who were selected by the people to represent them in carrying on the work of ekeping the building of the San Carlos Dam before the leaders of the country. Intense interest will be taken in the meetings which are to be addressed by a representative of this Committee.

The outlook for the San Carlos was never better.

The work to get it must show speed this year.

A reclamation administration is now in control and Arizona's representatives are pledged and ready to do their duty. "Let's go."

--The Casa Grande Bulletin, April 2, 1921

It appears that dam was completed in 1928 as the Coolidge Dam. Whatever you might think about the ecological implications of dams, I think those Casa Grande citizens WOULD be amazed to see the Valley today, in part due to the dam they championed.

Structurae has some photos.

The online archives don't have a Casa Grande Bulletin OR a asa Grande Dispatch for the next week, so I wonder if even the newspaper folks were busy promoting San Carlos Days.

The dam was such big news, it trumped a high school dedication!

HIGH SCHOOL NOTES
---
A large audience attended the dedication exercises last Friday afternoon at the local school. The short program and dedication speeches arranged were enjoyed very much. After the program the building was open to public inspection, the new swimming pool proving to be the most attractive feature.

--The Casa Grande Bulletin, April 2, 1921

---

If this the one they are talking about, it's gorgeous.

Flashback Friday - March 13, 1921 - March 19, 1921 - Earthquakes, Airplanes, Whisky...

The seasonal post comes first, and it's from the Casa Grande Bulletin!

The dance given St. Patrick's night by the American Ladies Benevolent Association proved to be an exceedingly good one and was thoroughly enjoyed by the large crowd which filled the hall. Delicious home made cake, with lemonade, were the refreshments offered and the refreshment tables were well potronized (sic). Miss Helen Browne sang "Mother Machree" and "My Wild Irish Rose." The decorations were in harmony with the occasion and were beautifully arranged. Altogether the dance was the best one this year.

--The Casa Grande Bulletin, March 19, 1921

Earthquakes are on a lot of people's minds today. But back in the 1920s?

PREDICTS BIG JERSEY QUAKE

Southern Part of State to Be Shaken Next Saturday, Says Prof. Cole.

Special to The New York Times....

--The New York Times, March 13, 1921

Professor Edgar Cole predicted an earthquake "between 3 and 7 o'clock next Saturday." Didn't come to pass.

I didn't actually see any articles on Reeves Hill, so I assume they mean this one. Note the horrifying descriptions at the front, followed by an expert explaining "it was nothing" at the end.

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES UP-STATE VILLAGES

Lake George, Fort Edward and Other Towns Experience Third Shock in Fortnight.

--The New York Times, January 28, 1921

Moving on!

LUCILLE WILL MOVE
----
Dressmaker Leases House on East Fifty-fourth Street.

--The New York Times, March 19, 1921

It appears they're talking about Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon. If that page is right, she invented the fashion runway.

SUGAR IS ACTIVE AFTER ADVANCE.

Another Increase in Price by Cuban Commission Feared by Dealers.

--The New York Times, March 19, 1921

Sugar was 5 1/4 cents per pound (an advance!). Local refiners raised the price from 6.85 cents to 8 cents per pound.

Bulk prices on March 16, 2011 were listed at about 61 cents a pound on this page on NASDAQ.com.

Victim of Prohibition, kind of:

WOMAN DIES IN A RAID.

Wife is Overcome When Revenue Officers Take Husband's Whisky.

--The New York Times, March 19, 1921

She was in poor health but dropped dead of "excitement."


Found this interesting because 1) the New York Times found it worth reporting and 2) it looks like they DID keep from incorporating.

PALM BEACH ASKS CHARTER.

Wants to Avert Any Project to Incorporate With Other Communities.

Special to The New York Times.

Palm Beach, in the Winter, has a population of 5,000, while in the Summer it is practically a deserted village except for watchmen and employes of the hotels. Winter residents want to keep control of its affairs out of the hands of permanent inhabitants in the thriving town of West Palm Beach, across the lake....

--The New York Times, March 19, 1921

Speaking of Florida:

AIRPLANE KILLS WOMAN.

Strikes Her While She is Gathering Shells on Florida Beach.

--The New York Times, March 14, 1921

All articles believed to be public domain per US law.

Saturday Bonus - Flashback - Casa Grande Bulletin - February 19 and 26, 1921

I got so caught up in New York stories last week, I was rather remiss in missing the one actual piece of news I've seen in the Casa Grande Bulletin since I started skimming it for articles. From the typos, it appears this story may have been put together in a rush. I don't know when the Bulletin went to press each week; I'd guess Thursday, maybe Friday--the paper's publication date is Saturday, but the full article does mention something occurring Thursday morning.

Sudden Death of Supervisor Chas. Howard Davis Shocks Community

Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock the unconscious body of Dr. Chas Howard Davis, supervisor of Pinal county, was found in the road a short distance from the Jemison ranch by the Kennedy boys, who were on their way to Casa Grande after oil. They took the body to Jemison's and a check book with a card bearing the Doctor's name was found thus identifying him.

As soon as his identity had been definitely established Mr. Jemison drove over to the Davis ranch for Mrs. Davis and took her to the Doctor's bedside where she remained until the last.

Messengers were sent to this city for physicians and Dr. Gungle responded. Upon arriving, he stated that in his opinion the Doctor was suffering from appoplexy. Every effort was made to restore him to consciousness but without avail as he died about 11 o'clock that night....

As a mark of respect all stores and business houses closed from from (sic) 2:30 to 4 p.m....

At first it was thoght (sic) the Doctor had been held up and robbed and Deputy Sherrifs Cates and Mills were soon on the ground. On examining the ground four silver dollars were found near the Ford car which had been found with the lights on and the clutch in high at the foot of an elevation in the road. A five dollar bill had been in his pockets. These combined led to the belief that the Doctor had had a stroke of apploplexy (sic).

The Doctor's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Davis, who reside in Los Angeles, arrived here Thursday morning.

Dr. Davis was born in Indiana, June 26, 1868.

Besides his wife and 20 months old daughter, the Doctor left to mourn his loss, mother, father and sister, Mrs. J. P. Chantry, who lives near Eloy.

Dr. Davis had for a number of years been located on the west coast Mexico being chief oculist for the Southern Pacific R.R. He came to this valley about eight years ago and bought a ranch a few mile (sic) east of here. In 1918 he was elected supervisor for Pinal county and was re-elected in 1920, which term he was serving at the time of his death.

--The Casa Grande Bulletin, February 19, 1921

It appears by "appoplexy" they mean either a sudden loss of consciousness or a stroke. I did a quick Google search on both "Chas" and Charles Howard Davis, but couldn't find any references.

So between yesterday's New York Times saga and that sad story, I found the Casa Grande Bulletin adorable for February 26, 1921. All from February 26, 1921.

Remember The Man About Town complaining about punctuality last week?

The Man About Town Says:

There is little use of trying to keep up with the Jones. Why not be yourself and try to keep up with your best self?

The Woman's club concert started promptly on time. Keep the good work up.

I heard a stranger say, "He never saw such hopeful people in his life as the citizens of Casa Grande."

While there is life there is hope. The diversion dam is coming and so is the new Bond issue. Be sure to vote a big YES for it.

--Casa Grande Bulletin, February 26, 1921

And front page story, "above the fold":

The Sunday School of the Baptist church attended the morning service last Sunday after which seven autos took a party of fifty to the Casa Grande mountains for a basket lunch. After the spread a number of the party climbed to the top. An hour or so later they all returned to their homes well pleased with their outing."

--Casa Grande Bulletin, February 26, 1921

--All stories believed to be in public domain per US Law.

Flashback Friday - Women, Heels, Moral Gown and Equality - February 15-19, 1921

Again, these are stories from 1921.

So the keywords I used today were "women" and "suffrage," inspired by the National Woman's Party convention that took place this weekend 90 years ago. And here I had thought that the "equality" movement started in the 1960s! I was also interested to see the President's daughter speaking at what sounds like it would have been a somewhat revolutionary gathering...

ABSOLUTE EQUALITY WOMEN'S NEW CRY

It captures the convention of the National Woman's Party.

READY TO YIELD PRIVILEGES

Mrs. Nora Blatch Barney's Proposal to That Effect Is Received With Cheers

Special to The New York Times.

--The New York Times, February 17, 1921

SUFFRAGE STATUE GIVEN TO NATION

Women Unveil Memorial of Pioneer Leaders in Rotunda of the Capitol.

--The New York Times, February 16, 1921

I find the statue a bit homely, particularly as it has a big uncarved portion! There are some good pictures and a summary at this page--the site claims that the statue was unveiled February 15, 1921 (which is correct per the article)...and that it was placed in the basement one day later!


OK, now that we've been mildly educated, on to fashion! I do hate heels, but it appears the human race has survived them nonetheless. (Yes, the article says due to high heels we are "dying physically" and that 87% of women's problems are cuased by them!)

STAND BY HIGH HEELS.

Massachusetts Shoe Men Oppose Law Banning Them.

--The New York Times, February 15, 1921

It is amazing the changes that occurred in fashion in just 10 years or so, if you imagine Victorian and Edwardian clothes, versus 1920s wear...

RIDICULE "MORAL" GOWN.

Lady Randolph Churchill and Dr. Chesser Assail Proposal.

Copyright, 1921, by The New York Times Company.

Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES.

--The New York Times, February 16, 1921

Chapter 5 of "Only Yesterday" describes the "moral gown" as being "very loose-fitting" with "sleeves...just below the elbows" and a "hem...within seven and a half inches of the floor." Times sure have changed.

STATE GETS $37,354,865.

140,000 Women Paid $6,500,000 in First Year's Income Tax

--The New York Times, February 18, 1921

One more for equality! :/

WOMEN AID IN BURGLARIES.

Get Jobs as Servants and Help Husbands Gather the Loot.

Special to The New York Times.

--The New York Times, February 17, 1921

And I think that dear fellow at the Casa Grande Bulletin had a rough week (as well as the continual encouragement to pass the bond issue, which seems a bit biased!).

The Man About Town Says:

If you have faith in the Casa Grande that is to be, be sure and vote for the new light and water bond issue.

Don't you think it would be a good thing to organize a "Be On Time" club.

What is the use of announcing an affair for a given hour and then start it from one-half to three quarters of an hour later.

Announce a time; begin on time. Thus be fair to all.

--Casa Grande Bulletin, February 19, 1921

All articles believed to be in public domain per United States law

Flashback Friday - "Perfect Girl"? Valentine's Day 1921

Hey, everyone!

So the New York Times archives only list 8 articles with the word "valentine" in the headline from February 10 - February 16, 1921. Makes my work easy.


Here's one that made my jaw drop a bit.

AMERICA'S 1918 MOST PERFECT GIRL WEDS

Miss Betsy Buell, Selected by Smithsonian Institution, Marries Frank R. Valentine....

--The New York Times, February 15, 1921

Yes. America's most "perfect girl" married Mr. Valentine, on Valentine's Day. I wonder what ever became of them.


Pretty much the rest of the stories are about charity benefits and the like.

FRANKIE BAILEY, VALENTINE.

Stage Favorite of Long Ago Takes a Benefit in Costume Ball.

--The New York Times, February 15, 1921

Though the article makes her sound like a rather old lady (and she WAS over 60 at the time), Ms. Bailey lived to 1953, and appeared in a few films in the mid-1920s. You can see a picture of her legs at Find a Grave.

BIG TEA PARTY GIVES HOOVER FUND $32,500

Society Bids at Biltmore for Boxes and Seats for Gala Performance of 'Carmen.'

HOPPER THE AUCTIONEER

His Wit and Antics Stimulate Sales--Clock Ticks off $134,736 as New Yorks' Gift Since Saturday.

--The New York Times, February 15, 1921

I gotta say, Ms. Bailey's benefit sounds like more fun to me.


I would have thought that the Casa Grande Bulletin would have had something about Arizona statehood--February 14, 1921, Arizona was having its ninth (!) birthday. Nothing there, though.

But for the sports fans, they did have a story about the big game that happened the prior Sunday:

Local Fans Enjoy Game
Notwithstanding a cold wind that blew from the souhtwest (sic), quite a good-sized crowd gathered last Sunday to watch the scrub game between the local players of the North and South Side. There was quite an interesting game, which see-sawed until the end of the eighth inning, when the game was called with the score 8 to 8. There were some new players, some of whom gave promise of becoming a fixture on the regular team. A game has been arranged for tomorrow afternoon. The fans should all turn out and get a line on the new material. Game will be called about 3 o'clock...

--Casa Grande Dispatch, February 12, 1921

Jana Bommersbach's post gets a bit political but it's worth skimming just for the description of celebrations back on February 14, 1912, when Arizona became a state. I do wish that we had more planned for our centennial but I haven't heard anything.

Sharlot Hall, Arizona historian, wore this copper dress to deliver Arizona's electoral votes to Washington D.C., circa 1924, per The Prescott Victorian Society site.

AND, if you want some thoughts of the true meaning of Valentine's Day, Nadine had some intriguing thoughts on her blog.

If not, happy Arizona Statehood Day, a few days early. :)

(From the Sharlot Hall Museum, 2008--not actually a Valentine, but I thought it was sweet :) )

*All newspaper articles believed to be in the public domain per US law

Flashback Friday - January 21, 1921

Again, I mostly take stories from the Saturday after, because the stories themselves generally occurred that Friday. Aside from huge stories (and not always then, even), news wasn't really instantaneous in the early 1920s. Radio spread throughout the decade, but in 1921 it was really fairly obscure, kind of like the Internet.

HECKLED A PRINCESS.

Brooklyn Man Asks Why Princess Cantacuzene Pleads for Russia's Starving....

--New York Times, January 22, 1921

Julia Dent Cantacuzène Spiransky-Grant (1876-1975) married a Russian Prince in 1899 and moved to Russia with him. She was there during the Russian Revolution and she wrote a book about her experiences. If you believe it, she eventually moved to Sarasota, Florida! Can you imagine seeing so many changes in your life? She was reportedly born IN the White House, while her grandfather was in office, and became a Russian princess, moved back to America, was divorced...never mind the technological and societal changes she lived to see. I can hardly even fathom it!

Old-time Ponzi schemes. The article linked uses rather more blunt language than we see in mainstream publications today, such as "gullible.":

'FEMALE PONZI'S' FIANCE CALLS HER SWINDLER...

--New York Times, January 22, 1921

Not only did there not used to be income tax at all, but the tax code has become so complex, they've added a full month to the deadline we had 90 years ago!

INCOME TAX FORMS READY

Those for Small Returns to Be Distributed Next Week.....

--New York Times, January 22, 1921

I find this job listing interesting, as it allows men or women! Worth reading the linked article.

The Civil Service....

--New York Times, January 22, 1921

And a shout-out to Bisbee, Arizona!

"SAVE MY BABY," SHE CRIED

And Three Firemen Risked Their Lives--It Was a Dog.....

--New York Times, January 22, 1921

*All articles believed to be in public domain per US law.

Flashback Friday - Things Never Change - January 14, 1921

You know something awesome? The days of the week in 1921 correspond perfectly to 2011. So January 14, 1921 was a Friday too. Neat, huh? Except Easter was in March in 1921. (Still on a Sunday, though. ;) )

Speaking of things not changing, check out these stories published January 15, 1921 (occurred January 14):

This unbalanced, armed man reminded me of the horrible shootings in Tucson.

KILLS MAN HE FEARED AS EVIL INFLUENCE

Montreal Major Shoots Broker He Says Held Him Under a Spell.

FELT CONTROL FOR YEARS

Strange Story Vouched For by Priests, Relatives and Friends of the Soldier....--New York Times, January 15, 1921

Mayor Bob Griffith in Montreal was sure a man, Bill Holland, put an "evil influence" over him, so he shot him.



Hit-and-runs are nothing new.

AUTOS KILL 2 WOMEN THEN SPEED AWAY...--New York Times, January 15, 1921

Two different women were killed by black limousines that didn't stop!

Arson existed, though it's my understanding that we no longer dynamite buildings to create firebreaks:

FIFTEEN BUILDINGS BURNED.

Clearfield, Pa. Suffers Heavily From Supposed Firebugs....

--New York Times, January 15, 1921

Five fire companies were summoned to fight a fire that destroyed 15 buildings, including the buildings for the Madera Times, two movie theaters, and the Hileman Hotel.

And don't forget speculating on commodities.

DEFEND GRAIN SPECULATION
Chicago Board of Trade Representatives and Cornell Professor Heard..

--New York Times, January 15, 1921

Joseph P. Griffin, President of the Chicago Board of Trade, says "Exchanges cannot function without speculation" and that hedging helps the public.


*All articles believed to be in the public domain per US law.