Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

“Dear Mr. Burglar” was the headline on a large ad taken out by Frank T. Bailey. It consisted of a letter to the unidentified burglar who crept into the home of May Arkwright Hutton the night before.

“You took a few things we want very badly; you left many things we wish you had taken,” said Bailey, who was apparently staying with the Huttons.

He noted with satisfaction that the burglar overlooked the most valuable item in the house, a diamond pin, but took some watches “with value only as keepsakes.”

“Your predilection for watches is something frightful and I am sorry to see it – everybody says it’s unprofessional and stamps you as an amateur,” wrote Bailey.

However, one of these watches had sentimental value. Bailey wrote, a bit sarcastically, that “we will gladly exchange some poems and lectures, all first-class and in good condition, for the return of this watch.” More practically, he offered to pay, “to any reasonable extent you can mention,” for their return.

Mrs. Hutton told the newspaper she believed the thief hid himself in their house until they all left for the theater.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

2014: Reality star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West wed in Florence, Italy.