Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Three boys, ages 11, 10 and 7, broke into a saloon, stole cash and cigars, and then proceeded to spend their ill-gotten gains on ice cream and amusement rides at Natatorium Park.

The park’s assistant manager became suspicious when he noticed the three barefoot boys had taken numerous rides on the roller coaster and five rides each on the scenic railway. They had also gorged themselves on ice cream.

He asked them where they obtained the money for this splurge. They said they had been playing hide-and-seek and found the money behind a saloon at Monroe Street and Mallon Avenue. The boys still had nearly $17 in cash between them.

Police arrived and took the boys to the saloon. Officers found a broken window and open door. The boys confessed that they boosted the smallest boy through the broken window, who opened the door. Then they all went inside and “took all the silver in sight and divided it according to their ages.”

They were taken to juvenile court.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1858: A telegraphed message from Britain’s Queen Victoria to U.S. President James Buchanan was transmitted over the recently laid trans-Atlantic cable.

1977: Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 42.