Category Archives: Comics

‘Borax King’s’ Divorce Goes to Judge

Posted on February 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

"Wonder What the Girl on the Magazine Cover Thinks About?" by Clare Briggs. Feb. 19, 1920: The Times summarizes the main points in the divorce trial of Thomas Thorkildsen, the “Borax King,” as the case goes to the … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock, Feb. 18, 1960

Posted on February 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

Squaw Valley Squawk Doubtless it is attributable to crotchety advancing age but the Squaw Valley gymkhana leaves me cold. So a flock of virile young people are going sliding in the snow. What does that prove? Outside of … Continue reading →

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Prisoner to Hang in Chicago

Posted on February 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

“The Holdout,” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 18, 1920: In Chicago, the sheriff prepares to hang another prisoner. "If capital punishment means anything at all it is a deterrent to further crime and an example to others. The very class … Continue reading →

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Luring Gay Bachelors Into the Seas of Matrimony

Posted on February 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Oh, Man!” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 17, 1920: Here we have another story about the Bachelors Ball. The Times’ account gives the entire guest list and describes many of the elaborate costumes. One of the highlights of the … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock, Feb. 16, 1960

Posted on February 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

Father vs. Son Jimmy, 19, got off to a bad start, no question about that. His mother took off when he was 7 and there was a divorce. He started getting in trouble early in his teens. He was … Continue reading →

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Tregoff Sobs on Witness Stand

Posted on February 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times Attorney Donald Bringgold and Carole Tregoff during a recess in the Finch trial. “Thousands of Dog Teeth!” Unfortunately, the continuation of this story wasn’t microfilmed, so this is all we have. Feb. … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Comics, Countdown to Watts, Dodgers, Homicide, Nightclubs, Photography | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock, Feb. 15, 1960

Posted on February 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

Traffic Lesson Cost This Motorist $27 As she approached a pedestrian zone about two blocks from a school in Burbank, a lady named Marilyn saw a child step off the curb and she prepared to stop. Just then the … Continue reading →

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Mayor Seeks Money for More Police Officers

Posted on February 15, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Who’s Afraid of Ghost Stories?” by R.F. Outcault. Feb. 15, 1920: City officials say they desperately need more police officers but don’t have the money for their salaries. The Times suggests an answer – in a news story rather … Continue reading →

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A Man Is Dead and His Wife and Father Are in Jail

Posted on February 14, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Ain’t It a Grand and Glorious Feeling’?” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 14, 1920: John Zeoll is found shot to death in his bed and his wife and father are in custody on suspicion of murder. They were cleared the … Continue reading →

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New Studio Signs Stars, Plans Complex Near Culver City

Posted on February 13, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Oh, Man!” by Clare Briggs. Location sleuth, Feb. 13, 1920: “A section of Chinatown was practically remodeled early this week to conform to the exigencies of ‘The Heart of a Child,' from Frank Danby's novel, which is Nazimova's current Metro … Continue reading →

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Former Minister Accused of Abuse

Posted on February 12, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Wonder What a Twenty-Two Months-Old Baby Thinks About?” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 12, 1920: Walter H. Evans, a former Episcopal minister, is accused of extreme cruelty by his wife, who said she even wrote his sermons for him … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock, Feb. 11, 1960

Posted on February 11, 2010 by lmharnisch

A Visit From Ptex After an absence of several years, Tex, or as he prefers to spell it, Ptex, dropped in the other day to say hello. He brought with him, as he usually does, a great idea. … Continue reading →

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Caring for Stolen Car

Posted on February 11, 2010 by lmharnisch

“When a Feller Needs a Friend,” by Clare Briggs. [Note: The issue of child labor is a rare departure for Briggs, who usually kept his material humorous—lrh]. Feb. 11, 1920: Roy Mitchell denies stealing a car. Notice that The Times … Continue reading →

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Matt Weinstock, Feb. 10, 1960

Posted on February 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

The Recollectors Reading the testimony in the Finch trial, I am again filled with awe and admiration for those who can remember exactly where they were standing and what they were thinking when they heard the fatal shot or … Continue reading →

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‘A Certain Infection’ in ‘Borax King’ Divorce Trial

Posted on February 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Ain’t It a Grand and Glorious Feelin’?” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 10, 1920: More revelations in the divorce trial of “Borax King” Thomas Thorkildsen. Notice how daintily The Times treats this issue: "…the woman was the donor and the man … Continue reading →

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A Bungalow Above Broadway

Posted on February 9, 2010 by lmharnisch

“Wonder What a Candidate for the Third Degree Thinks About?” by Clare Briggs. [Briggs is referring to the Masons, in case you’re wondering]. Feb. 9, 1920: Walter P. Story has built a bungalow on top of his building … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Architecture, art and artists, Comics | Comments Off

Matt Weinstock, Feb. 8, 1960

Posted on February 8, 2010 by lmharnisch

Economics and Justice Eunice Carlisle happened to be in the courthouse on another matter a few days ago when Dr. R. Bernard Finch told all and she was unavoidably caught in the crush and excitement. She also was appalled … Continue reading →

Posted in Caryl Chessman, Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off

The Complicated Geometry of the Eternal Triangle

Posted on February 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

“That Guiltiest Feeling,” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 7, 1920: Talk about complicated. Schoolteacher Frieda C. Boehncke was in love with Phillip Eicholz but discovered he was married. Eicholz's wife sued Boehncke for $2,500 that her husband evidently gave … Continue reading →

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Stuntman Dies in Fall From Plane

Posted on February 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

“The Days of Real Sport,” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 6, 1920: A ghastly story. Stuntman Earle (or Earl) Burgess dies after performing stunts on the wing of a plane. He was clinging to the left landing skid when he … Continue reading →

Posted in Comics, Film, Hollywood, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Mother of Six Denies Using ‘Anti-Love Potion’ on Husband

Posted on February 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

“It Happens in the Best-Regulated Families,” by Clare Briggs. Feb. 5, 1920: Mary A. Briggs denies dosing her husband’s coffee with “anti-love potions.” The “considerable discord in their married life was the fact that she bore him six … Continue reading →