Category Archives: #courts

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 10, 1960

Posted on February 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

A Pugilist's Destiny Is in His Hands     I won't kid you.  I'm embarrassed.     For years I've been writing, here, about the evils of boxing.  If you check the files, you'll see that I've called it a racket infested … Continue reading →

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Finch Trial Focuses on Victim’s Will

Posted on February 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times [Update: Feb. 10, 1960: Carole Tregoff wears a pink sweater her mother made for her because the courtroom was so cold]. Feb. 10, 1960: Q: Now let me ask you this, Dr. … 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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Teenage War Hero Arrested in Los Angeles

Posted on February 10, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Feb. 10, 1910: The Times reports the adventures of Ian (possibly Jan) Koutnik, described as a “hero of the Czech-Slovak troops.” Young Ian, loose in the city en route to be adopted in Chicago,  was arrested on suspicion of … Continue reading →

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Finch Describes Other Affairs

Posted on February 9, 2010 by lmharnisch

Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times July 21, 1959: Dr. R. Bernard Finch at the West Covina police station after being arrested. Negro History Week is Feb. 7-13. Feb. 9, 1960: In addition to exhaustive coverage of the … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide | 1 Comment

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 →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 8, 1960

Posted on February 8, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Who Does He Think He Is — Grandpa?       Traditionally — or, at least, since the advent of the comic strip — the most maligned member of the American family unit is the mother-in-law.     It is ritual in … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Caryl Chessman, Columnists, Front Pages, Homicide | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 8, 1960

Skeletal Remains Partially Identified

Posted on February 8, 2010 by lmharnisch

  David Dougherty and Frances Young are arrested in Bloomington, Ill, on charges of defying the orders of a Nebraska court by living as man and wife, even though they are uncle and niece.    Feb. 8, 1910: A skeleton … Continue reading →

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Through the Lens – Finch Trial

Posted on February 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times March 5, 1960: Court Clerk Mel La Valley shows items from the so-called murder kit in the Finch trial. I wonder if John Malmin put a light in the briefcase to get … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide, Photography | 2 Comments

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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Rancher Killed Outside Old Mission Winery

Posted on February 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

The 1910 auto show is coming Feb. 19!     Feb. 7, 1910: The story about the shooting of William Moss outside the Old Mission Winery  could have come out of the Old West, for it refers to a horse and … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 6, 1960

Posted on February 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

 [Wow! Now there’s an ugly layout. I guess Mr. Modular had the day off – lrh] Mash Notes and Comment     (PRESS RELEASE) "TV HELP FOR DENTISTS . . . Dentists soon may be using a television camera for inspecting … Continue reading →

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Mrs. Finch’s Dying Words: ‘I’m Sorry’

Posted on February 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times Feb. 3, 1960: Dr. R. Bernard Finch and defense lawyer Grant B. Cooper Feb. 6, 1960: The Times keeps the Finch case off the front page. Barbara Jean Finch supposedly said: "I'm … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide | 1 Comment

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 5, 1960

Posted on February 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

A Jailhouse Pen Pal Is Heard From Again     Got a real angry Mash Note today from an old friend — Jet Simrell.     The return address was 306 N Broadway.  The County Jail.     Jet, you will remember, is … Continue reading →

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Finch Admits Trying to Hire ‘Gigolo’ for Wife

Posted on February 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times Carole Tregoff "strikes a reflective pose" during a recess in the Finch trial.  Our favorite Pasadena gun store is having a sale. There’s a large selection of rifles for $1.99 each. They’re … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Front Pages, Homicide, Photography, Politics, Richard Nixon | 3 Comments

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 →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 4, 1960

Posted on February 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  The Mark of the Beast Is With Us Once More     I don't rattle too easily.  But the other day I managed, in the vernacular of Elvis Presley, to get all shook up.     Coming out of the house, … Continue reading →

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Wife’s Shooting Was an Accident, Finch Says

Posted on February 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

 Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times July 30, 1959: People line up to get into a hearing in the Finch case.  Photograph by John Malmin / Los Angeles Times July 30, 1959:   West Covina Police Capt. William Ryan, … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Front Pages, Homicide, Photography | 1 Comment

Harry Raymond Quits LAPD

Posted on February 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Feb. 4, 1920: Ted Shawn, Martha Graham and dancers from Denishawn. But separate performances for men and women? Crime has increased dramatically, but no one knows why, the district attorney’s office says.  Feb. 4, 1920: Harry Raymond resigns as … Continue reading →

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Feb. 3, 1960

Posted on February 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

Yanqui Go Home – After Touring Cuba     (NEWS ITEM)- Cuba's push to receive tourist travel to the island has blossomed into a full day for free.  The Cuban Tourist Commission is now offering hotel accommodations, a drink, dinner, floor … Continue reading →

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