Category Archives: #courts

Child Witnesses Missing in Mazdaznan Cult Sex Case

Posted on January 7, 2010 by lmharnisch

"Wonder What a 21-months-old Baby Thinks About?" by Clare Briggs. Jan. 7, 1920: The Times publishes the names of children who were allegedly molested by Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish. The Times discontinued identifying sex crime victims years ago, but it was … Continue reading →

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

Posted on January 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Story of Little Indian Boy's Broken Heart     (From the files of The Mirror News, Oct. 19, 1959.)  The raging Angeles Forest fire claimed a second life today.  Philip Chavez, 27, an Indian firefighter from Zuni, N.M., died in … Continue reading →

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Jurors Visit Murder House

Posted on January 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

Jan. 6, 1960: “Mexico acknowledged the serious problem of illegal narcotics crossing the border and in a major concession accepted a U.S. proposal to exchange narcotics enforcement agents as the two-day conference between representatives of both governments adjourned today.” “Tears … Continue reading →

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African Americans Hanged for Assaulting Woman

Posted on January 6, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Jan. 6, 1910: George Reynolds and John Williams of Kansas City are sentenced to hang for assaulting Mrs. W.F. [or W.H.] Jackson, a violinist who was attacked on her way home from performing at a concert. Judge Ralph H. … Continue reading →

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Teachings of Mazdaznan Cult Exposed

Posted on January 5, 2010 by lmharnisch

“When a Feller Needs a Friend,” by Clare Briggs. Jan. 5, 1920: The Times quotes the writings of Otoman Zar-Adusht Hanish: "To raise one's vibration and interest it is well to speak sentences on one breath, such as inhaling through … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, books, Comics, Religion | 1 Comment

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

Posted on January 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

'Blacklist' Charge Brings an Answer     The controversy over Hollywood's real or fancied "blacklist" has had more than a decade to smolder down to embers, but it's still burning.     The issue is kept alive by extremists.  But occasionally, it's … Continue reading →

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Nixon Flight Sets Record

Posted on January 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

Aided by a strong tailwind, the American Airlines 707 carrying Vice President Nixon makes the trip from Los Angeles to Washington-Baltimore Friendship Airport in 3 hours, 39 minutes, a new record for a commercial aircraft.     Jan. 4, 1960: … Continue reading →

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Police Raid Cult Headquarters

Posted on January 4, 2010 by lmharnisch

  “When Doc Rides and When He Walks.”  March 14, 1927, Peter the Hermit  learns some dance steps. Jan. 4, 1920: During a police raid on the Mazdaznan temple, "an old, queer looking man, attired in blonde whiskers, long frock … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Comics, Obituaries, Religion | 1 Comment

San Gabriel Man Found Naked, Slashed to Death; Couple Held

Posted on January 3, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Jan. 3, 1910: The slashed, naked body of Morgan Shiveley, a streetcar conductor, is found face-down in the mud several hundred yards from his home at Broadway and San Gabriel Boulevard in San Gabriel. George A. and Clara Stone, … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Homicide | 1 Comment

Cult Leader Accused of Molesting Children

Posted on December 31, 2009 by lmharnisch

  “Somebody Is Always Taking the Joy Out of Life,” by Clare Briggs.      Dec. 31, 1919: Ottoman/Othoman Zar-Adusht Hanish, "little master" of the sun worshiping Mazdaznan cult, arrives in Los Angeles. He is accused of "revolting offenses against … Continue reading →

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Husband Shoots Wife, Two Others, on Streetcar

Posted on December 29, 2009 by lmharnisch

 “That Guiltiest Feeling,” by Clare Briggs. Dec. 29, 1919: Former Army Capt. Raymond C. Potter gets on a streetcar and shoots his wife because she’s riding with another man. One of his shots goes wild and hits her companion, then … Continue reading →

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The Empty Prophecy of Prohibition

Posted on December 28, 2009 by lmharnisch

 Detectives Brown, Barnett and Harry Raymond in a raid on a club in Little Tokyo. Dec. 28, 1919:  The Times analyzes the first six months of Prohibition and finds that many predictions have not come true. Some minor offenses have … Continue reading →

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Fliers Spend Christmas Overhauling Planes for Aviation Week

Posted on December 26, 2009 by lmharnisch

Frances Nordstrom stars in “The Girl of the Golden West” at the Burbank.     View Larger Map 7th and Los Angeles Streets, via Google maps’ street view. Dec. 26, 1909: Fliers work on their airplanes on Christmas at the official … Continue reading →

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Christmas, 1959

Posted on December 25, 2009 by lmharnisch

Photograph by the Los Angeles Times Dec. 25, 1959: City Hall is lighted, as usual, for Christmas. The tradition was discontinued in the 1970s after a long court battle.

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Man Accused of Killing Girlfriend Says He Was Insane

Posted on December 23, 2009 by lmharnisch

A tip on decorating the Christmas tree, but don’t use candles. Harry S. New Jr. and his pet rattlesnake. I realize this is unreadable, but the headline is wonderful. Dec. 23, 1919: Harry S. New Jr., known as “Nutty New,” … Continue reading →

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Firefighters Set Blazes to Draw Attention to Old Equipment

Posted on December 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

  NEW QUEEN — The shah of Iran and bride Farah pose after their marriage in a Muslim ritual at his palace in Tehran. She is third wife of the shah, who divorced others after they failed to bear an heir. … Continue reading →

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51 Held in Gambling Raids

Posted on December 22, 2009 by lmharnisch

  “Oh, Man” by Clare Briggs. Dec. 22, 1919: Detectives with the help of the “purity squad” raid several fan tan games and arrest 51 people. Notice the detectives’ names, especially that of McAfee, who is the infamous Guy McAfee.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, art and artists, City Hall, Comics, LAPD, Obituaries | 1 Comment

Prison for Drunk Driving

Posted on December 20, 2009 by lmharnisch

  The Dome Cafe has a New Year’s dance contest!   Dec. 20, 1919: People convicted of drunk driving may go to prison, starting Jan. 1, 1920.

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Women Accused of Performing Abortions

Posted on December 18, 2009 by lmharnisch

June 19, 1916: Lila Atherton is arrested on charges of performing abortions at 2217 S. Hoover. Dec. 18, 1919: Abortions are again allegedly being conducted at 2217 S. Hoover. Dec. 20, 1919: Sarah J. Williams denies performing an abortion on … Continue reading →

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Man Accused of Decapitating Woman

Posted on December 18, 2009 by lmharnisch

  Dec. 18, 1909: The Times publishes a gruesome story from Chippewa Falls, Wis., about a man called “Crazy Ole” who is accused of shooting Mrs. Peter Shirley in the head and then decapitating her.  The woman’s 3-year-old daughter says: … Continue reading →

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