Information Archives - Page 71 of 426

Who Were the Lady Riders Charging at the Rings in Annapolis, Maryland?

In 1905 three women rode in the Elks’ ring tournament in Annapolis, Maryland, lancing rings from decorated arches. Ethel Duckett, Hiawatha, won.

A Tango-Dancing Elephant Marched in the Governor’s Parade in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Historical Facts, Pennsylvania

In 1915 two circus elephants marched in Governor Brumbaugh’s parade in Harrisburg. One, Tango Jumbo, was famous for doing the tango. He saluted instead.

New England’s Only Moving Stairway Was in Providence, Rhode Island

Historical Facts, Rhode Island

In 1898 the Shepard Company store in Providence opened a moving stairway, an early escalator. A newspaper columnist rode it six times in one visit.

10,000 People Packed a Field in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Watch a Birdman Fly In

Historical Facts, New Hampshire

In June 1911 Harry Atwood flew a biplane from Waltham, Mass., into Manchester, N.H., landing in a crowd of 10,000 with New Hampshire’s first air mail.

A Cowboy and a Cowgirl Married on Horseback in Fort Klamath, Oregon

Historical Facts, Oregon

In April 1911, Joseph Hessig and Fannie Marsh were married on their cow ponies in Fort Klamath, Oregon, then drove a herd of beef cattle home to California.

“201 January 10” Was Everywhere in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Nobody Knew What It Meant

Hawaii, Historical Facts

In January 1913, “201 January 10” appeared on Honolulu store windows, street signs and movie screens. Here is who put it there, and what happened on the day.

Out of 53,000 Envelopes, the First Name Drawn Was a Rapid City, South Dakota, Woman’s

Historical Facts, South Dakota

In 1911, 53,000 people entered South Dakota’s land lottery at Gregory. The first name drawn was Mary Kendall of Rapid City, who wove carpets for a living.

Ely, Nevada, Paid an Aviator $1,400 to Fly on the Fourth of July

Historical Facts, Nevada

Ely, Nevada, hired aviator Frank Burnside for the Fourth of July in 1913: $1,400, no fly, no money. He flew from 6,421 feet and was carried down the street.

Iowa’s Champion Bread Baker Was a 12-Year-Old Girl From Clarinda

Historical Facts, Iowa

In 1912 Lois Edmonds, 12, of Clarinda, Iowa, won the state bread prize and a Washington trip, but a White House rule kept her from baking for Taft.

Did You Know Petoskey, Michigan, Paraded a Sea Serpent 100 Feet Long?

Historical Facts, Michigan

In 1895 Petoskey’s sea serpent proved to be a sail, then a log. In 1914 the Elks built a 100-foot one for their parade, and in 1915 it went up in flames.