People Who Have Cause To Fear Consumption

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August 1899 (Des Moines Leader)

"Why is it that those who have cause to fear this disease should make the effort to rid themselves of the danger during the summer months."

"While it has been shown that Catarrh alone does not cause all cases of Consumption, still it is catarrh that those who have had consumptive ancestors have most to dread. This disease weakens the body, makes a drain on the blood and prepares the way for the admission of the seeds of Consumption. It is a matter of record that those persons who come of consumptive families take cold easily, and that their colds, instead of getting well, hang on and develop into Catarrh."

"The following is the statement of Miss Susie Thompson, daughter of Mr. W. H. Thompson, a substantial Iowa farmer, who lives at Crocker, Iowa: 'Four years ago I began to lose health and strength, becoming rapidly emaciated. Nothing seemed to do me any good, and a constant cough developed, accompanied by frequent smothering spells and extreme weakness. I lost appetite, and became so low spirited that life, instead of a pleasure, became a burden. Some nights I could not lie down at all from fear of smothering to death, but had to spend the night sitting in a chair. Physicians examined my lungs and pronounced the case Consumption, saying that one lung was nearly gone and the other affected. However, when all hope was about given up, my father took me to the Copeland Medical Institute, where, after very thorough and careful examination of my case, I was put under treatment by medicated inhalations, and began to improve from the start. Today I am perfectly sound and well, my weight being 125 pounds, whereas when I begain treatment I weighed only about 100 pounds. All this was done in four months.'"

"Doctor McLean and Medical Association make a specialty of their mail practice and home treatment. By the use of their consultation and symptom blanks and tabulated weekly reports, the highest scientific results are obtainable. If you cannot come to the office write for a free consultation blank for home treatment by mail and oceans of testimonials for your inspection."

"If you take treatment - the only cost - including all medicines for the one full month - is the Rxed fee of $5.00"

Brains Are Inherited, Say Scientists

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Sterilization of unfit urged"

Explanation of family tree picture: "Are brains inherited? Yes, say the scientists who prepared these two family trees to show what they say is the need for sterilization of persons unfit to become parents. They say the Dwight family is an example of inherited scholarship, while the W-- family is an example of inherited feeble-mindedness and criminal tendencies - the type of family for which sterilization is proposed."

"'Three generations of imbeciles are enough.' When the late Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes pronounced those words in a supreme court decision in 1927 he was saying that Carrie Buck was not to have any more idiot children. To Carrie Buck, that meant no children at all."

"Because of Carrie, idiots, morons, and weak-minded children have been pruned from family trees all over the land. Because of Carrie, there is no longer any doubt that a state has the right under the federal constitution to sterilize criminals and mental incompetents and thus cut off a new generation of crime and insanity."

"Sex crimes have set many states to talking about sterilization as a preventative measure. In Kansas the issue was raised in a dispute over sterilization of girls in delinquent institutions. Georgia passed a sterilization law last year. In New York, a state legislative committee is considering a law to sterilize all persons convicted of two successive felonies."

"As a result of the supreme court decision, 29 of the 48 states now have sterilization laws in force. Up to January, 1935 - the last time a tabulation was made - 21,538 persons actually had been made sexually sterile. Dr. Laughlin says sterilization in not particularly painful - in the case of a man he compares it to tonsillectomy - and makes no difference in normal married life except that reproduction is impossible."

Hoover Assails New Deal Policies

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Claims 'Will-o'-Wisp' Program Leads to Political Tyranny."

"Condemning policies of the Roosevelt administration, which he inferentially labels 'will-o'-the-wisp,' Herbert Hoover in the current issue of the Saturday Evening Post declares the American people are faced with 'the issue of human liberty.'"

"The former president, in his first discussion of political questions since he left the White House, decries 'economic regimentation,' saying: 'The whole thesis behind this program is the very theory that man is but a pawn of the state. It is a usurpation of primary liberties of man by government. It i a vast shift from the American concept of human right, which even the government may not infringe, to those social philosophies where men are wholly subjective to the state. It is a vast casualty to liberty if it shall be continued.'"

Hoover: "The rise of our race under it marks the high tide of a thousand year of human struggle. Under it our country has grown to greatness and has led the world in the emancipation of men. When these boundaries of liberty are overstepped, America will cease to be American. Our system has at all time had to contend with internal encroachments upon liberty. Greed in economic agencies invades it from the right, and greed for power in bureaucracy and government infringe it from the left."

There Must Be Some Better Place To Eat

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Enjoy a full meal - Dine with the Dictators - All you can eat or else"

"Eat at the Communist Kitchens - Plenty for everyone"

"Eat at the Nazi Barbecue - Try an order of our famous economic security"

"Special today at the Hotel Facist! Economic security"

Hal Trosky Blossoms Early as "New Babe Ruth"

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Iowa Boy More Than Fulfilling Early Promise"

"Already Has 31 Home Runs to Credit"

"Nine months ago, William Harridge and Steve O'Neill made the prediction that the Babe Ruth of the near future was going to be a 200-pound youngster with the Cleveland Indians, and today their statement looms as a reality, even sooner than they themselves expected it to be. The youngster is Harold (Hal) Trosky, the Norway, Ia., product who has carved for himself a niche among the batting leaders of the American league in his first full season."

"Standing six feet, two inches in height and bearing a pair of powerful arms and shoulders, Trosky hits the well known 'apple' tremendous distances, and, like the famous Bambino, the top of the rightfield fence is his favorite target. Thirty-one times this season the powerful bat of the Iowa youth has propelled the ball over that rightfield barrier and that total has hoisted him into the leaders in the major league circuit swatting race. Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx are the only two American league batsmen to have hit more homers this season than Trosky."

"The pace Hal has set in the American league race this season is almost as brilliant as his batting in the American association last year. The Iowan played about hald of the season at first-base for Toldeo, and poled 33 home runs and averaged .333 - which is real hitting in any man's league."

"Harridge, president of the American league, was one of the first to see Trosky's possibilities. Watching him in spring practice in New Orleans, La., last year, Harridge unhesitatingly dubbed Trosky 'the future Babe Ruth.'"

Need More Energy? Get a Lift with a Camel!

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Rex Beach tells you how to get back vim and energy when 'Played Out!'"

"'I have taken my share of big sailfish, marlin, and tuna,' says Rex Beach. 'I know what a rod-and-reel contest with these heavy fighters does to a man's vitality. When I've gotten a big fellow safely landed my next move is to light a Camel, and I feel as good as new. A Camel quickly gives me a sense of well-being and renewed energy. As a steady smoker, I have also learned that Camels do not interfere with healthy nerves.'"

"Thousands of smokers will recognize just what Mr. Beach means when he says that he lights a Camel when tired and "feels as good as new." And science adds confirmation of this refreshing 'energizing effect.' That's why you hear people say so often: 'Get a lift with a Camel.' Camel's aren't flat or 'sweetish.' Their flavor never disappoints. You can smoke Camels steadily - as many as you want - their finer, MORE EXPENSIVE TOBACCOS do not get on the nerves!"

Also included are quotes from a phone operator, rodeo champion, salesman, and olympic swimmer!

Canned Hawaiian Pineapple

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"This great protective fruit gives you Summer Energy!"

"Eat 2 Slices Daily"

"Authorities say it's better to eat protective foods for energy - particularly in the summer, when your appetite lags. You need the important Vitamins A, B, C, iron for the blood, and copper; and the alkaline effect of other minerals found in Canned Hawaiian Pineapple. And Canned Pineapple gives you quick energy for summer activities!"

"Add these extra nutritional values to a cool, inviting salad today. Or get them in a refreshing dessert... in an appetizer. No 'fixing,' no fuss; Canned Hawaiian Pineapple is ready to eat just as you buy it. Start today. All summer long, see that you have some of this delightful fruit at least once each day. Canned Pineapple is a fruit you can enjoy in so many different ways!"

Will A Woman Be President?

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Hope Not Soon, First Lady Replies"

"When will a woman become president? Well, said Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt Tuesday: 'I hope it won't be soon.' The first lady, whose amazing vitality, social and welfare pursuits have won her distinction paralleling that of her husband, advances as one reason for her hope the belief that the majority of Americans would not be satisfied to trust the judgment of a woman president."

"In a radio speech Tuesday night answering the question, 'When will a woman become president,' Mrs. Roosevelt said: 'I do not think it would be impossible to find a woman who could be president, but I hope it doesn't happen in the near future.' 'There are exceptional women just as there are exceptional men, and it takes an exceptional man to be a successful and useful president. Though women are proving every year they are capable of assuming responsibilities considered to be out of their province in the past, I do not think we yet have reached the point where a majority would feel satisfied to follow the leadership and trust the judgment of a woman as president."

"'People say no woman could stand the physical strain, but that I think is nonsense, and answered over and over again by women through the length and breadth of the land.'"

"'Women have not yet had, however, as many years of background in public life, or as many years of experience in learning how to give and take in the world of affairs.' 'Some day a woman may be president, but I hope it will not be while we still speak of a "woman's vote." I hope it will only become a reality when she is elected as an individual because of her capacity, and the trust which the majority of the people have in her integrity and ability as a person.'"

Go to College at Drake in Des Moines

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September 1934 (Des Moines Register)

"Drake Students enjoy many unusual advantages here in the Capital City - the commercial and cultural center of Iowa. Drake is noted for friendly spirit - for personal attention students receive from instructors. Those are reasons why so many alert young men and women are enrolling in Drake for the coming college year."

"$266 pays tuition and all general fees for the entire school year"

"Educational standards considered, tuition and fees at Drake are most reasonable. High school graduates who use the present Recovery Period to gain a college education will reap rich dividends later on when positions are plentiful."

"Plan to register Sept. 17. For Catalog and Complete Information, Write or Call

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa"

Catholics Gain Despite Hitler

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"The Nazi war on the Catholic church - dramatized by the trial of the Rev. Martin Niemoeller - has tended to strengthen the church. Figures showing an increase in Catholic membership since Hitler came to power are published, paradoxically, by Nazi papers."

"'Der Angriff,' mouthpiece of Germany's most violent assailant of the church, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, used the figures in an effort to show that the church has full freedom under the Nazis and indeed flourishes under 'special privileges.'"

"The newspaper took exception to the church assertions that the church stands under emergency law in Germany, and declared, 'It has been established that the opposition is the truth: The church enjoys special rights, more monopolistic than even the state church in England.'"

Nazis Rule in Seething Austria, Hitler's Troops Move on Vienna

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March 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Thunder Over Europe"

"Vienna - Germany seizes Austrian government, reorganizing cabinet with Arthur Seysz-Inquart, personal friend of Hitler, as chancellor. Kurt Schuschnigg driven from office by German ultimatum threatening invasion. German troops marching toward Vienna."

"Berlin - Hitler reported closeted early Friday evening with members of new Austrian cabinet; government denies issuing ultimatum to Austria, says demand came from Austrian ministers 'in view of Schuschnigg's dangerous policy.'"

"London - British and French governments protest German action; Hitler's move seen as bitter blow to new British 'realistic' foreign policy."

"Paris - Austrian crisis catches France without cabinet; Premier-designate Leon Blum expresses confidence he can form new national union government; Italy refuses joint action with France and Britain to save Austria."

"Swastikas Over Austria"

"Chancellor Hitler's imprint was left Friday on many parts of central Europe; in the above map, swastikas mark a few of them. At Passau and Kuftsein, German troops were reported to have crossed the border (dotted line) into Austria. At Eisenstadt, Nazis seized control of government offices. And in Vienna, Nazi mobs drove supporters of Chancellor Schuschnigg to cover." 

Yogi May Try To Rejuvenate India's Gandhi

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"A yogi 'youth-maker' - himself 172 years old by his own count - exultantly reported Saturday he had turned back the years for an elderly follower of Mohandas K. Gandhi. 'My patient looks 20 years younger,' said the yogi after 40 days of mystic rejuvenation on 77-year-old Pandit Mohan Malaviya, Gandhi's political associate."

"Just how he does it Yogi Tapsi Bishan Das Udasi kept a secret. He is a venerable student of ancient Indian lore, particularly 'Ayurvedic medicine,' a school of healing based on sacred writings."

"It is hard to believe Tapsi is 172 years old for he looks 40. He says this is because he has been rejuvenated three times; and there is some proof he is over 100. If he succeeds on the pandit, every effort will be made to persuade Gandhi to try the treatment. Several rich Indians have offered to defray the expenses which can run from $2,000 to $17,000, depending on the patient's circumstances."

Papa Mathues, at 83, Is Perturbed - Hopes 17th Child 'Is the Last' - 'Nearly Run Out of Girls' Names'

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Eighty-three-year-old William (Concord Bill) Mathues was a bit perturbed Saturday after becoming a father for the seventeenth time - twice within the last two years."

"'I hope it's the last,' said Mathues proudly, with a sly glance at the latest arrival - an eight and a half pound girl. 'We've pretty near run out of girls' names.' However, he decided to name her Ida Mae."

"It was the fourteenth child by his second wife, Elsie, 40, in their 20 years of married life. Seven children are living."

Munyon's Kidney Cure

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August 1899 (Des Moines Leader)

"I will guarantee that my Kidney Cure will cure 90 per cent of all forms of kidney complaint and in many instances the most serious forms of Bright's disease. If the disease is complicated send a four ounce vial of urine. We will analyze it and advise you free what to do. MUNYON"

"At all druggists, 25c. a vial. Guide to Health and medical advice free. 1505 Arch st., Phila."

Giraffe Must Gargle Throat Is Sore

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March 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"A giraffe - of all animals - developed a sore throat Wednesday at the Brookfield zoo. The victim, Isiolo, was placed in an isolated stall. Sympathetic keepers had a beastly problem to determine what they should do to ease the irritation in her seven-foot neck."

"They recalled that giraffes, after eating, lower their heads into water and shake them back and forth vigorously to rinse their mouths. So they filled Isiolo's basin with tepid water and a salt solution. They hope she will get the idea and gargle."

Our New Home Grown Drugged Cigaret

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March 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"What could be more surprising just now, when we think we have discovered everything; than to learn that a wholly new narcotic drug has been evolved, and that out of a weed that grows everywhere in the United States!"

"The reader no doubt has noticed references in the news to 'marihuana' cigarets and the apparent stimulation they have given to disorderly tendencies wherever they have been smuggled. This marihuana is our American word for the plant 'Canabis sativa L', (Indian Hemp) every part of which seems to have a resin that can be extracted and that smoked in cigarets produced a peculiar form of intoxication, generally stimulating to violence."

"Explaining what marihuana does the Buereau says: 'The toxic efects produced by its active narcotic principle appear to be exclusively on the higher nerve centers. While the effects are variable with different individuals, it usually produces first an exaltation with a feeling of well-being, a happy jovial mood, an increased feeling of physical strength, and a general euphoria. There is also a stimulation of the imagination followed by a more or less delirious state characterized by vivid kaleidoscopic visions, sometimes of a pleasing and sensual kind, but occasionally of a gruesome nature. Accompanying this delirious state is a remarkable loss in spatial and time relations; persons and things in the environment look small; time is interminable; seconds seem like minutes and hours like days.'"

"Of course this is very similar to what is said of hemp and the narcotic drug that comes from it, hashish, which also is quite generally smoked. But hashish we always think of as an Asiatic intoxicant, remote and easily proscribed, while in marihuana we have something that flourishes at our own door step."

Fascism to Be Feared in U.S.

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Fascism established itself in Italy, and remains to this day. In Germany the same thing happened. Communism grew in Germany until there was imminent likelihood of its succeeding; in one election the Communist Party had some five million votes. In this condition there came forward a leader named Hitler who had what he said was an antidote to communism. He called it Nazi-ism - it is the equialent of fascim. Nazi-ism established itself in Germany and grew rapidly in power."

"Today democracy's remaining strongholds are the United States, Great Britain and France, together with some smaller countries. Fascism marches conqueringly on. Within six months it has spread to the American continent - South America is seething with fascist ferment."

"For  us, the world situation raises obvious problems. First, shall we let fascism get a foothold here? Against that, of course, we will be vigilant, or we think we will. Yet the fact is that some of the changes in America, and some that have made an actual beginning, point in the fascist direction."

"Yet another problem is: in a world wide conflict between democracy and fascism with fascism winning and democracy in retreat; with three powerful nations, Germany, Italy and Japan, united to spread the fascism ideal - in that condition should we co-operate with the other democratic countries, especially Great Britain, in defense of the democratic ideal?"

Pabst Beer

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August 1899 (Des Moines Leader)

"The world is being enlightened on the purity of foods and beverages"

"People look to Pabst for purity in Beer"

"The sale of Pabst Beer increases with enlightenment"

Free Help For Weak Men

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August 1899 (Des Moines Leader)

"'CALTHOS' Prof. Laborde's Marvelous French Cure for Lost Manhood. Five Days' Trial Treatment Sent Absolutely Free By Sealed Mail To All Sufferers. No C.O.D. Or Deposit Scheme."

"After using it five days the sufferers will find new vigor in their organs, new force in their muscles, new blood in their veins, new ambition, and rapid progress toward the buoyant feelings and sensations of younger days."

"It doesn't make any difference what caused the weakness - whether bad habits in youth, or excess, or overwork, or business troubles. 'CALTHOS' will effect a cure, no matter what big name the disease may be called by doctors."

"The Von Mohl Company treats all correspondence in perfect confidence. Under no conditions will it make public the names of the thousands who have written testimonials telling of their restoration to robust manhood after other medications and appliances have proved worthless. 'CALTHOS' is regularly used in the French and German armies, and the soldiers in those countries have come to be perfect models of strength and vitality. Cures are effected at all ages from twenty to eighty years. There is no case except where the stage of epilepsy or insanity has been reached, which it will not radically, quickly and permanently cure. Sexual weakness does not cure itself. It grows worse from week to week. Each day aggravates the mental and physical anguish."

Iowan Held in Threat to Gable

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"The federal bureau of investigation announced Thursday night it had taken into custody a man alleged to have written an extortion note to Clark Gable. They said the man signed the name of a young woman neighbor against whom the man had a 'grudge'"

"The bureau said Gaylord Forsyth, 39, of Fonda, Ia., 'confessed to writing' an extortion note to the motion picture actor, demanding payment of $1,000 'If you value your life or your future.' The note, the bureau said, was written over the signature of Alice Schnetter, also of Fonda, but Forsyth said she had no knowledge of the 'extortion plot and that he signed the name to the letter as a spite proposition.'"

"'She likewise stated, upon interview,' the bureau added, 'that she knew nothing whatsoever about the extortion letter.' The letter, the bureau said, was postmarked and dated Feb. 9. It was addressed to Gable at Hollywood, Cal. The letter was referred to the bureau by the actor, the announcement said."

"'Forsyth would not admit,' the bureau said, 'that he had additional plans for obtaining the money from Clark Gable in the event it was mailed to Alice Schnetter. Investigation,' the bureau said 'disclosed that the woman is reputable and comes from a well to do family.'"

Giant Highway Network Sought

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Advocates of a vast system of super highways to criss-cross the nation renewed pleas this week for their proposals which were submitted to congress a year ago and sidetracked. Representatives Sayder (Dem., Penn.) and Randolph (Dem., W. Va.) and Senator Bulkley (Dem., Ohio) have proposals pending, but that of the Pennsylvanian has the greatest detail and provides nine trunk routes as shown on the map."

Although construction on the Interstate Highway System would not be authorized until 1956, there were discussions and planning as early as 1938. It is interesting to note some of the smaller cities and monuments that are listed on the map - although these exact paths were not used, the Interstate that was eventually built is a pretty close match.

Wife-Beater Screams Under Lash

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February 1938 (Des Moines Register)

"Strapped to the century-old whipping post in the Baltimore, Md., city jail, Clyde Miller screamed and strained at his bonds Tuesday as Sheriff Joseph C. Deegan, 6 feet  2 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, lashed his back 20 times with a cat-o'-nine tails - punishment for beating his wife"

What's the Matter with Iowa Flappers?

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September 1924 (Des Moines Register)

"Dr. Rodney P. Fagen Says Lack of Iodine in Soil Causes 'Hyper Thyroid' Condition, Flapper Temperament and Increase in Divorces"

"'She's more to be pitied than censured; She's more to be helped than despised.' It's the bobbed-haired, carmine-lipped, flippety-floppity, excitement hunting little Iowa flappers to whom the quotation is being applied today - and the medical profession has made the diagnosis. After being preached at by the club women; psycho-analyzed by authors; condemned by reformers; exploited by the movies, the flapper is now in the doctor's office. And the doctors, after consultation, have reported, 'Hyper-thyroid condition. Very serious.'"

"Dr. Rodney P. Fagen, secretary of the Iowa state board of health, sees danger ahead in the rapidly spreading prevalence of enlarged thyroid glands among growing girls and the resulting restless 'flapper' temperament."

Quote from Doctor Fagen: "After marriage such a girl finds that the new responsibilities of homekeeping make her more nervous, more restless and more emotional. She craves excitement and she is 'tied down.' Quarrels, 'incompatibility' and what she considers cruelty on the part of her husband naturally follow. Hence the rush to the divorce court after three years of married life. The 1923 figures on divorce in Iowa show that more divorces are granted to couples who have been married three years than five or ten."

Major League Baseball Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis visits Des Moines

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August 1924 (Des Moines Register)

Landis is described as "czar of all organized baseballdom."

"Judge Landis is coming here as the guest of President K.L. Keyser of the local ball club"

Also note that Detroit is referred to here as the "Tygers" and the Yankees are referred to as the "Huggmen," after then manager Miller Huggins.

Astronomer Says There's Life on Mars (Part 2)

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August 1924 (Des Moines Register)

Quote from Captain See: "The chemical elements in Mars are the same as upon earth; the electrical, atomic and molecular forces are similar in all respects; all physical conditions are the same; therefore Mars and Venus are habitable, like the earth and therefore also inhabited like our own globe. The canals of Mars most likely are vegetation banks along water courses."

Quote from Captain See: "If any one ask if we can signal to Mars, we answer that we can but that the chance of an answer is slight because we could not have answered such a signal ourselves thirty years ago; radio telegraphy was not then invented."

Quote from Captain See: "It is unlikely that the Martians could answer us, even if we signaled them, for a thousand years. Hence the prospect of signaling to Mars is slight, though some kind of life certainly exists there."

Astronomer Says There's Life on Mars (Part 1)

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August 1924 (Des Moines Register)

"Capt. T.J.J. See, professor of mathematics, United States navy and government astronomer at Mare Island, in a statement today said that astronomical research has proved beyond a doubt that Mars is a habitable planet and therefore it is inhabited by vegetable and animal life of some kind. Of that Captain See is certain."

Quote from Captain See: "Mars has polar caps of ice and snow, which melt with the advance of the Martian summer and are built up again with the return of the Martian winter. We can see this very distinctly in the several large telescopes I have used during the last thirty years. And wonderful to relate, we can see the clouds floating in the atmosphere of Mars."

Grape Bouquet

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August 1924 (Des Moines Register)

Grape Bouquet was a short-lived product made by Anheuser-Busch during Prohibition. This advertisement also notes several other Anheuser-Busch Prohibition products: A-B Ginger Ale, Bevo, and Malt-Nutrine. 

"Are Bobbettes Driving Men From Barber Shops?"

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August 1924 (Des Moines Register)

Quote from a University place barber: "Our customers are mainly college guys and when a dame comes in to have her hair bobbed they mostly will know her. They just chew the rag as if they were a bunch of men. Only they don't cuss, you know. It don't make any difference about smoking. I notice the laws don't chew so much when there's a lady around."

Quote from an east side barber: "Oh, I don't know; it don't cut much ice. We've got a regular run of customers of course that mostly know each other. Occasionally we get a bob, but most fellows take more interest in watching a girl get her hair bobbed than they do in what they were saying to each other, anyway."

"'Women are more pernickety than men,' the head of a hotel barber shop said. 'but they know what they want, which is more than you can say for most men. With a woman it's a proposition of cutting her hair as she wants it done. With a man you just have to go ahead in the dark and then the chances are he looks so homely naturally he has to blame part of it on the barber - and there you are.'

'But homely women?'

'I'm su'prised at you, son. There ain't any homely women - as far as they're concerned anyway.'"

"Three shops of twenty, all of them in outlying districts, preferred the men's trade. All of them were barber shop club rooms where 'the gang' came in for a shave and talked of cabbages and kings and other phenomena not so polite"

Quote from local barber: "They're always bringing little Billy or little Oswald in to have his curls off and sniffling around the place."