· Henry Hartford (1837-1919) Sheriff 1874-1876 · Houston Whiteside, 82, sips his coffee and looks out the front window of the mayor’s Oxford Café, Hutchinson, Kansas. His wife, Julia Clementine Latimer, 59, is talking about being a judge for an upcoming radio contest. It’s Saturday, October 8, 1927. * Houston Whiteside watched as a police officer hung a green ticket on an automobile parked too long on Main Street. In his head, the retired attorney-at-law, and former Reno County … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Henry Hartford
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Sheriffs of Reno County: Charles Collins
· Charles Collins (1845-1906) Sheriff 1872-1874 · It’s Friday, October 7, 1927. Houston Whiteside, retired attorney-at-law, resident of Hutchinson, Kansas, since May 1872, is celebrating his 81st birthday at the Masonic Hall. Judge Whiteside has been encouraged to recall the good ‘ole days. * Reno County Sheriff Fay Brown, 36, the newest member of the Masons, has known Houston Whiteside for over a decade, mostly through fellowship in the Knights of Pythias. Since Whiteside retired … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Charles Collins
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: The Yankees and The Long Count
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: The Yankees and The Long Count· It’s Saturday, October 1, 1927, in the Stamey Hotel’s coffee shop at 5th and Main, Hutchinson, Kansas, just a half-block east of the temporary courthouse. When you walk in the door, you can smell the aroma of fresh coffee. * “Would any of you gentlemen like more coffee?” asked Peggy, the waitress. “You can top mine off, thanks,” said Fay Brown, 30, Reno County sheriff. “Babe Ruth has done it again,” said Fay, “another record … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: The Yankees and The Long Count
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Bury Me in My Black Clothes
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: Bury Me in My Black Clothes· Final Episode It’s Friday, September 23, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, 134 Sherman Avenue, east. The funeral service of Harvey E. Albrecht is starting. * As the organ music began, in a subdued voice, Funeral Director William H. Johnson, announced: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be starting the service shortly; please take your seats in the chapel." W. T. Luckett, also known as Reverend … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Bury Me in My Black Clothes
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Early Birds at the Funeral Parlor
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: Early Birds at the Funeral Parlor· It’s Friday, September 23, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas, at the Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, 134 Sherman Avenue, east. People are arriving for the funeral service of Harvey E. Albrecht. * Mary Adella Albrecht, widow of Harvey Albrecht, looked in the mirror before exiting the funeral home’s bathroom. Out loud, she said, “I can do this.” As Mary opened the door, she was ambushed—abruptly challenged—by sister-in-law, Grace … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Early Birds at the Funeral Parlor
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Can’t Sleep
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: Can't Sleep· It’s Thursday, August 22, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the day after Harvey E. Albrecht killed himself, and the day before his funeral. His daughters, Pearl and Jewel, can’t sleep. * “Are you still awake?” asked Pearl to her sister. “Wide awake,” said Jewel, who was in the bed next to her. “I was just thinking about us, how our lives have changed forever,” said Pearl. “I was prepared to distance myself from daddy, but I wasn’t ready for … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Can’t Sleep
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: “Is My Dad in Heaven?”
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: "Is My Dad in Heaven?"· It’s Wednesday, September 21, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mary Adella Albrecht must tell her two girls that their father is dead. * “I need to collect Pearl and Jewel before they hear from someone else of their father’s death,” said Mary. “I need to leave right now." “Of course, thank you for your help,” said Detective Salmon. “Again, our condolences.” “Mary, I’d be happy to drive you, if you wish,” said Reverend Luckett. “Thank … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: “Is My Dad in Heaven?”
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Brother Luckett and the Death Flies
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: Brother Luckett and the Death Flies· It’s September 21, 1927 in Hutchinson, Kansas. A man has killed himself by taking poison. Everyone presumes the deceased is Harvey Albrecht, Mary Adella's husband. Waiting outside for permission to enter, Mary has grown impatient. Finally, she opens the door, saying, “I’ll identify my own husband. No one knows him better than me.” Reverend William Luckett follows her inside. * Reverend William Luckett arrived on the scene … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Brother Luckett and the Death Flies
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: I Killed Him
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: "I Killed Him"· On September 21, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas, while attempting to serve divorce papers to Harvey E. Albrecht at his home, Reno County Deputy Sheriff Martin Jolliffe found a man’s body inside on the floor. Mary Adella Albrecht, Harvey’s wife, was waiting outside before picking up some of her personal belongings, unaware of the deputy’s discovery. * Cora Brown’s unofficial communication network was impeccable. Uninvited, she arrived at the … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: I Killed Him
Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Knock, Knock, Knock
· Sheriff Fay F. Brown's Badge: Knock, Knock, Knock· It’s Wednesday, September 21, 1927, in Hutchinson, Kansas. A civil process server is attempting to deliver divorce papers to Harvey E. Albrecht. * “Knock, knock, knock,” was the sound heard by Stearman as he attempted to get some rest. It was the second time he’d heard the sound of impatient knuckles pounding on his neighbor’s door. Working at night, being a day sleeper, was a challenge. So many interruptions. At 64 years of age, Reno … [Read more...] about Sheriff Fay F. Brown’s Badge: Knock, Knock, Knock
