· Hello Girls It’s Wednesday, March 16, 1927. Cora Brown’s thirty-third birthday isn’t until Thursday, but she’s expecting her sister, Occie, and brother-in-law, to arrive any minute to help her celebrate. Occie’s promised to bring a freshly baked cake; Cora and Fay, her husband, will provide tea. * “It’s Occie and Sidney,” said Fay. “I’ll get the door.” “Hello, Fay,” said Occie, handing him a picnic basket and receiving a kiss. “Where is she? Does she suspect anything?” “She’s got … [Read more...] about Hello Girls
Fay Brown
Sheriffs of Reno County: Ed Cunningham
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.) · Ed Cunningham (1896-1971) Sheriff 1931-1935 · It’s Wednesday, July 1, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas. “Well, look what the cat drug in,” said Fay Brown, owner-operator of the Brown Wheel night club, as plain clothes city detective Ed Cunningham walked in the door. Fay Brown and Ed Cunningham were old chums, lawmen, who had worked on the Hutchinson police force in the early 1920s and had teamed up as … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Ed Cunningham
Sheriffs of Reno County: John W. Jones
· John Wesley Jones (1856-1926) Sheriff 1890-1894 · * It’s October 13, 1927 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Julia Whiteside, 59, meets her husband, Houston, 81, at the door. “The radio just announced that Ruth Elder is safe!” said Julia. “They were rescued from the ocean off the coast of the Azores. The American Girl had a broken oil line.” “Is George Haldeman well?” asks Houston. “Yes, they were both picked up by a Dutch steamship.” “All of McPherson will be glad to hear that,” remarked … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: John W. Jones
Sheriffs of Reno County: Daniel E. Miller
· Dan E. Miller (1839-1916) Sheriff 1888-1890 · It’s Wednesday, October 12, 1927. Houston Whiteside, 81, and Julia, 59, his wife, are at the corner of Main Street and Avenue B east, Hutchinson, Kansas. The condemned, but still standing, Reno County courthouse is on the southeast corner. The building just east of the courthouse is the aging, but open, Reno County Jail. It includes the sheriff’s residence. * “I still think the commissioners could fix the courthouse,” said Houston. “It’s … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: Daniel E. Miller
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 … [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?”