davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1942-04-30

Frieda and Alice Pasche and Mary
Lois Seeley were callers at the AL
Cunningham home last Monday
afternoon.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Neiehbors' Gossip
Clouds Investigation

Mrs. Britten's Staying wasn't
what fiction writers describe as
sensational"
From all indications It APP
peared to be q shooting mott
waited by robbery. but whisper
ing neighbors. anonymous au-
thors and circumstantisl evil
dencs 30 beclouded her death
that investigators viii never be
satisfied about this unsoived
crime until her slayer, II he is
living. Is brought TO justice or
voluntarily tells the story Of The
night OF May q. 1923.
Fate had smiled upon the
Britten couple. Married at the
close OF the nineteenth century.
Billy Britten developed a
highly successful contracting
business along with the respect
Of his fellow citizens, who chose
him as representative in their
city council for several terms.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Britten Sells Home
for $4,000 Cash

Their two daughters were
happily married, one to a Lam
sing business man and the other
to an Evanston, Ill, physician.
Our story scene is the fashion:
able west side of Michigan's cap
ital city. where the Brittens
dwelt in a beautiful colonial
mansion. overlooking a wooded
area, on an avenue named in
honor Of the husband.
A few days before the tragedy.
Britten closed a deal for the sale
Of his home, netting him S16,o00
In cash.
Because the premises had to
he vacated within four weeks,
the parents decided 10 dispose
OF part OF their furniture TO the
children.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Bloodhounds' Trail
Ends at Railroad

Lansing Police Chief Alfred
II. Seymour. who lived behind
the Britten home, took charge Of
the Investigation. At S q m.
bloodhounds were sent on the
trail. They started from the
step leading TO the sun parlor
and followed a scent past the
priests home toward the Grand
Trunk Railroad tracks, about a
mile away, but ended there.
Billy Brittens return TO Lam
sing was not pleasant The slay-
ing had aroused the city. and In
the absence of any suspects or
clues. suspicion fell upon the
husband.
-Four days after the shooting
many months, but Investigators
Britton received an anonymous
letter reading:
IL have got even In one way.
When I get you I will be
square"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Mrs. Britten Goes
TO See What n Is

81 can't stand this any
longer" Mrs. Britten announced.
I've rot to SEQ what that Ia"
Quietly getting out Of bed. she
walked to the door and cleared
her throat. in a manner indicat-
ing to Miss Powers she was
warning any intruder that the
occupants OF the house were
awake.
Seconds elapsed when Miss
Powers heard a piercing oh"
At that split second a shot
was fred, and she heard Mrs.
Britten slump to the floor.
Screaming Historically. Miss
Powers jumped out Of bed. slam
med and bolted the door and
then opened the front bedroom
window shouting for help. Her
cries awakened the Clarks, who
resided across the street.
whats wrong:" Clark
shouted. but the only legible
words were that somebody was
In the house. a shot was fred, I
don't know what's happened 10
Mrs. Britten."
Clark slipped a coat over his
pajamas, armed himself with a
service revolver and went to
the east side Of the home while
Jennings ran to the west.
Thomas r. Hopkins, a neigh
Dor. appeared with a shotgun
and guarded the west entrance
while Clark went to call police.
The home was surrounded by
neighbors when two Lansing
officers arrived. Miss Powers
was still screaming and so
hystcrical at this time that she
refused TO open her bedroom and
had 10 he carried down a ladder.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

ing OF May 26, 1923. The coun.
sellers departed shortly after
dinner, informing Mrs. Britten
they were stopping overnight in
Benton Harbor before returning
TO Evanston.
That night Mrs. Britten. ac-
companied by her daughter.
Mrs. William Clark, called at
the home Of Miss Helen Powers,
a state employee, with whom she
had been friendly for more than
20 years. She was to be q week
end guest at the Britten home.
Miss Powers was not at home
when the women arrived, 80
they returned 10 the Britten
avenue address, where Clark
and Jute Jennings, a business
associate, were keeping an APP
pointment with a new car pros
pect. An hour later Miss
Powers called the home, and
Clark drove over TO pick her up.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Carnival Troupe
Checked by Police

Sam S. Riley, a retired Lansing
photographer and brother-in-law
of the slain woman, is positive"
the shooting was the work of a
carnival troupe member who left
the city that same night.
In this connection, ii is inter-
esting to note that bloodhounds
trailed the slayer to the railroad
tracks over the same line on
which the troupe had departed
that night for Muskegon.
Lansing police, of course,
checked the carnival troupe.
especially a man known as Red
the Greaser," but found no in
eliminating clues.
Several members OF the Lam
sing police department who
worked on the case 10 years ago
have their own id cas- and are
confident that some day they
will be able to reveal the slayer,
dead or alive, and perhaps pro-
vide more interesting story.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Others Arrive;
Laid TO Craekpot

The letter was postmarked in
Lansing and was written evil
IDENTIFY in a disguised hand.
Several other anonymous COM
munications came. Authorities
laid them to a crank.
While Lansing police were ar
resting and questioning scores
Of Migrants and burglary sus-
poets, Chief Seymour received
letter from Philadelphia de-
tectives on June /, advising
him a Negro had important in
formation concerning the muir
der.
Seymour and Detective VIII
liam Pratt of the Lansing de :
partment hurried TO Philadel-
phia where the information
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

weeks hunting the two suspects
until Stewart admitted he was
lying and was only seeking
"notoriety."
Reese Hopins. 10. Of Lansing.
was probably the No. i suspect
in the Britten murder case for
were never able 10 connect him
with the crime.
He left Lansing few weeks
after the shooting and was To-
Gated in Chicago as a bellhop.
Chicago and Michigan state po-
lice questioned him for days,
but despite the fact that he told
conflicting stories, nothing war
ranted prosecution.
In summarizing this story,
authorities emphasize that the
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

promised an early solution to
their case.
John II. Stewart, a convict
recently released from Ohio
penitentiary, told a bizarre story
Of being approached on a Co
lunbus street corner by two
men who wanted him to drive
two gunner from Toledo TO
Lansing either TO kidnap or 10
murder a contractor"
Armed with this tale the de-
tectipes Travelled TO Columbus,
but were unable TO substanti-
ate 1t.
On their second trip 10 Phila-
delphia the Negro identified"
the men through photos, and
this time the detectives brought
Stewart to Lansing and Column
bus for further checks.
They wasted almost two
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Peculiar Noise
Disturbs Women

1t was nearly midnight when
the family departed, and the
two men sat up for another
hour chatting and discussing
Mrs. Britten's new clothing pur-
chases. They retired about 100
a. m.
Miss Powers related the
story:
about 10 minutes later we
heard . peculiar squeak, but
thought 1t was due TO the fact
IL was . new home. A few
moments later there was an
other noise. This time IL
sounded like two tumblers
blinking together"
The clock struck 2 a. m. when
the women, wide awake by this
time, heard a noise resembling
a subdued cough or Sneeze.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
BY LIVINGSTON PoMERoY
Unitsd Press stan corrsspesasss
NFW YORK JuIv A

NEW YORK, July 4.
NEW YORK cITYs first
y total blackout, which I
witnessed shortly after my re-
turn from Rome, was more COM
plete than any I ever saw in the
Italian capital, where prison
terms for violstors are long and
fines are heavy.
1t was an experience 10 stand
on a Forty-second street corner
and watch the people Of one Of
the worlds greatest cities take
the blackout In stride.
Men and women chatted in
bars and restaurants. taxicabs
pulled up to the curbs and
doused their lights and people
quietly took shelter from the
streets.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
BY AL KAUFMAN

The staying 70 years ago OF
Mrs. William Britten, prominent
Lansing society matron. still
stands as a challenge to the
popular sdage that murder Will
put"
Defying the power Of man and
money, 1t has consumed thou
sands Of dollars in public and
private funds. It has baffied
city and state police and crack
Investigators from the Pinkerton
and Burns private detective
agencies.
It virtually exhausted the
stable fortune that William
BILLY" Britten, one-time city
official, had amassed in his pros
porous contracting business.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

slayer's escape was greatly
facilitated by rumors and anony-
nous telephone calls that occu-
pied much of their time.
Britten and members OF his
family were absolved.
Britten spent thousands of
dollars hoping that private in
vestigators might solve the mys-
terry, but they bucked the same
stumbling course that had baf-
fled city and state authorities.
More than $4,000 in rewards
were posted by city and county
officials, but even this induce
ment failed to yield the slayer.
Authorities are virtually in
agreement that the murder was
committed by a young fellow,
familiar with the neighborhood,
who intended to rob the home.
The shooting, they believe, was
accidental, prompted by the ner-
vous trigger-finger of a panic
stricken amateur.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Diamonds There,
Ring. Pin Gone

Her two and one-half carat
diamonds were untouched, but
police discovered later q knight
Templar ring and q bar pin set.
both containing small diamonds.
were missing from the house.
The slayer. Of course. had fled.
FIR. Leo Szybowicx, who lived
on the next block, said he was
awakened at 2:15 q. m. by a
woman's scream and as he
looked through his front bed
room window he heard some
body running. A moment later
he heard a man running past
the home and going directly
west.
called 10 him md sAked
what was wrong" the priest
said. "but he did not reply, only
increased his speed. He was .
stocky person and wore dark
clothes"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Ban GrumbIins Over Costs

They are not supposed TO
grumble about the high cost Of
living and the difficulty of find
ing food 10 cook and clothes TO
wear.
Aside from Red Cross nurses
and an occasional member of the
Fascist woman's youth organiza-
ton, 1 have never seen an Ital-
ian woman in uniform.
They are doing none Of the
work which 1 have seen Ameri-
can women doing.
Italian newspapers are forbid
den to publish the American or
British war communicates.
Up TO a year ago, the Vatican
City newspaper, Osservatore Ro-
mano, published the British COM
muniques, but II became SO
widely read that the Fascists
threatened to ban it from the
newsstands unless the commu-
niques were discontinued.
Today not one newspaper In
Italy carries anything but the
Axis version OF the war.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Husband. Daughter
Leave for Illinois

To DR.. and Mrs. Virgil Coun-
sellor, who were spending a
brief visit at the home, the Brit
tens gave a luxurious bedroom
suite. But rather than send II
by freight, Britten made ship
ping arrangements through a
locsl car company and at the
last minute announced he would
accompany the load to Chicago,
where he wanted TO transact
other business matters.
Britten left Lansing the morn
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Slow to Buy Bonds

In Italy people are ordered to
buy government bonds, and they
do SO reluctantly, with no hope
of ever getting their investments
back.
In America I find them buying
bonds and stamps as they 60
into the movies. or giving chem
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Recalls $50 SWANS

YOUNG woman says that with the MISS HAYES
i aid of diaries and her memory she
has counted $50 young she had dates with eight years
Whether not this is unusual with modern young women
say We have records in horses and women
file this situation at present Anyway the young woman
aforementioned married and describes her husband
"a combination of Charles Boyer and Tyrone Power"
Ever have dog that wandered around the neighborhood
bringing home things from other houses and Places Wespor
Conn, subscriber he has six months old springer
spaniel who has in two weeks proudly deposited the following
at his feet Four rubber balls three dolls girde
feather duster two brushes mans hat gaosh
half gull dead
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
He Inherited Millions

uUTT MARTIN. Golf professional.
III One of the Martins of Carnoustie.
Scotland. I had brassie that was
made in Carnoustie. 1t was the best
balanced golf club / ever handled.
Boy, could really sock the ball with
that club.
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whit
ney. A small town girl who achieved
distinction in New York. She's from
Plymouth, o. Her husband Is now
a major in the army and was last
heard from in Burma. He. in addi-
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
It's Nazis', Now

THE German battleships that
i escaped by running the English
channel are two Of the fastest ships
afloat. Ii said these ships have a
special boiler design that is in reality
coil instead Of a boiler. Lieutenant
Lamont of the United States Navy
invented this in peace time. II was
not accepted by the United States
Navy. Switzerland and Germany did
further design development on the in
vention and Germany seems to be
making practical use of il.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

away from a golden wedding ami
versary and getting a divorce.
"Near-sighted people are usually
more intelligent than those who are
far-sighted," says an eye specialist.
Note a news photograph which
indicates Barbara Stanwyck tried to
look coy while posing for it. Barbara
should never try to look coy. She's
not the type.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Still Thinks AIsab a Good Horse

QUERIES from clients Q-Now after the Belmont stakes
~ what do you think of Asab?
Al still think Alsab Is a very good horse wouldn't
let change my opinion Remember SO ways
a favorite lose horse
Q-Governor Talmadge of Georgia says his leads
the nation in the percentage population of soldiers and
sailors in the army and navy. How about it?
A-Havent the latest figures but get the
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Next Week

Who killed pretty 1S-
year old Nina Decker?
Grand Rapids police are
looking for the mysteri-
Gus killer Who slipped in
on a lunch hour and
killed the pretty stenog-
rapher. Read about the
strange case IN neTt
Sundays Pictorial Re-
vieU section.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
She Sings the Blues

CT AM a career woman and by the
i worlds standard am successful.
But my heart Is not in It," writes
Milwaukee subscriber. Look around
at the so called career women. Can
there be anything more pitiful and
degrading than their forced smiles,
touched-up hair, carefully made up
faces and their eternally catering to
the boss plus the whims Of the
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Report U. S. Food Shortage

italians are told repeatedly
that there is a widespread food
shortage in America.
If the population Of Rome had
access TO even the largest New
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Would Amaze Roman

II a Roman could visit war
time New York, he would be
even more amazed at this city.
For Mussolinfs propaganda
machine has fed and is feeding
him increasingly large doses Of
bunk about the lowered mo-
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
80 Years on Corner

Bile SCHMAZ of Manhattan has been selling newspapers
n the corner, Ffeth and Seventh avenue
for 30 And claims to personally know Broadway
celebrities than any alive.
Schuylkil County Pennsylvania couple recently was
divorced after 4S of marriage that years
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Roman Would Be Amazed at Camness Of New York City Backout

(The following Is written by
a member Of the former United
Press bureau in Rome, one Of
the correspondents who returned
to the United States recently In
the exchange Of diplomats and
newspapermen with the Axis.)
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

governor box Of cigars that Texas
has higher percentage per popula-
ton of men in the armed forces than
Georgia. I will also bet his excel
lency a hat that more residents OF
Texas than Of Georgia have enlisted
in the armed forces.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Thousands of Dollars
of Public and Private
Funds Spent in Vain

This 10 another in the series
Of unsolvsd Michiodn crimes bv
Al Kaufman, The Detroit Times
staf correspondent.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

Or always being alert prevent sabotage from younger
and prette girl: The boss always has rowing matter
how fat bald he may be.
These things not conductive 10 w0nan's serenity
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
Would Invade Shoe Stores

Then. II they were allowed
TO continue their shopping tour,
they would descend like a cloud
OF locusts on the clothing and
shoe stores. Perhaps no sales
man could convince them that
shoes are still made of leather.
Then when the stores closed
they would crowd the restau-
rants, eating. not the half por-
ton Of black spaghetti which
they are allowed once a day in
Italy, but huge plates Of white
spaghetti.
And II they ended the day
dancing in a night club il would
be their first dance in two years.
Since Italy entered the war
there has been a strict ban on
public dancing.
Italians may dream that such
n place as the United States
exists, but they don't believe IL.
Fascist propaganda has con-
WINGED them that Americans are
already weakening under tho
shortages and that We won't be
able 10 stand 10 much longer
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

who has been using the same razor
for Sc years Nora Kunkel, one
armed girl, is one of the speediest
typists in Washington, D. c.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

rale" here. the lack Of food and
how panic-stricken New York.
ers are injured by the hundreds
every time there is a blackout.
Shortly before the last Amer
lean diplomatic train left from
Rome a headline in Virginia
Gayda's newspaper. II Giornale
dItalia, announced:
New York City population
panic-stricken by trial black
out"
Hundreds Injured
The story under the headline
described how hundreds had
been injured in a frantic rush
for safety.
That is exactly what had oc-
CURED in Rome every time the
sirens moaned their warnings OF
approaching planes.
Fascist propaganda also Is
telling the Italians that Ameri-
cans are asleep on the job and
that we have no fighting spirit.
When I left Rome the people
were asking, How soon will il
be over?"
In New York I find the people
asking, How soon will we lick
them ?"
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

Murder Of Mrs. Britten, Lansing Society MatrOn,
Continues to Battle Ace Investigators After 10 Years
Anonymous Missivss.
Whisperines Bseloud
Task for Detectives

Mrs. Britten's body lay at the
head Of the stairs, shot through
the left side Of the nose.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

ton to many millions of dollars inherited the famous c.
Whitney racing coors of light blue, brown cap
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

York market, they would strip
II lock, stock and barrel within
10 minutes.
The first rush would be for
coffee. as coffee hasn't been sold
openly in Italy for almost two
years.
Then they would 60 for tea,
chocolate, spaghetti, bread, -four.
meat, butter. lard and oil.
They would offer fantastic
prices. Twenty dollars pound
for coffee. S35 a pound for tea
and $40 a quart for cooking oil.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05

as birthday and wedding pres
ents.
In Italy the women are told to
stay in the home and that their
only job is to have more chill
dren.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-07-05
on The SIDE
" 6 u A4r,G'',.s|
Macarthur and Son Say Their.
Prayers together Every Night

Features syndicate. Inc
M lover is q small
SO would Tthdue him be
FetCer ledues and more fruit erer
We find IN the little tree.
RYDER
zen. DOUGLAS MACARTHUR and his lite say their
VI prayers together every night How about and your
son. sir? Edgar Bergen has 1918 Stanley steamer and
is driving 1t around Hollywood.
have used the 10 years." proudly states
Sammy Kaye the bandmaser.
sammy old boy, that is simply nothing l know a
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
STUDIO COUCH SALE

RUGs-Used, all sizes; 81 95 up. Ame
can Carpet Cleaning. s63s OAKLAND.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
Electric Refrigerafors
Seuing Machines

Al SEWING machine, vacuum, wAAhsr
repairing, 81. Free estimates. Buy, sell.
LIE. 5000. Central stores.
BARGAIN sale on sewing machines. Sing
ers. Whites, etc. Used, In good condition,
.S1fs5 up. Elsctrics. used, xlsS5 up. New
electric, S34 % Up; terms. Guaranteed.
open evenings.
SEWING MACHINE SALES co.
1875 Broadway at Grand River ca. 1888
1890 Cd. River at TrumbuI TE. 1880
ssS3 cd. River AZ Martindals TY. 4-5S35
6i32 W. Fort al Military vi. 1880
1887 r.. Jefferson az Philip LIE. $500
1859 Gratiot nr. 7-Mle Ar 63si
Free Estimates on Repairs
WHITE. 1912. sellout: give-away price (:
t.oor samples Open -Sun--aISn- GFsttoi-
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26

RADIO sERvICE-Guaranteed service. tn
GLIDING parts and tubes; current models.
81. so. Tyler 6-e03s
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26

CONSULT the enlarged Real Estate nst-
ings IN The big Sunday Times Want Ad
ssctioni
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
Auto Radios
Radio Service

Al RADIO repairing. Free estimates
Homes. Lenox 5000. Central Radio Serv
ice
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
Snaps

ABSOLUTELY top dollar paid for your
used refrige ratOr, not over yrs old. Call
HOT y KOLD SHOPS
pingree 1888
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26

RU0s-Diseontinued patterns. plenty al
ex12 siIes included: 1885, discount; al
grades, colorS and patterns. ROGERS CO.
retail outlet, 26l6 East Grand Blvd.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
TIT WoodWar

BUICK-le3e spec. de L coupe: fac radio,
heater; practically q new car; sac. today,
can arrange financing. take trade. Largest
and cleanest stock m Mich. 4. n. Gregory,
salesroons, 1855 Cratfot,
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
Musical Instruments

BABY GRAND PLANO Excellent condi'
ton. Call mornings only Hogarth 2575
WILL SELL King trumpet music books
included, $50. Townsend 5-7332
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26

RUGS. sxI2 tower 3OoI were 1880. now
1918 Arcadia Furniture. 6s5s Grauot
RUG sx1z. sx1u; mill endA. So 30 today
2p4g 18th. near Temple.
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
Automobiles for Sale

.BUtcK-speoial 1899 2-door touring: an
outstanding ear with de luxe radio and
heater: also 1912 plates. almost new rub
Der. Just $3.50 Floyd Rice. 1885 Livernois
BUICK FOa BARGAINS
siee CAsS slsi WOODWARD
Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-03-26
TIT Woodward

BUfCR-1S40 spec. 4-dr. trk. sedan; beau
tiful rooin's-egg blue nnish: custom seat
covers: fac. radio, heater: ". ". tires
direct from owner TO you; only 1856, trade.
very easy terms. Wrigiey's.