Collections of Madness

18 Aug 1921 : Dinner was a bit awkward trying to talk with other guests around the table. Who to trust? Thus, our quiet attempts to talk around the topics we’d each researched. Finally, dinner wrapping up around 6:30pm and the other guests pushing away from the table to retreat to their rooms. Sarah clearing the table and thus in the kitchen. Finally a chance to open up, “So you went to the quarry and asked about the meteor? Did you happen to ask about the star falling into the bay as the newspaper reported?” And that’s when we learned we weren’t exactly alone; the downs-syndrome boy Tommy chiming in, “I saw it fall. And those men and things dragging something out of the water. Froggies and yellow-shirts pulling that huge octopus ashore. The reverend directing them. I drew their pictures; I can show you later.” And with that, he and Ethan ran out the door to play. As if talking about monsters and frogmen wasn’t that big a deal. Kids…and their imaginations…and their purity of souls. Ju...

17 Aug 1921 : Lazy smoke-rings cloud the air as Sean O’Bannion puffs on his stogie while reading an old Springfield newspaper, “There goes the easy money. So much for rigging baseball games. Now they’ve appointed a commissioner of the league; Judge Kenesaw Landis. And to see despite the acquittal of the ‘Black-Sox 8’ by the Chicago courts, HE’s banned the boys for life. Guess I’ll have to find another source of income.” A knock at the door interrupts his thoughts, “Boss, the team is here.” Four men and two women entered his office: Victoria - Tori (Bill) Mob accountant assigned to questionable businesses the mob suspects of cheating them or holding out. "Plain Jane" is rarely given a 2nd look which allows her to go about her business as needed. No prying eyes. She must be good at her work as she lives in luxury. Wealthy but never showing it. Unless you take notice of her expansive shoe collection! Homer (Brian) Union teamster/organi...