Today -100: October 8, 1913: Of race riots and forgotten property

Race riot in Romeo, Illinois after blacks attack the jail to release a woman jailed for drunkenness. The leader is shot dead. “Two households, both alike in dignity,” indeed. (The NYT is using the town’s old name; it changed its name to Romeoville when its sister town Juliet – isn’t that adorable? – changed its to Joliet).

Headline of the Day -100: “Buys Property, Forgets It.” A Mr. E.R. Wood of Philadelphia paid $3,800 for a property in 1887, and forgot all about it, as one does. It was taken over by squatters and eventually bought for $100 by a couple who are now awarded ownership.

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