100 Years Ago Today: The Spanish Swindle

100 years ago and relevant today.  Seriously, how long has this been going around? ... 

Manassas Journal
January 18, 1924

SWINDLER TESTS MANASSAS MAN

Man "Imprisoned" in Spain Offers Reward for Aid in Recovery of Hidden Fortune

The "familiar Spanish swindle" has appeared in Manassas again.

Rev. J. M. Bell, in a polite letter from Madrid, Spain, is importuned to aid the writer -- to recover a sum of $360,000 hidden by him in America, for which act of goodness Mr. Bell is offered "the third part; namely, $120,000."

The letter, in careful script on a single sheet of paper ruled both ways in blocks, is evidently a very good piece of printing giving the impression of a hand-written letter.

"I cannot receive your answer in prison," the writer informs Mr. Bell, "but you must send a cablegram to a person of my confidence, who will deliver it to me."

"Awaiting your answer, to intrust you all my secret," he signs himself only "R. de S., " while prominently displaying at the bottom of the letter these instructions:

"First of all answer by cable, not by letter as follows: Andres Cruiz, Lista Telegrafos. Orduna Gizcaya. Samples received. 91. Bell."

Although relieved even of the small responsibility of wording the cablegram Mr. Bell up to the time of going to press had not sent it. When interviewed by The Journal he showed no distress over the plight of his Madrid correspondent and no signs of curiosity concerning the get-rich-quick "secret" which doubtless has swindled many simple-minded folk of all their savings.

100 Years Ago Today: PWCo Farmers' Annual Picnic

Manassas Journal (VA)
27 July 1923

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY FARMER'S ANNUAL PICNIC

The Prince William County Farmers Annual Picnic will be held at the Courthouse, Manassas, Va., on FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1923.

This is to be an all-day Basket Picnic with speaking, both in the forenoon and in the afternoon. While held under the auspices of the County Farmers' Union, every farmer, his family and his friends are invited. Hon. G. A. Lambert, State President, and Geo. H. Bowles, State Secretary, will be with us. U.S. Senator Fletcher and other prominent speakers are expected.

Let this be a great "Home-Coming" anniversary for all farmers of the county. As there is to be no county fair this year, this is the only county "get-together" the farmers will have. Let's make the most of it. COME--meet and greet your friends, talk crops, politics, the weather, eat a good dinner, hear the addresses, and have a good time. 

Please advertise the picnic among your friends.

J. H. DODGE, Secretary-Treasurer
County Farmers' Union

100 Years Ago Today: Candidate Cards

Manassas Journal
06 April 1923

CANDIDATES' CARDS

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For Commissioner of Revenue

To the Democratic Voters of Prince William  County:
   I hereby announce myself a candidate for the office of Commissioner of the Revenue, District No. 1, of Prince William county, subject to the Democratic Primary of August 7, 1923. If elected, I promise to discharge faithfully the duties of the office. I feel sure I can render more efficient service in the coming than in the preceding term, as my past experience will mean a great deal to the people of the county.

Respectfully yours, R. M. WEIR
45-te

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For Commissioner of the Revenue

To the Democratic Voters of Prince William County:
   I hereby announce myself a candidate for Commissioner of the Revenue, District No. 1, subject to the Democratic Primary of August 7, 1923.

BAILY TYLER
45-e

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For Supervisor

To the Democratic Voters of Prince William County:
   I hereby announce myself a candidate for Supervisor of Gainesville District, subject to the Democratic Primary of August 7, 1923.

ROLFE ROBERTSON
45-te

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For Supervisor

To the Democratic Voters of Prince William County:
   I hereby announce myself a candidate for Supervisor of Gainesville District, subject to the Democratic Primary of August 7, 1923.

R. A. RUST

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For Sheriff

I hereby announce myself a candidate for re-election to the office of sheriff of Prince William county, subject to the democratic primary. If elected, I shall retain my present deputy.

CHAS. A. BARBEE

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For Sheriff

At the solicitation of my friends, I announce myself a candidate for the office of sheriff of Prince William county, subject to the democratic primary to be held in August, and hereby make an appeal for your support. If elected to the important office, I will give it my undivided attention.

Respectfully, BERNARD C. SMITH

100 Years Ago Today: Dixie Theatre: "Rags to Riches"

Manassas Journal
30 March 1923

From Wikipedia:

Rags to Riches is a 1922 American silent comedy film released by Warner Bros. on September 24, 1922. According to Warner Bros records, the film earned $418,000 domestically.

PLOT:  Marmaduke Clyde, a wealthy boy in search of adventure, leaves home to join a gang of crooks. He and Dumbbell strike out by themselves and find work on a farm. Dumbbell falls in love with Mary Wilde, but they incur the wrath of the Purist's League delegation, the sheriff, the Clarkes, detectives hired by Mr Clarke, and the gang of crooks intent on kidnapping Marmaduke, Dumbbell, and Mary all meet up together, Dumbbell reveals himself to be Ralph Connor, Secret Service agent, and turns the gang over to the sheriff.