FOOL KILLER FORTY-FOUR: FEBRUARY 1911

Balladeer’s Blog continues its examination of the many facets of Fool Killer lore. FOR PART ONE, INCLUDING THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT, CLICK HERE

PART FORTY-FOUR: Among the Fool Killer’s targets in the February of 1911 issue of James Larkin Pearson’s publication:

*** Religious leaders who were more into money than anything else. As Pearson and his version of the Fool Killer pointed out: “When the dollar rules the pulpit, the Devil rules the pew.”

*** The frivolous fashionistas who decreed that men’s coats and vests must now be “corset-cut” and their pants be more form-fitting. (Remember, they also targeted the way fashion trends arbitrarily changed women’s clothing, too.)

*** Sir Oliver Lodge, a famous spiritualist of the time who warned that the walls between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead were “wearing thin in places.”

*** Margaret Sage, widow of Russell Sage, who was planning to start an “ideal community” with 1,500 “model families” in New York. The Fool Killer mocked her for thinking that 1,500 “model” families could be found.

*** Charles Taze Russell aka Pastor Russell of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, who was credited with starting the Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

*** Greedy offspring who hovered like vultures as they waited for their elders to die so they could inherit their fortune.

Among the Fool Killer’s pithier comments this time was “The biggest millionaire club in this country is the one that meets in the north end of the Capitol at Washington.” Decades later that one is still relevant, as so many elected officials manage to “mysteriously” become millionaires while in office. 

As I always say, it’s fascinating to read this old publication and its odd mix of viewpoints – even the ones you disagree with. 

I WILL EXAMINE MORE FOOL KILLER LORE SOON. KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR UPDATES.

FOR MY LOOK AT JOE MAGARAC, THE STEEL MILL VERSION OF JOHN HENRY AND PAUL BUNYAN, CLICK HERE 

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