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Oct. 15, 1915
HARTINGTON — Chief of Police Bob Wallace was strolling down Main Street a few evenings ago when he heard a funny noise that sounded at first like the tickling of a telegraph instrument.
The Chief listened intently as he did not know of any such instruments in town except at the depot. Presently, he detected the direction from which the sound came and he immediately took up the trail.
As he proceeded down the street the noise grew louder and Bob knew he was on the right track.
Chief Wallace came to a dark stairway and the noise developed into quite a racket, sounding very similar to a piece of ivory and hard rubber being dropped onto a table. He ascended the stairs and as he approached the door, he heard a voice saying, “I’ll raise you,” and Bob rushed right in thinking someone may have taken ill and was in need of assistance.
Instead, he found six well known residents seated around the table on which were a deck of cards, and several stacks of chips of various colors, said to be used as a means of keeping track of the winnings of the holders.
The Chief promptly informed the members of the little party they were under arrest. They arranged for their appearance and were given their liberty. Five of them appeared Wednesday before County Judge Bryant, who imposed a stiff fine. The other member of the party was called out of town but will have an opportunity of explaining the matter to the judge on his return.
The prosecution was made under the city ordinance to prohibit gambling.
