During a "chasing shiny stuff" research binge not long ago, I wandered into the Old German FBI Files at Fold3, described on the web site as:
Publication Title: Investigative Case Files of the Bureau of Investigation 1908-1922
Publisher: NARA
Short Description: NARA M1085. Before it was called the FBI, the Bureau of Investigation investigated real and perceived threats to the nation and its citizens.
Collection Title: Investigative Reports of the Bureau of Investigation 1908-1922
Series: Old German Files, 1909-21
Being the curious type, I did read a few of the files. I found the following file particularly interesting, as far as I know, this Darden is not related. Yes, more research is indicated.
Report made by : A Herman Hudgins
Place where made: Norfolk, Va.
Date when made: May 4, 1918
In re: Robert Darden, alleged wireless operator
At Norfolk, Virginia.
In compliance with telephone request received at this office from the Collector of Customs Office, I proceeded there where I interviewed Deputy Vipond, who stated that he had received a report from a Mrs. Brockman, 1620 Brown Ave. that the above party was operating a wireless instrument in his home between Bramleton and Clay Avenues.
I then proceeded to Mrs. Brockman's residence where I interviewed her relative to the above. She stated that while passing Darden's house las Sunday, he was sitting at his front window operating a wirelesss keyboard. After receiving Darden's address from her, which is 1919 Hamlin Avenue, I immediately proceeded there, where I interviewed Mrs. Darden, who stated that her husband was a messenger boy for the Postal Telegraph Company and was studying to become a telegrapher. He has a keyboard with two dry batteries connected up on a small table which he is practicing on.
Investigation discontinued.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Curious about a wireless keyboard, a few searches were made, one search landed me at Wikipedia article on telgraphy. Oh, my, if this is the same thing, it leads right to computers and email. LOL
I have a feeling this is not the last of this particular research.
.
1 comment:
I too like chasing Bright Shiny Objects sometimes. But in this case that BSO was very productive!
In those same Old German FBI Files are extensive investigations of my great-uncle, Mortimer Downing, who was an organizer with the IWW (Int'l Workers of the World aka the Wobblies) and as such ended up as a political prisoner at Leavenworth Penitentiary.
Post a Comment