Flower stealing could get you shot!
Spring will arrive March 20, if you can believe the weatherman. Spring flowers have begun to appear in gardens across the city.
This item appeared in The Oklahoman April 30, 1915:
“WARNING TO FLOWER THIEVES”
“Vandals cut 104 tulips from the flower garden of Mrs. James Geary Wednesday night. Other vandals ruined flowers at the home of Frank Harrah on West Thirteenth street. Other losses are reported on East Fifth street.The civic beauty committee of the Women of “89 has offered a reward of $10 (almost $215 in today’s currency) for the arrest and conviction of flower thieves. This committee has asked the aid of the city authorities in stopping the mutilation of flower gardens and has been promised the services of watchmen.
A number of owners of flowerbeds have loaded their shotguns and propose to protect their property in this severe manner.
The civic beauty committee asks all citizens to make close inquiry of all persons offering to sell flowers, believing that if purchasers will refuse to buy flowers indiscriminately that the practice of stealing flowers will be broken up.”
In the May 7, 1915 newspaper, this followup ran:
“OFFICIALS AFTER FLOWER VANDALS”
“City officials announced Thursday that a vigorous campaign will be waged to arrest flower thieves. Many complaints have been received that marauders were invading parks and lawns and pulling up the flowers. Mayor Overholser has instructed the police department to keep a close lookout for this class of offenders. They wil be severely punished if caught, he says.
Dr. J.G. Street, commissioner of public property is considering offering a reward for the arrest of flower thieves. He will consult the city counselor Friday on the matter and if such a move is within the law it will be offered by this department.”
Further searching did not disclose any arrests, but as flowers continue to bloom across the metro, this should serve as a reminder to leave the flowers for the next person to enjoy.
Mary Phillips
A flower bed of tulips and iris. - FROM THE OKLAHOMAN'S ARCHIVES
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