George Washington’s hair found in book
A New York state college said an inventory of its library’s archival collections led to an unusual discovery — a lock of George Washington’s hair. Union College said archivists going through materials at Schaffer library discovered the first US President’s hair in an envelope tucked inside a leather book titled Gaines Universal Register or American and British Kalendar for the year 1793.
The envelope was labeled: “Washington’s hair, l.S.S. & (scratched out) GBS from James A. Hamilton given him by his mother, Aug. 10, 1871.” James A. Hamilton was the son of Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The book was inscribed to Philip J Schuyler, brother of Eliza and son of Gen. Philip Schuyler, a friend of Washington’s.
“In an era when people frequently exchanged hair as a keepsake, it’s quite probable that Martha had given Eliza some of George’s hair, which in turn was given to their son, James, who later distributed it, strand by strand, as a precious memento to close friends and family members,” said Susan Holloway Scott, a scholar and author of the historical novel I, Eliza Hamilton.
India Spartz, head of Special Collections and Archives at Schaffer library, said she is working to preserve the hair, the almanac and a series of handwritten notes from Philip J. Schuyler that were also found inside the book. “This is a very significant treasure,” Spartz said.
“It’s a tremendous testament to history and our connection to some of the most important historical figures.”
(UPI)
day care workers say cookies made them high
The director of a Maine day care says cookies dropped off by a parent as a Valentine’s Day treat left about dozen staff members feeling high. Police were called to the Watch Me Shine day care in Bangor on Wednesday and seized the cookies for testing. Day care director Tiffany Nowicki tells the Bangor Daily News that the cookies were left on a staff room table. No children ate any. Two workers reported feeling woozy. About 10 others reported less intense symptoms. Police say the parent who brought them in could be charged if the cookies test positive for drugs. Nowicki says the day care has always barred adults from sharing food with children, but will now prohibit bringing in outside food for children or staff.
(AP)
man receives more than 100 unwanted pizzas
A German lawyer is seeking help from the police after someone apparently ordered more than 100 pizzas to his office — and the orders are still coming. Guido Grolle said his office in Dortmund received more than 100 pizzas from various restaurants in the span of two weeks, despite no one in the office ordering the food. He said the orders have recently become more varied, with unwanted currywurst and sushi also arriving at his office. Police have opened an investigation into the orders, but investigators said fraud charges are unlikely, as Grolle is not required to pay for the unwanted food.
(UPI)
Huge sinkhole on Rome street swallows half dozen cars
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into a 10-metre-wide sinkhole that swallowed up a half-dozen cars on a residential street in Rome. No one was injured in Wednesday evening’s collapse in the Balduina neighbourhood, but families in nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
The ANSA news agency said prosecutors had placed a property owner and the company handling construction along the road under investigation Thursday. Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi visited the site and stressed that the sinkhole, which appeared to shave off the entire side of the road, occurred at an active construction site, and that the situation is under control.
(AP)
School breaks record for lincoln gathering
A Kentucky elementary school announced it broke a world record by gathering 556 people dressed as Abraham lincoln. Officials at lincoln Elementary School in louisville said 556 people, including students and faculty members, donned stovepipe hats and chinstrap beards to break the record for most people dressed as Abraham lincoln in one place. “We admire Abraham lincoln,” Principal Susan French-Epps told WlKY-TV. “We’ve studied his contributions that he has made for all citizens and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the month of his birth and give him some love on Valentine’s Day.” The school is submitting records and evidence from the event to Guinness, which lists the current record as 250 Abe lincolns.
(UPI)
Feathers fly as KFCs shut across Britain
Fast food fans were in a flutter after most of the 900 KFC outlets in the UK and Ireland were forced to close because of a shortage of chicken. The company apologised to customers, blaming “teething problems” with its new delivery partner, DHl. KFC first apologised for the problems on Saturday. In an update on Monday, it listed almost 300 stores as open, but did not say when the rest might join them. It said those branches that remained open were operating a limited menu or shortened hours. “We know that this might have inconvenienced some of you... we’re really sorry,” the company said.
(AP)