Monday, July 20, 2009

DASTARDLY DADS FROM THE ARCHIVES (Yonkers, New York - 1907)

Even 102 years ago, when Dad was supposed to be minding the baby while Mama went to church, things went haywire. Dad JOHN VOLK got six months in jail and a fine for beating his 13-month-old son into a bloody mess.

From the archives of the New York Times, April 16, 1907.

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9C0DE6D7123EE033A25755C1A9629C946697D6CF

BEAT A YEAR-OLD BABY.

Father Gets Six Months in Prison--Mother Found Child Unconscious.

YONKERS, N. Y., April 15.-John Volk was tried yesterday and quickly sentenced to six months in the penitentiary and a fine of $50 for beating in an unmerciful manner a thirteen-month-old child. The beating took place on Sunday, when Mrs. Volk was at church. On her return she found the child on the floor unconscious, its face and head covered with blood. She summoned Dr. Bohm and a police officer, and caused her husband's arrest.