TBT: CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT

The actual phrase appeared on page 6 as the headline to a story in The Washington Post on 4 March 1916 with bold inscription:

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT.

Four Departments of New York City Government Summoned to Rescue Feline.

From the New York World.

Curiosity, as you may recall—

 On the fifth floor of the apartment house at 203 West 130th street lives Miss Mable Godfrey. When she came to the house about seven months ago she brought Blackie, a cat of several years' experience of life.

The cat seldom left the apartment. He was a hearth cat, not a fence cat, and did not dearly love to sing. In other respects he was normal and hence curious.

Last Tuesday afternoon when Miss Godfrey was out Blackie skipped into the grate fireplace in a rear room. He had done this many times before. But he had not climbed up the flue to the chimney. This he did Tuesday. Blackie there remained, perched on the top of the screen separating the apartment flue from the main chimney, crying for assistance. Miss Godfrey, returning, tried to induce her pet to come down. If you are experienced in felinity, you know that Blackie didn't come down.

On Wednesday the cat, curiosity unsatisfied, tried to climb higher—and fell to the first floor. His cries could still be heard by Miss Godfrey; who, to effect Blackie's rescue, communicated with the following departments:

1. Police department.
2. Fire department.
3. Health department.
4. Building department.
5. Washington Heights court.

Among them they lowered a rope to Blackie. But it availed neither the cat nor them anything.

Thursday morning, just before noon, a plumber opened the rear wall back of the chimney. Blackie was taken out. His fall had injured his back. Ten minutes later Blackie died.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

COFFIN FROM AMERICA

A family in Nigeria was puzzled when the coffin of their dead mother arrived from the USA, sent by their sister. The tiny corpse was so tightly squeezed inside the coffin that their mother's face was practically touching the glass cover.

When they opened the coffin, they found a letter from their sister pinned to their mother's chest, which read:-

Dearest brothers and sisters,

I am sending you our mother's remains for burial in Lagos. Sorry I couldn't come along as the expenses were so high.

You will find inside the coffin, under Mama's body, 12 cans of Libby's corned beef and12 cans of Luncheon Meat, Just divide it amongst yourselves. On Mama's feet is a brand-new pair of Reeboks (size 8) for Junior. There are four pairs of Reeboks under Mama's head for Tunde's sons. Mama is wearing six Ralph Lauren T-shirts - one is for OMO, Roy and the rest are for my nephews.

Mama is also wearing one dozen Wonder Bras (your favorite), just divide them among yourselves. The 2 dozen Victoria's Secret panties that Mama is wearing should be distributed among my nieces and cousins. Mama is also wearing eight Dockers pants - Ikeje, please get one for yourself and the rest are for the boys.

The Swiss watch you asked for is on Mama's left wrist, please get it. Aunty Ronke. Mama is wearing what you asked for - earrings, rings and a necklace; please take them also, the six pairs of Chanel stockings that Mama is wearing must be divided among the teen-age girls there. I hope they like the colours.

Your loving Sister, 
Nene.

P.S.-Please take care of finding a nice dress for Mama for her burial. (YOU MAY GO TO ORILE OR YABA FOR A CHEAP OKRIKA)

In case you need anything that I may have forgotten, please let me know as UNCLE IS NOT FEELING TOO WELL.