Charles Lindbergh Jr., New York Daily News, 5/12/1932.
By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs
On March 1, 1932, 20 month-old Charles, Jr. was taken from his crib. For 10 long weeks, the nation hoped and prayed for the baby’s safe return.
LINDBERGH BABY FOUND DEAD #OTD 1932
Called the “crime of the century,” the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. shocked and horrified the country and the world, as “Lucky Lindy” became the face of tragedy.
The National Archives holds tens of thousands of related records, including nearly 30,000 pages from the FBI investigation of the kidnapping, in addition to records of the subsequent arrest, trial, and execution of Bruno Hauptmann. The files include letters, memoranda, telegrams, and press clippings dating from the 1930s to 1982!
DON’T RELEASE AL CAPONE FROM JAIL TO AID SEARCH!
Petition from Citizens of Mitchell, SD, urging President Hoover not to release Al Capone, despite his stated willingness – given his gangster connections – to help with the search. Department of Justice Criminal Division, 4/26/1932.NARA ID 595053.
Congressman appeals “on bended knee” for baby’s safe return:
Congressman Charles A. Karch (D-IL), from the Congressional Record, 3/9/1932, NARA ID 34382871.
Related interesting fact! Scenes from HBO’s Lindbergh-based Plot Against Americawere filmed outside the National Archives, as were scenes from (unrelated)Wonder Woman 1984!
A man becomes preeminent, he’s expected to have enthusiasms. Enthusiasms, enthusiasms… What are mine? What draws my admiration? What is that which gives me joy? Baseball…
I was in kind of a silly spot with this Eastern State stuff…so I decided to sketch out some designs for kid-friendly bath toys in homage to two of its most famous inmates. The first one is Pep the Dog, who seems to be beloved by practically everyone who visits the old prison. And the second is dear ol’ Al Capone, looking extra round and rubber-duck-like.
EDIT: They liked the Pep one, but possibly as a dog toy. If it actually gets chosen you guys will certainly know within a few months!
