Wall Street's Great Cat Roundup of 1925

[Fletch]

New York's financial district evidently didn't have a lot to worry about in 1925 except for hundreds of cats, which were thought to be disease vectors.

As was traditional at the time, any potentially dangerous animals not actually foaming at the mouth were considered fair game for neighborhood kids, because as we all know, nasty illnesses can't possibly withstand the power of awwww.

Successful catcatchers could keep their quarry as pets, and those turning them in to shelter were eligible for free tickets to "an entertainment," whatever that might have been. All under auspices of the Neighborhood Association and ASPCA.

Thanks to the brave efforts of youths like Jack Jegerke, pictured above on March 27, 1925, Wall Street has ever since remained safe from the mewling hordes.

The last fugitive remained at large till July 29, 1925, when she was apprehended in midtown traffic, with an underage accomplice.

 

[Stearmen]

So that why the Stock Market crashed a few years later. The cat underpinnings were yanked out from under Wall Street!

 

[LizzieMaine]

Given the way the rat population along Wall Street has exploded over the decades, perhaps this was a mistake.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Given the way the rat population along Wall Street has exploded over the decades, perhaps this was a mistake.

Are you referring to the 4-legged rodent variety, or the kind that wears suits & ties?

 

[LizzieMaine]

The cats ain't particular.