Fire Cracker Lighted While in His Mouth

HOTCHKIN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/8/2010 at 14:01:28

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; July 6, 1920

LEONARD HOTCHKIN IS HURT.

Fourth of July Fire Cracker Lighted While in His Mouth.

Leonard Hotchkin, seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hotchkin who live west of town, put a three-inch firecracker in his mouth yesterday, touched off the fuse and now Leonard is resting in St. Francis hospital for repairs.

It seems the little boy thought the cracker had been exploded and sneaked off down the cellar to try to do like some of the big boys, that is smoke.

The little boy's lips were badly burned and his teeth were knocked loose. He is recovering and soon will have nothing left of the accident but a memory and bad taste in his mouth.