As Dorthy Mast, Rosemary Powell and Wanda Dowdy go to the library to check out the old Bird City Newspapers, we sometimes chuckle at the things we find, but other times, we just laugh out loud.  We are reading the micro-film of these newspapers, doing research for our Resource Guide to the old Bird City Newspapers.  One such item we found in the June 9, 1892 edition of the Bird City News.  This was entitled:

FORGETFULNESS

The most remarkable case of forgetfulness on record is that of a German named Dinkelspiel, who is generally quoted as a frightful example in textbooks on psychology.  This individual was so absent minded that he was forced to write on a slip of paper the position of his clothing on retiring, so that he could find them again in the morning.

One night he made out his slip as usual, shoes on the floor, trousers on the chair, etc., and finally Dinkelspiel in bed.  On arising the next morning, he found everything just where he had placed them, until he came to the bed.  Horrors, it was empty.  A strange fear overpowered the poor man.  Had he been kidnapped during the night?  It was evident since he was no longer in the bed. 

Hastily, attiring himself, he ran to the Police Headquarters to give the alarm.  Dinkelspiel was missing and must be found.  Terror at his awful fate completely unnerved him.  He tottered home and went to bed - a prey to high fever.

When the police arrived at the house to look up a clue, they found Dinkelspiel in bed.  The poor man's joy at being recovered can more easily be imagined than described.  Bird City News  - June 9, 1892.