Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 May 1896 — CHAMPION CHICKEN PICKER. [ARTICLE]

CHAMPION CHICKEN PICKER.

A Long Islander Plucks a Chicken Clean in Five Seconds. Here is an account of the feats of Frank W. Gurner, of Eastport, L. 1., who claims the title of “Champion Chicken-Picker of the World.” He is willing to bet 55,00 U ”that he has a right to the title and his record is one chicken picked in five seconds. This extraordinary performance Turner has repeatedly accomplished, and in all the contests in which he has taken part has distanced his competitors -to such an extent that it is almost painful to witness their puny efforts. Some time ago Gurner thought he had a rival worthy of his metal in John Daly, of Fire Island, who had a great reputation as an expert in this line. A friendly contest was proposed. Daly in an evil moment accepted. The chickens were produced and Daly went to work. Gurner did not move a hand,but watched his opponent. When the latter was half through Gurner doused his fowl in scalding water, tossed it in the air, rubbed it

after his own peculiar method and before the astounded Daly knew what had happened the chicken was handed to the judges without as much as a pin-feather on it. The Greeuport champion fared even worse, and after a ridiculously onesided match tiurner offered to pick four chickens to the Greenporter's one, but eren with this handicap the offer was refused. In the presence of a New York World reporter Gurner equalled his record time of five seconds, and then offered to pick one "slowly” in twelve seconds, to show how it was done. This is wlmt happened: Gurner plunged the fowl into scalding water, seized It nud threw it into the air, caught it as it came down with one hand around each wing. With lightning like rapidity the right hand then shot out, carrying away all the feathers of the wing on that side. The same motion on the opposite side carried away the feathers on that wing. The chicken was then laid on Guruer’s right leg, and Gurner, both hands moving like piano keys operated by a rapid player, literally struck off the feathers on the upper side. It was immediately tossed over to his left leg and similar treatment followed on its other side. The chicken was then placed between the operator's legs and a clawing movement of the hands followed. When this ceased the chicken was absolutely picked clean.