Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 171, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 July 1915 — Chicago Park Squirrels “Pinch" Greek’s Peanuts [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Chicago Park Squirrels “Pinch" Greek’s Peanuts

CHICAGO. —Morris Sperekas, owner of a confectionery Btand, worked late Saturday night, but he arose early Sunday to catch the Jackson park trade. In the afternoon he sat near his peanut stand. He blinked at the

bright sun above his head and was soon lost in day dreams of his native village on the Aegean sea. Across the street in Jackson park were three hungry squirrels. They evinced much interest in the peanuts owned by Sperekas. When they saw the proprietor droop his head and heard strange noises issue from his nose, they were convinced that an excellent Sunday dinner awaited them.

One, more daring than his com- ( panions, hopped anxiously across the street car tracks and jumped on the Class cover of the peanut roaster. Finding no source of entry it made further explorations. Near by it found a box of bags filled with peanuts. It seized one and struggled across the street into the park. A crowd of picnickers gathered in the meantime. Soon after it returned to peanut stand. It seized another bag. It had crossed the street half way when it was met by two other squirrels who volunteered assistance. Then somebody in the crowd broke into a laugh. Sperekas awoke with a start. He glanced about, yawning. Then his eyes lighted on the peanut bag and the three squirrels in the middle of the •trees. “Blankety-blank Turks," shouted the peanut merchant as he threw a ;* r ’ . ■