On This Date in Minnesota History: February 21

February 21, 1917 – By unanimous vote, the council committee on licenses today decided to recommend to the council the revocation of the permit of James McClanaghan, manager of the Regent Theater, 609 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, who, earlier in the day was arraigned before Judge Steel on the charge of exhibiting an obscene picture.

 Despite the action of the committee and the arrest of McClenaghan following his indictment by the grand jury, the police department permitted the exhibition of the film, “The Garden of Knowledge,” this evening. O. W. Wassing, secretary to the Mayor, said the Mayor had nothing to say regarding recent developments in this case. Miss Anna Marley, his stenographer, saw the film early in its “run” and reported she saw nothing objectionable to it.

McClenaghan pleaded not guilty on the charge of exhibiting an indecent picture when arraigned before Judge Steele today. He was released on $1,000 bail and the case continued until Monday.

 

1

McClenaghan was indicted under the statute that provides for the punishment of those who exhibit indecent literature and postcards. The statute was passed before the day of motion picture theaters. The arrest of the theater manager is believed to mark the first time that the statute has been invoked against theater managers.

According to County Attorney Rees the state will depend upon the testimony of persons who witnessed exhibitions of the picture for a conviction. No search warrant was included in the warrant for McClenaghan’s arrest and the deputy sheriffs were unauthorized to seize the film itself. Indeed, according to Mr. Rees, it would have done little good to seize the picture since witnesses declared objectionable parts of the film, allowed for weeks by the police, were eliminated by the theater management after investigation was begun by private individuals.

The Northwest Motion Picture Exhibitors Corporation has expelled McClenaghan from its members. Officers said he had promised to withdraw the film after last Saturday and had failed to do so.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “Manager Indicted, But Film Still Runs at Movie Theater. Council advised to Revoke License After Police Fail to Act. Mayor’s Stenographer Approved the Movie. Accused Official Pleads Not Guilty and Is Released on $1,000 Bail.”; Feb. 22, 1917; p. 12.

¹The Tampa Tribune; March 24, 1917; p. 5.

           __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.


Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com