August 9, 1934
Baker ‘Shoots’ 15 feet, 7 Inches, to Win Cuspidor
CARLSBAD, N.M., Aug 8 – Moisture was brought to drought-stricken New Mexico when 24 of the southwest’s leading tobacco chewers competed in the first annual all-southwestern tobacco chewing and spitting tournament here.
Clyde Carr, Carlsbad baker, found his real niche in life when he won first place in the tournament and the beautiful brass two-gallon capacity cuspidor offered as the grand prix, as they say out here in the open spaces, by The Daily Current-Argus, Carlsbad newspaper.
What a Man!
Carr won easily, handily and gracefully in neatness, volume, accuracy and distance. His shot in the distance event carried 15 feet, 7 inches to set a new county record. It scattered spectators who had gathered behind the target to see what all the shooting was about.
The tournament was hailed by press and public as the greatest single move for the cultural development of the city since Lake McMillan, irrigation reservoir near here, was drained and 200 tons of fish were left to evaporate in the hot New Mexico sun.
Factory men of leading chewing tobacco brands were on the field to demonstrate their wares. Sample shots were made at plate glass windows, plush carpets and people riding behind the chewers in railway cars and automobiles
Carr refused movie contracts, advertising endorsements and a chance to be chief of police immediately after the contest. “I am very tired,” he said. “I am glad to have metten all youse guys socially. Ay tank ay go home.”
Carr was wrong in his last statement. Over protestations that he “done it for the wife and kiddies,” Mrs. Carr refused to let him and his trophy in the house.
A Trusting Soul
Frank Kindel, another Carlsbad entry, was the first to congratulate Carr. “I think you won on a foul,” he said. Other competitors and members of the audience were equally loud in their praise of the new champion.
“It is with a full measure of pride that we point to the success of the first annual all-southwestern tobacco chewing and spitting tournament,” said E. A. Roberts, president of the chamber of commerce as he ducked out of the line of fire in the arena.
“Carlsbad has long been known as the home of Carlsbad Caverns and the potash capital of the United States, but we can now claim equal fame as the tobacco chewing center of the great southwest.”
He made gestures while he delivered his statement.
A special quartet sang, “It’s Not a Flower From an Old Bouquet” during the finals, pronouncing “bouquet” as the “et” in ‘No thank you. I have done et.”
Comments