Celebrities

The obsession of the media with celebrities is by no means a new phenomenon, as you can see from this pair of early columns by former Fairbury Journal publisher and editor W.F. Cramb. In the case of these columns, though, the celebrities in question were merely jumping off points for different subjects. First Published January 27, 1927The troubles of Charlie Chaplin, movie comedian, are not of sufficient importance to cause any wrinkles on the brow of the American public, yet from them can be drawn more than one useful lesson. Of course, his method of domestic relations is not generally approved. His idea of marrying casually is bound to bring trouble as most all the history of the human race shows. But there is another lesson, that wealth does not bring the satisfaction that many people think. His genius and the fortunate period when he lived, that is, during the beginning of the movie era, brought Charlie Chaplin easily attained millions. He is burdened with his money. He has to employ attorneys and managers to tell him where it is, how much and what to do with it. The government asks him for income tax and he blinks with stupid ignorance of what it is all about. His riches worry him. He would be happier to be reasonably poor and unannoyed.This is true of more people than is generally supposed. Wealth brings responsibilities and duties, legal and moral, to discharge which is sometimes a harder task than facing poverty. Especially is this true of wealth easily and suddenly acquired. Sometimes that which brings the greatest comfort and real happiness is not the luck which brings material gain but the adversity which burns the dross out of character and leaves the pure gold and the satisfaction and contentment of mind that is the only true happiness. First Published February 9, 1928Will Rogers recently went by airplane from Los Angeles to New York and back again. For a short distance, shortly before arriving New York, he was unable to proceed with the airplane which had been provided for him with an experienced pilot, because of foggy weather conditions. Otherwise, he made the entire trip through the air and at so fast a rate that the speediest trains seemed like movers wagons. It is announced that airships are being built in London which will make trips from that city to New York in 36 hours’ time, with sleeping berths, lining rooms and regular first-class ship conveniences. It hardly seems possible but it appears that flying has come and will become so common as railroad trains or possibly automobiles in the near future. Already the poor mortals who walk below are beginning to be afraid. Near Lincoln recently, a wrench fell from the air and narrowly missed some people walking along the street. What are we to do, when the time comes at we must look right, left and front and back to dodge automobiles and still be in danger of being brained by something falling from above?

Loretta Mae (Culp) Ayers

Shell Shocked

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