I loved this colorful 1926 anecdote about a raiding coyote—labeled a “varmint”—who terrorized local chickens with nocturnal visits until vigilante justice was served by young boys. It’s a story that probably wouldn’t make the newspapers today (then again, maybe it would), but it captures Arlington in a laid-back, rural era—a stark contrast to the city we know today. Was it just a slow news day for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, or was a rogue coyote genuinely big news for a town of less than 4,000 people?

Adding to the absurdity—and the charm—the article was buried on page 11, sandwiched between two headlines of far greater magnitude: “Two Hotel Robbers Captured in Dallas” and “Fascist Secretary Killed in Gunfight.”

Tales of robbers, coyotes, and fascists, all in the same breath. What a time to be alive.

“Raiding Coyote Slain in Yard at Arlington”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – August 9, 1926
Newspapers.com

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 09-10-26