” I Enjoyed It Immensely” Says Former Governor Osborn After Bear Choking – 1921
“They always did work faster in Michigan.” A news item reported that former governor Chase Osborn, a well-known big game hunter, killed the bear after a 20 minute fight. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power in Russia in 1917, and by 1921, the country was ravaged by famine and disease. The cartoonist suggests that it took somewhat longer for Lenin and his government to wreak disaster on Russia. drawing by Clifford Kennedy Berryman via Library of Congress
With the passage of time there are news stories that do not age well. Contemporary attitudes towards activities, attitudes and behaviors of the past often leave many readers aghast.
This example is from 105 years ago appearing on page six of the August 24, 1921 New York Evening World.
Chokes Bear To Death After Battle In River
Ex-Gov. Osborn of Michigan Subdues Animal With Axe As It Attacks Boat.
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, August 24 – Chase S. Osborn, former Governor of Michigan, was receiving congratulations to-day on the success of his fortieth bear hunt. The animal one of the smallest bears the former governor has captured, was choked to death by Mr. Osborn off his summer home on Duck Island, in St. Mary’s River, after a twenty minute battle.
Mr. Osborn sighted the bear from the shore and went out alone in a rowboat to meet it. He tried a shot with his pistol, but the weapon jammed and as the animal attacked the boat, the former Governor swung at it with a woodsman’s axe. Several times the bear was half over the side of the bout and threatened to overturn it.
A well-directed blow from the axe, however, caught the animal alongside the head. It was hanging over the side of the boat In a dazed condition when Mr. Osborn: dropped the axe and finished the battle by choking it to death.
Mr. Osborn, who is sixty-one years old has hunted big game in all parts of the world. He said to-day the bear put up one of the most desperate fights he has experienced, but that he enjoyed it immensely.
The animal’s hide will be added to the former Governors extensive collection of trophies gathered in the Jungles throughout the world.
Today, a hunting story like this would surely upset a wide swath of people and probably cause a scandal. “The cruelty of pursuing and killing a poor little bear,” the media and masses would cry out.
Governor Chase S. Osborn photo Library of Congress
Back in the 1920s the majority of readers reaction would more likely be something like, “what a manly man,” or no reaction at all. This was all in a typical day back then.
Chase S. Osborn (1860-1949) was Governor of Michigan from 1911- 1913. Osborn’s estate, near where the bear choking occurred still exists with structural ruins. In 1927 Osborn donated his property on Duck Lake and Sugar Island to the University of Michigan. with the provision that he be able to live at his estate for the remainder of his life. Osborn died in 1949 and is buried at the estate. The remote property is now the Chase S. Osborn Preserve and is open to the public.
