Concessionaire Killed
Frank Stratton, Owner of Shooting Gallery at Riverview Exposition, Shot by Small Boy Who Took Up Rifle and Fired from Stand While Stratton was Cleaning the Target
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Source: Billboard, 19 August 1911, pg. 12.
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Frank Stratton, known to his friends in the amusement park business as "Makins," was shot and instantly killed by a rifle in the hands of a small boy at Riverview Exposition, last Monday afternoon. The child escaped with his companions in the general excitement attending the killing, and for three days his identity was unknown. Yesterday the police learned through one of the boy's companions, who the culprit was, and eleven-year-old Stanley Wojeteski, of 2955 Avers avenue, was arrested for the crime. Stratton, who was part owner of the principal shooting gallery in the park, was painting a target about 3 o'clock. His back was turned and he did not observe the approach of two small boys, who stopped to talk to another boy, John Skures, who was employed in the gallery. The latter "dared" Stanley to pick up a loaded rifle that lay on the counter and shoot at a target. Stanley took the dare, and fired, but instead of the target, hit Stratton at the base of the brain, killing him instantly. The remorse of the boy who dared Stanley to shoot, caused the apprehension of the child-slayer, who is now being held by the Juvenile Court.
Stratton, the victim, was well liked by all who knew him. He was single, and resided at 3417 Claremont avenue, Chicago.
[End of news article]
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Page compiled: 14 April 2002
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