I’ve been through Salome, Arizona, several times, yet I didn’t know it was famous for having large fish. A picture postcard mailed to James Worcester in Middletown, New York, on May 23, 1925, shows three men with a wheelbarrow hauling what appears to be a giant carp or catfish to shore. “It takes real fishermen to land these” is written on top, along with Salome, Arizona.
The closest lake to Salome is Alama Lake, some 40 miles away. Lake Havasu is even further away, at a distance of 80 miles via highway. That phony fish is as close to being artificial intelligence (AI) as there was 100 years ago.
Salome, Arizona, is a small, quirky desert town located in La Paz County. It was founded in the early 20th century and is known for its unique history and playful spirit—its name comes from a tale about a woman named Salome who danced on the hot sands. A sign in town advertises that fact.
The town has long been a stop for travelers crossing the vast Arizona desert and is recognized for its whimsical roadside attractions and vintage charm. In addition to its reputation for unusual postcards featuring giant fish, Salome offers visitors a glimpse into the character and humor that define many small towns in America.
The recipient of the card was James B. Worcester in Middletown, New York. Someone with initials A.J.S. mailed it to him from Frankfort, Indiana. Evidently, A.J.S. made a trip through Salome, and this hilarious card caught his eye.
A message on the postcard reads without correction:
“Thot you would be glad to know that I have a Ford that I painted over a year ago with ‘P.R.K.’ chemical paint and it still looks good.
A.J.S.”
I didn’t discover who A.J.S. was, yet there was sufficient information on James Blaine Worcester to complete this story.
Mr. Worcester was born on January 24, 1893, in New York. After marrying Mary Louise Blum on June 19, 1920, James opened up an automobile repair facility appropriately named Worcester Garage. By 1925, he was the dealer in Middletown for Oldsmobile automobiles. I could find no record of when it closed.
James and Mary had two children, a boy and a girl. James Blaine Worcester died on July 24, 1973, at age 80, while his wife, Mary, passed away just 21 days later on August 15, 1973. They’re both buried at Hillside Cemetery in Middletown.
I like to write junk... 