The Mystery of the Dacres Hotel Theft
A young boy confesses to a significant theft at a prominent hotel, but his claims about where the money went leave police and authorities at an impasse.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A shroud of mystery surrounds the case of little Willie Jessup, who confessed to stealing $70 from Miss Anna McLean at the Hotel Dacres. After the theft, the boy claimed he gave the money to his foster father, A. F. Jessup. The elder Jessup vehemently denies receiving the funds, but police suspect he may know its whereabouts. A conference held between the boy, his foster father, Officer Davis, and Judge Brents yielded no public resolution, though it is understood the elder Jessup has been given an ultimatum to produce the stolen money or face charges of receiving stolen property.
“The boy still insists that he gave the money to his father and sticks to the statement in spite of Mr. Jessup’s denial.”
The Hotel Dacres was a central fixture in Walla Walla's social and commercial life, serving as the city’s premier lodging. This story highlights the harsh legal realities faced by children in the justice system at the turn of the century.
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