Crazy about Crosswords

One hundred years ago, America was crazy about crossword puzzles! The first modern crossword was created by Arthur Wynne and published in the New York World back in 1913. From there, the puzzle's popularity grew, and when a new publishing house headed by Richard Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster printed an entire book of crosswords in 1924, the country was officially smitten.

These 1925 advertisements for local businesses showcase the fad sweeping the nation. The first is for Dixon's bakery, located where Nick's Cafe is today. The second advertisement, promoting a national crossword contest for Iron Clad Hosiery, was published by Dillon Donohoo, whose business operated where Antiques & Salvage is today.

Published in the Cuba City News-Herald (January 30, 1925, Page 5).

Published in the Cuba City News-Herald (August 28, 1925, Page 5).