This incident was in 1930, happening just north of the Thayer County line at the Peterson Farm. Thelma Bailey and Reuben Griffith had been recently wed, and her sister, LaVerne, age 15, was visiting.
One of the social skirmishes afforded newlyweds in the Midwest at the time was a "Chivaree". General structure of this activity was to surround the house occupied by the couple after dark.
On signal, all participating pounded on something metal, the larger utensil the better.
Remember, there was no such thing as electricity at the Peterson's at this time. The only light generated at the farm was by kerosene. So there's this large noise, all around the house. You couldn't see where it was coming from unless someone in the house had an expensive flashlight.
The house's occupants, preferably the couple, were to come out to check on the hubbub. There have been stories that such could get out of hand, with torn clothes, rude action and talk, and what you may imagine could happen with 20 or so young men with a few drinks.
Thelma and Reub had gotten wind of such plans earlier. Taking advantage of the dusk, they, with their guest, had hidden in the henhouse. This action was in hopes the rowdies would tire, get thirsty, and leave.
The plan was solid, things looked promising, but the Peterson rooster, wakened by the noise, waited until all quieted, and SCREAMED.
And so did LaVerne!