Hotel Thieves - Gunton - 1874 - Campbell House Traverse City Michgan

Hotel Thieves--Last Saturday night some one or more of the light fingers gentry called on several of the Boarders at the Campbell House. From Mr. Hinds, of Northport, they took about $100 in money and a watch and chain valued at another hundred. A Detroit gentleman was made to contribute to them some $30, and a Big Rapids man some $10 or $12. No clues has been obtained to the thief. The same night some one entered the Gunton House, went into Mr. Gunton's room and drew his pantaloons from under his head. In so doing a knife fell from the pocket, and Mr. Gunton awakened sprang out of bed, chased the would be thief down stairs and through the dining room, out of the window of which he jumped and escaped. A good revolver would have been very convenient just then

Note from Diane on the Grand Traverse Mailing list, she has this to say. The things I don't learn on this list. ;) and sent us this explanation:

pan·ta·loon (păn'tə-lūn') n. Men's wide breeches extending from waist to ankle, worn especially in England in the late 17th century. Often used in the plural. Tight trousers extending from waist to ankle with straps passing under the instep, worn especially in the 19th century. Often used in the plural. Trousers; pants. Often used in the plural. [French pantalon, a kind of trouser, from Pantalon, Pantal After further research, I also found several references to sleeping on them, often under a pillow, with valuables stored in the pantloons - thus keeping valuables safe and "on person" as you slept!