Oather Morper preparing to swallow a goldfish at the Mission Theatre on April 13, 1939. Ms04801052 Horton's/Ballard's Studio photographs
Working in Archives and Special Collections (ASC) one occasionally comes across perplexing items. For myself, that happened when scanning photographs described as a goldfish eating contest; of course, research ensued. Why would anyone do this? What was there to gain? How many goldfish were swallowed?
The Round-Up article announcing Morper's plans. The Round-Up, April 12, 1939, page 1.
A fad believed to have started at Harvard with a dare, goldfish gulping swept across college campuses in the spring of 1939. New Mexico A&M was not exempt from this craze. Senior history major and yell leader on the Aggie’s cheer squad, Oather Morper, took on the challenge to swallow the most fish.
On the evening of April 13, 1939, the captive audience at the Mission Theatre in downtown Las Cruces, watched in shock and amazement as Morper downed 101 live goldfish, beating the standing record. He claims to have had a “grand’s night sleep” afterwards.
Las Cruces Sun News article covering Morper's goldfish gulping endeavors. Las Cruces Sun News, April 14, 1939, page 1.
Like all fads this one faded from existence, much to the appreciation of goldfish everywhere.
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