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Crossing Guard's Funny Hats Land Him in Hot Water
Filed under: In The News
Crossing guard Larry Douthwaite has been keeping kids in Littlestown, PA, safe for 15 years. And for most of that time, he's been wearing one of his collection of crazy hats to work each day. The hats -- a flowerpot, an ear of corn and the like -- were a huge hit with the kids, who call him "Hat Man.""It was for kids first," Douthwaite said. "And then I noticed it was a great thing to help me be safe because people would see me more readily." How can you miss, let alone not love, a grown man who wears a model airplane on his noggin?
Unfortunately, his hats were not such a big hit with one misanthropic member of the local town council, who said Douthwaite's hats were unprofessional and a driving distraction, and ordered a cease and desist. Douthwaite complied, although he admitted to feeling "disappointed. But I have to listen to what I was told," he said.
Enter the cavalry -- his fellow Littletowners. This week 20 of them showed up for a council meeting, many wearing funny hats of their own. "I think they are tired of having fun things sucked out of their life," Douthwaite said. (Show of hands?)
Dad Donald Bateman, who came to the borough council meeting wearing a tall Uncle Sam hat, said "sometimes when my daughter feels bad she'll go to school just to see what [Douthwaite's] wearing." Who can argue with that? I would wear a funny hat, too, if it would get my kids out of the house more easily in the morning.
Happy ending: The borough council voted unanimously to allow Douthwaite to wear his hats. He returned to work on Wednesday in his pharaoh hat. Of course.
10 Dumbest Laws in America
Virginia
Children are not to go trick-or-treating on Halloween.
This and more dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
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Nevada
It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
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Colorado: It is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence.
Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
Florida: A special law prohibits unmarried women from parachuting on Sunday or she shall risk arrest, fine, and/or jailing.Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
Wisconsin: Margarine may not be substituted for butter in restaurants unless it is requested by the customer.
Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
Illinois: You may be arrested for vagrancy if you do not have at least one dollar bill on your person.
Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
Georgia: Donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs.
Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
Texas: A recently passed anticrime law requires criminals to give their victims 24 hours notice, either orally or in writing, and to explain the nature of the crime to be committed.
Image couresty of Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons.
This and more other dumb laws can be found at DumbLaws.com.
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
2-27-2009 @ 10:47AM
SKL said...OK, since when does a crossing guard need to look "professional" and, more importantly, what is wrong with his being conspicuous to drivers??
Reply
2-27-2009 @ 8:20PM
Rebecca Webb said...I think it's precious that he cares enough to do a thankless job for 15 years with the enthusiasm that he does. To make such an effort to put a smile on childrens faces with silly hats, what a dying breed. These people griping and moaning about this crossing guard should thank him...and maybe learn a little about being whimsical and free!
Reply
2-27-2009 @ 8:25PM
Nikki said...OMG!!!! people need to get a grip...he does that for the kids not for the uptight jerks who think they are better than he is NOT!...let the man wear his hats to make the kids happy
Reply
2-28-2009 @ 10:14AM
Joy said...Sometimes if someone is unhappy, they want everyone else to be as miserable as they are. Thank goodness the council voted for him to continue to make the kids happy. Heck with the kids, it would make me smile if I drove by.
Reply