March 6, 1888
A large tarantula was found in a bunch of bananas purchased by E.J. Chase. The bananas had just been hung when the interesting specimen was discovered in a very lively condition. Dr. Johnson took it in a pair of forceps and threw it in the stove. John R. Meyers, who had assisted in hanging up the bunch had his hand directly over the ‘varmint’ without knowing it. The tarantula is very poisonous and its bite usually causes death in a short time.