Teddy Kucz (“Jackson”) first became homeless during a summer of endless drinking. When the steady freeze of January set in, being free as a bird was not enjoyable for one unable to fly south. Cold and hungry in Journal Square, the immense window of the J. M. Fields store provided inspiration. Jackson found a brick and tossed it. He then stood there waiting for the police to arrive and to bring him to the warmth of the jail.
The next day in court, Jackson started to tell his tale of woes brought about by immoderate imbibing, until interrupted by the judge.
“OK, you’re tired of the cold and are lookin’ for a warm place to sleep. Is 90 days OK?”
“Thank you, your Honor. That’s just right.”
Next year, Jackson again broke the big store window. When he went to court this time, the judge laughed and immediately asked, “Another 90?”
For the third January in a row, it was as if the Fields’ glass had a bull’s eye painted on it. Now the judge was not amused.
“Listen up and listen good. I’m doin’ y’ favor and givin’ y’ 90, but that’s it. If I see y’ again next year, y’er gettin’ a year. It’ll be just as cold commin’ out as it was goin’ in.”
