A. The first letter in every properly constructed alphabet. It is the first natural utterance of the human vocal organs, and is variously sounded, according to the pleasure and convenience of the speaker. In logic, A asserts and B denies. Assertions being proverbially untrue, the presumption would be in favor of B’s innocence were it not that denials are notoriously false. In grammar, A is called the indefinite article, probably because, denoting a definite number, it is so obviously a numeral adjective.
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary
- The Convoluted Tale of Hamlin Park, Part 1 (facebook.com)
Many attempts to tell the true story of Hamlin Park have been made, but we’re still uncovering its mysteries. We ourselves (SHM) have been guilty in the past of telling only part of the story, thinking we finally had the whole kit-and-caboodle. Will this be the final word? We doubt it, but with the help of some intrepid researchers out there, we have a better sense of how it all came about, so here is yet another effort to bring to light some of the secrets about the mysterious Hamlin Park.