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Trolling the Truth: Wisconsin's Grand Hoax Hall of Fame
TL;DR: Wisconsin, land of cheese and ludicrous fibs, has a rich history of hoaxes that will make your sides split. From giant snakes to Bel Air mansions, the Badger State has seen it all. Read on for a sarcastic and snarky tour of Wisconsin's most outrageous tall tales, and don't forget your hat to protect your head from falling jaws.
The Great Potawatomi Hoax
In the 1830s, Wisconsin was a hotbed of rumors and tall tales about the Native American Potawatomi tribe. Enter James Clyman, an eccentric explorer who claimed to have met and conversed with a tribe of Potawatomi giants, each standing 10 feet tall and wielding fearsome clubs. Clyman's tales ignited newspaper frenzy, but upon investigation, they turned out to be as tall as his supposed Potawatomi behemoths.
The Wisconsin Sea Serpent
In the 1850s, the citizens of Green Bay were treated to a thrilling sight: a gigantic serpent writhing in the waters of the Fox River. Newspapers eagerly reported on the monster, which was said to be over 100 feet long and sporting a massive, snake-like head. But alas, the serpent turned out to be a hoax perpetrated by a local fisherman using a fake snake head and a tugboat.
Supermodel Tie-In:
Imagine a supermodel on a Wisconsin lake, trying to smile for the camera while battling a giant snake head puppet. Talk about a photoshoot gone awry!
The Bel Air Mansion Hoax
In the early 1900s, Milwaukee was abuzz with rumors of a magnificent Bel Air mansion owned by a wealthy businessman. The supposed mansion was said to have gold-plated fixtures, marble floors, and a private golf course. But when investigators visited the supposed mansion, they found only a modest bungalow. The hoaxers had simply rented the mansion for a few days and set up fake furniture to fool the gullible.
The Giant Jackrabbit Hoax
In the 1930s, Wisconsin newspapers reported on a colossal jackrabbit that was said to have attacked a farmer in the northern part of the state. The jackrabbit was described as being as large as a dog, with ferocious claws and a vicious temperament. However, no such jackrabbit was ever found, and the entire story was later dismissed as a hoax.
Supermodel Tie-In:
Think of a supermodel running for her life from a giant jackrabbit. The paparazzi would have a field day with that one!
The Martian Mummy Hoax
In the 1990s, the world was introduced to “Mummy Mike,” supposedly an ancient Martian mummy discovered in a remote part of Wisconsin. The mummy was said to be over 5,000 years old and had hieroglyphics etched into its skin. However, scientists quickly debunked the hoax, revealing that “Mummy Mike” was actually an elaborate latex costume.
The Squirrel's Nut Hoax
In the early 2000s, a Wisconsin man named Mike Hansen became internet famous when he claimed to have trained his pet squirrel to store nuts in his bicycle's brake pads. Hansen's story went viral, but it was later discovered that the nuts were actually glued to the brake pads. Hansen's hoax was just one of many bizarre and ridiculous animal hoaxes that have plagued Wisconsin.
If You Know, You Know…
What do you call a Wisconsin hoax that's so tall, it takes two Super Models to stand under it?
…A “Stretcher-a-thon”
No Cap – No Lie, for Real: Wisconsin's Hoax Legacy
So, there you have it – a hilarious and irreverent tour through Wisconsin's grand hoax legacy. From giant snakes to Martian mummies, the Badger State has seen its fair share of ludicrous and outlandish tales. But here's the beauty of it all: these hoaxes are not just funny stories; they also remind us to question everything, from the most absurd claims to the most seemingly plausible ones. And when it comes to No Cap – No Lie, for Real, Wisconsinites can be sure that they're getting the straight dope, without any hokey pokey or mumbo jumbo.
