Goldfish Swallowing Craze Of The 1930s Is Finally Explained

Fads come and go, but their repercussions are forever...especially when the fad involves swallowing something cold, slimy, and very much alive. We know how a most unusual trend began on college campuses back in the late '30s, but the question we've been asking ever since is why? As animal rights activists and even the U.S. Senate got involved, what began as a stupid dare quickly turned into a national craze, one that has left us with more questions than answers.

Absurdity Begins

Lothrop Withington, Jr., a Harvard freshman in 1939, was named after his grandfather, who had perished in the sinking of the Lusitania. He had heroism in his blood. His family valued grit and valor above anything else, so when they saw their son's name in the newspaper, they definitely didn't expect it to be accompanied by the most absurd photo.

True Friendship

It all started with a bet. One day, Withington boasted to some college friends about consuming a live goldfish. His friends were either impressed or skeptical, because they wanted to see it happen in person. For $10, a bet was established, hands were shaken, and a goldfish was procured.

Life's a Game

Withington's friends didn't think he could redo his infamous aquatic act, so Withington accepted the bizarre challenge. On March 3rd, the stage was set for his friends to expose him as either a liar or as an "exceptional" future Harvard alumnus.

Bated Breath

With bated breath, the gathering crowd watched — and Withington's ancestors probably rolled over in their graves —as Withington clutched the slimy goldfish in his fist. He dropped it into his mouth and grimaced, the crowd egging him on. The fish didn't exactly go down easily.