Have you ever heard some of the ridiculous things they put into law back in the day? Of course, Kansas City has plenty of laws that do make sense, but that doesn't stop a few old and crazy laws from lurking around behind the scenes. These crazy laws are sure to give you a laugh today.
1. In KC, men between the ages of 21 and 50 who are single must pay an annual tax of one dollar.
Of course, back when the law was written, it was probably a lot more money than it is today. I wonder what it was for, though?
2. And no bathtubs with feet resembling animal paws, either.
I know these damage your floors and can even break off during a soak, but what's this all about? It's just a bathtub, after all.
3. No bathing in the Missouri River naked or "insufficiently clothed" during daylight hours.
See this man? He's got his hands up because he's going to be arrested for all that skin showing. Of course, people wore a lot more clothing in 1928, when this law went into effect.
4. No sounding of gongs in any public place.
Somehow, I think this is one of those things that became an annoying problem, so it was outlawed.
5. No flying kites (or anything else equally distracting) in public places, you'll spook the horses.
I understand that you wouldn't want to spook horses while they're pulling carts and carriages, but why does it ban them from parks as well? That's what kites are for!
6. On the Kansas side of things, no catching fish with your hands.
It's also known as noodling, which is a great way to catch catfish if you know what you're doing. However, it's illegal to keep people from over fishing and keep their limbs safe.
7. And no using mules to hunt ducks, either.
There's an infamous law in Kansas where it's illegal to hunt rabbits from a motorboat, but I really don't understand the issue with mules. Plus, why is it specifically for ducks?
8. On the Missouri side of things, you need a permit to shave while driving.
What are the qualifications for such a permit? Plus, if you're stuck in traffic all morning anyways, it makes sense to take advantage of your extra time.
9. Keep that smoking pipe out of your ear, too.
I admittedly can't think of a reason why someone would put one in their ear in the first place, so I don't see why someone felt the need to outlaw it either. What were people thinking those days?
10. You're also not allowed to eat clam chowder on Sunday between 11:50 a.m. and 12:48 p.m.
Well, there goes a favorite winter lunch option, I guess.
11. And don't even think of honking someone else's horn.
I can see this being annoying if you're the one driving, but what harm could it really do?
Of course, we wouldn't be a city this wonderful if it wasn't for a few awkward moments as well.
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