The bits of gossip that whirled around the American east drift city of Baltimore in 1895 were horribly incorrect. The word in the city was that the Loane privately-owned company had closed.
So Javez Loane, who at the time maintained the business that made sails, window overhangs, tents, banners and wagon covers, dispersed a flyer to set the record straight.
It stated: "No, old man JW Loane... has not left business, however much a few people may think so."
Taking a punch at the wellspring of the false gossip, most likely a contender, it included: "However significantly more some other individuals may say as much."
The privately-owned company was rather flourishing in those days, is still in fine fettle today, now known as Loane Bros.