AN EXTRAORDINARY AND HISTORIC PIECE - HAUPTMANN SIGNED WATER CUP - ALSO HAUPTMANN’S LAST MEAL

The paper water cup is signed in pencil at the top, “Bruno Richard Hauptmann”. It is further identified by the the County Warden, written in ink on the water cup, “Used by Bruno Hauptmann February 13, 1935 in the Flemington Jail, H.O. McCrea, Warden”. ... plus, Photo, 10” x 8”, b/w shows the jailer bringing Bruno Hauptmann’s last meal. The photo is identified with the jailers inked not on the face, Bruno’s Last Meal, April 3rd. Brought by McCrea County Jailer”. McCrea was the warden of the Hunterdon County Jail at the time of Hauptmann’s detainment and trial in 1935. Hauptmann’s cell, set apart from the others, was only a few steps away from the warden’s desk. As warden, McCrea had unique insight into the trial. He was responsible for receiving and reading Hauptmann’s “fan mail” and monitoring Hauptmann while in his cell. Most interestingly, McCrea’s residence in an onsite apartment gave him and his family unique access to Hauptmann.