One of his experiment-station hens had just shattered the world record for egg production with a stunning 303 eggs in a year.

There was, however, one exception to the “glowing tribute” pattern in newspaper coverage of Dr. Dryden’s work. That would be the weekly Cottage Grove Leader.

“In our opinion, Prof. Dryden is impracticable, out of harmony with the country’s best and most successful poultry breeders, is discouraging the great and growing poultry industry of the state and is therefore out of place at the head of the Department of Poultry Husbandry in our great educational and experimental institution, the Oregon Agricultural College,” the Leader’s editor raged, in the Oct. 28 issue. “We would suggest, in conclusion, that he tender his resignation.”

What was the Leader's objection to Prof. Dryden and his accomplishment? Not to get too clickbait-y, but seriously, it will leave you shaking your head in baffled disgust when you hear it. (Cottage Grove, Corvallis; Lane, Benton County; 1910s) (For text and pictures, see http://offbeatoregon.com/21-09.prof-dryden-and-the-chicken-war-601.html)