"drive-by shooting"--- query from National Geographic research editor

[Douglas G. Wilson]

Scot LaFaive wrote:
> "New Richmond Democrat," New Richmond, WI; July 7, 1876.
>
> "Last night was reported an incident of gunfire on Gorman Avenue. It
> appears local farmer Ezekiel McNally fell to the influences of alcohol
> and made a fool of himself, driving his horse and carriage down Gorman
> Avenue and firing his rifle at shop windows. Mr. McNally caused much
> damage in this drive-by shooting, which he will be made responsible to
> pay."
>
> A rare find indeed, especially today.
>
> Scot
>
>
Rare for sure. I look forward to this item's appearance in _National
Geographic_.

In the modern era of horseless carriages, the earliest example which I
find at a glance is in Wambaugh's _The Glitter Dome_ (novel, I think), 1981.

The earliest modern-era newspaper example which I see at a glance seems
to be from 1983.

-- Doug Wilson

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org