Obit: Remembering Victor Stone

Victor Stone, c 1925

Remembering Victor Stone: A Puzzle Maker's Legacy

By Lanie Price, Society Reporter

NEW YORK, June 8, 1925—Victor Stone, our beloved puzzle creator, was a man of immense talent and profound complexity. Stone, 55, was found deceased yesterday at his desk in his Edgecombe Avenue apartment. He was 55.

The cause of death is unconfirmed.

A box of chocolates sat open nearby, with several pieces missing, possibly a gift, given the presence of a note from an admirer. It appears that Stone was enjoying the chocolates when death claimed him.

Born in 1870 in New York City, Mr. Stone’s early years were marked by a voracious appetite for knowledge and a keen intellect that set him apart from his peers. He found solace and inspiration in books, a passion that eventually led him to open his own bookstore in Harlem. His shop quickly became a cultural hub, attracting writers, thinkers, and artists who were shaping the Harlem Renaissance.

Mr. Stone’s brilliance shone through his work as a crossword puzzle designer for the Harlem Chronicle. His puzzles were not just challenges but works of art that reflected his intricate mind and deep understanding of the world. Each clue was a testament to his wit and wisdom, drawing readers into a labyrinth of words that only the keenest minds could navigate.

But Mr. Stone was not without his flaws. His relentless pursuit of perfection and insatiable ambition often led to clashes with those around him. He demanded excellence not only from himself but also from his colleagues, sometimes at the expense of personal relationships. Despite his demanding nature, he was a man of charm and charisma, whose presence could light up a room even as his sharp tongue could cut through the air.

Mr. Stone’s life was as intricate as the puzzles he created. He had a string of passionate but tumultuous relationships, each leaving a mark on his heart and soul. His love for jazz, poetry, and the vibrant culture of Harlem was evident in every aspect of his life, from the eclectic selection of books in his store to the themes of his crossword puzzles.

Victor Stone's untimely death has left a void in our community that will be hard to fill. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of brilliance, complexity, and a life lived fully, if not always wisely. His puzzles will continue to challenge and inspire us, a lasting tribute to a man who was as enigmatic and fascinating as the crosswords he crafted.