Robbers expected to find town and post office money when the blew up the safe in Norton on this day in 1906. Unfortunately for them, all they found was $10 worth of pennies.

Forcing their way into the Nelson Company’s Store where the post office was located, the thieves proceeded to blow open the safe using nitroglycerine. The blast threw the safe to the other side of the room, which just happened to be across the international border into Canada.

The thieves stole tools and watches and other loot from display cases, undoubtedly disappointed with just a pennies on the dollar return for their efforts.

Image courtesy Library of Congress.