Newspaper Archive Goodies

Today's selection from the newspaper archive is a real hoot. It comes from the 27 July 1912 issue of The Reading Eagle, page 2:

CHOIR SHOWS MORE THAN VOCAL MERIT
As a Result of Tight Skirts Lower Part of Church Loft Will Be Screened

Des Moines, Ia., July 27. - Good-looking young women singers, those with short, tight skirts, drop stitch silk hose and low shoes, and who sit in the choir loft of the Forest Avenue Baptist Church, are to be screened from the stare of the curious male members of the congregation. The choir is 15 feet above the main floor and the display of female hosiery has not only increased male attendance, but has interfered with services.

"Because of the shortness and tightness of the skirts worn by the young women and the display of hosiery which is evident in the choir loft, I move that a 20-inch curtain be hung from a brass rod around the choir loft," said Mrs. George F. Reinking, President, at a meeting of the Ladies' Aid Society, whose members were shocked when they learned the true state of affairs. The motion was carried unanimously.

A bald-headed deacon, father of a large family, venerated for his years and his piety, but who could not keep his gaze from the choir loft, no matter how eloquent the sermons, was directly responsible for the action.