In the early 1900s, divorce was considered the menace of society with people claiming that the country would go the way of Rome unless divorce was stopped. Fortunately for all, no one stopped the divorces from happening and people kept right on reproducing in spite of the changing face of the family home.
Freedom Dinner
Ms. Frances Wyburn put out a party invitation to all divorcees back in 1914. As long as the people had a divorce decree in hand, the man at the door would let them in.
Ms. Wyburn, a brand new divorcee, decorated her home in liberty bells and a sugared replica of the Reno courthouse took center place on the dinner table. The meal was even served in a divorced state, with all courses set on its own plate.
For the final course, an alimony salad was served “because it doesn’t arrive until long after due.” [1]
Too Old and Too Small
Published in a newspaper from 1916, a Chicago shoemaker was granted a divorce. His wife enjoyed the company of other men and had told the shoemaker that he was too old and too small for her. [2]
Protect the Commoners
In London, 1922, there was a mass of divorce cases awaiting trial. Most of these divorce requests were coming from society’s elite and hence, for the sake of the “morals of the Commoners,” many felt that it was necessary to keep these divorce cases out of the public eye. After all, if the rich could marry and divorce at will, why couldn’t the average person on the streets? They feared that such freedom would bring about the end of the country. [3]
Short Skirt Divorce
A short skirt back in 1917 meant any skirt that was two inches or more above the boot. Incidentally, a husband could be granted a divorce if his wife dared to wear one of these skirts. [4]
