The Journal of San Diego History
SAN DIEGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
Summer 1971, Volume 17, Number 3
James E Moss, Editor
Newspaper Clippings
From the San Diego Union, September 24, 1913
WOMAN WOULD WEAR TROUSERS
“I don’t want to dress up exactly like a man, but I would like to wear a pair of trousers,” said a young woman who appeared at Police Headquarters last evening. “Because,” she added hastily, “I ride a motorcycle with my husband, and we are out a great deal. Do you think they would arrest me on the charge of masquerading as a man if I dressed that way? It is so comfortable.”
Sgt. Johnson considered the matter carefully.
The anxious visitor further explained that she had been in the habit of wearing leggings and a sweater, but the bloomer or divided skirt was not the thing at all for a woman rider of a motorcycle. The Sgt. finally passed judgment on the proposition. He said that as far as he could see there was nothing immodest in the attire described to him. Inasmuch as the fair motorcyclist wore her hair in two long braids, it was evident that she would not conceal her sex or impersonate a man, simply by wearing a pair of comfortable trousers.
It was the opinion of the Sgt. therefore that the law concerning masquerading would not be violated should the young lady dress herself in the manner described.
Motorcycle Officer Hopkins concurred in the decision: “I have observed,” said Hopkins, “that the bloomer and split skirt both are dangerous when it comes to riding a motorcycle. The rider who wears these kind of garments runs the risk of having the cloth caught in the spokes of the wheel, the rider then would be thrown and hurt.”
From the San Diego Sunday News, November 4, 1888
SAN DIEGO STREETS BEFORE “MADISON AVENUE”
The practice of advertising by means of wagons covered with canvas signs, driven through the streets of this city should be stopped. It frightens horses and is liable to cause serious runaways. The streets were not made for such purposes.
From the San Luis Rey Star, August 4, 1883
HIGHTONED TOWN
As soon as Jim Bush has his land laid out in one acre town lots, he will commence making arrangements for the erection of a store and hotel. The “City of Fallbrook,” that sounds hightoned.
From the San Diego Sun, August 4, 1883
SCARCE AS HEN’S TEETH
Eggs are reported to be very scarce in this city. They retail at 35c per dozen. A way-up price.
