Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

An advice column titled “Laura Jean Libby’s Advice” had some stern cautionary words about the ways a young girl can go wrong.

“Few, if any, girls premeditate evil,” Laura Jean wrote. “They are usually drawn into it by devious ways. The trolley ride is very delightful but young folks are restless and always fond of new diversions. At the end of the trolley route, the young man may propose a stroll ….

“There is dance music at some open pavilion close by. Scores of couples are waltzing madly to the weird barbaric strains. Mother’s darling and her escort stop to look and listen. Was there ever a girl whose pulse did not beat the faster and whose feet did not fairly refuse to keep still when the melody of the mad, glad delightful ‘Blue Danube’ waltz fell upon the ear?

“ ‘What do you say to just one dance,’ her escort whispers eagerly. The girl hesitates … the next moment they are in the midst of the jolly crowd.

“Many a girl only realizes her position when she sees the day breaking and the dancing ceases. This is her first step on the road to folly … Pleasure is a rose which has many delights, but it may also have sharp, cruel thorns.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1962: The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the University of Mississippi to admit James Meredith, a black student.