Jim Kershner’s this day in history

Tue., May 22, 2012

By Jim Kershner jimkershner@comcast.net

From our archives. 100 years ago

A north Yakima policewoman proposed a city ordinance barring Yakima residents from doing, for instance, the turkey trot.

The ordinance would ban certain types of dances in Yakima dance halls, especially the ragtime dances popular among youth, under penalty of $100 fine.

The following dances would be prohibited: The turkey trot, the Texas Tommy, the grizzly bear, the walk back, the rag dance, the dip, the walking dance, the rough dance and the Frisco rag.

From the morals beat: The pastor of Moscow’s Baptist Church was arrested for “wronging” a 17-year-old member of his flock.

The girl was described as a “beautiful” student in the Sunday school. Her father was, in fact, superintendent of the Sunday school.

The pastor said he was “certainly innocent” and “as shocked as anybody by the arrest.” He pleaded with a reporter that he be allowed to “be the first to tell my wife.”

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1960: An earthquake of magnitude 9.5, the strongest on record, struck southern Chile, claiming some 1,655 lives.

1992: After a reign lasting nearly 30 years, Johnny Carson hosted NBC’s “Tonight Show” for the last time.

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