Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

A fight broke out on the street next to the Rex Theater between two women, both described as being “pretty” and weighing about 130 pounds.

Stella Lockridge, 24, was leaving her job as cashier at the Rex Theater when Mrs. Binkerd, 30, came flying at her and struck her twice in the face, once in the nose and once in the eye.

Stella’s father, who was with her, whacked Mrs. Binkerd with his cane.

Stella’s nose was bloodied and she and her father tried to flee, but Mrs. Binkerd chased Stella down the block and tried to punch her again. Finally, a policeman grabbed Mrs. Binkerd.

Stella was not surprised by the attack. She had been expecting it. That’s why her father was escorting her from the theater. Mrs. Binkerd had been harassing her for weeks and “trying to stir up trouble over absolutely nothing.” 

According to Mrs. Binkerd, it was hardly “nothing.”

“I have it on good authority that (Stella) was with my husband while I was out of town last summer, and when we met last night in front of the theater, the sight of her was too much for me,” said Mrs. Binkerd.

Mrs. Binkerd swore out a warrant against Stella’s father for disorderly conduct.