Girl's Dainty Figure in Split Skirt Draws Attention

Beacon, New York, 1913

SPLIT SKIRT UPSETS SCHOOL AT BEACON

Beacon, Nov. 21 — On Wednesday morning Miss Anna McCabe, a pupil in the eighth grade of the South Avenue School, Beacon, arrived at school with one of the latest model slit skirts and was the object of the envy of all the girls of the class, while the attention of the boy members of the class was also concentrated on her dainty figure. Miss Weller, the teacher, curious to know the point of interest in Miss McCabe's direction, inspected her section of the room and observed a generous display of hosiery caused by an indiscreet slit in the garment of Miss McCabe. Immediately the student was informed that her presence in the room after school was essential.

Then the scholars began to stimulate the spirit of defiance in the classroom and before long the air was full of presumably sincere threats: "If she does anything to her, we'll all wear slit skirts tomorrow." This, of course, only applied to the girls. The boys said nothing.

That the students meant trouble was soon conveyed to Miss Weller, but a few remarks from her intimidated them to such an extent that — well, there were not any slit skirts visible in the classroom yesterday.

Miss McCabe was kept after school and asked to change her costume before returning. She said she would. The rebellious pupils filed from the room as meek as lambs, instead of with the fiery aspect which was evident upon the first intimation of the punishment of Miss McCabe.

—Orange County Times-Press, Middletown, New York, November 25, 1913, page 6.