57

Editorial 'We' Created Sensation
As Wearing of Skirts Was Defended

Records indicate that Mrs.
Elia Peattie was the first woman
writer employed by The
World-Herald. She later became
a celebrated author.

Her husband, Robert Peattie,
was managing editor of the
paper in 1891. She was hired as
a woman's editor, and also wrote
editorials.

This caused some raised eyebrows
because writing of editorials
was considered strictly a
man's job. But she wrote well,
and everything was peaceful until
one editorial comment got
into the morning paper.

In those days, the women
were arguing about the abolition
of hoop skirts. The controversy
raged on all sides. Mrs. Peattie
defended the hoop skirts in an
editorial.

The last line read: "And as
for us, we shall continue to wear
them"

Alfred Fairbrother, also an
editorial writer, came to the
office in a towering rage. He
scowled at Mrs. Peattie. Had
she written that editorial? She
had. Would she please read the
last part out loud? She
wouldn't.

He insisted. Mrs. Peattie, perhaps
guessing the reason for his
anger finally read aloud the
last line.

"Madam," Mr. Fairbrother
said, "you may continue to wear
them. But I'm damned if I will."

There are seven Omahas in the
United States. The other towns
are in Texas, Missouri, Alabama,
Arkansas, Georgia and Illinois.

FREMONT
WOOL CO.
CASH BUYERS OF
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FREMONT, NEBRASKA