MANNERS & MORALS: Americana, Sep. 20, 1948

MANNERS & MORALS

¶ In 1947, both marriages and divorces dropped off from 1946's record highs, the Federal Security Agency reported. Marriages were down to 1,992,354, from 1946's 2,291,045. There were approximately 25% fewer divorces — 471,000 to 1946's 610,000.

¶ In Las Vegas, Nev., city of fast weddings and quick divorces, Judge A. G. ("Gus") Blad, a part-time bartender, led a field of twelve candidates for justice of the peace. The job is worth $50,000 a year in marriage fees.

¶ In Atlantic City, Beatrice Shopp, 18 ("Miss Minnesota"), was named "Miss America of 1948," winning a $5,000 scholarship, a Nash car,...

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