#ThrowbackThursday – 19 September
It’s 19 September, and that means it’s time for another edition of Throwback Thursday! Today, we’re taking a look back at three prominent events that went down on this day in history:
1888 – Beauty Retreat Turned Beauty Pageant
Most folks go to the spa for rest, relaxation and a spot of pampering (such as beauty treatments, full-body massages, etc). Back in the day, folks visited spa towns for similar reasons – but in 1888, it was the first time that one such town would become host to a beauty pageant!
The first modern beauty pageant, known as “Concours de Beaute”, was held in the Belgian town of Spa, celebrated for its thermal springs and stunning landscapes. Around 350 women from various parts of Europe submitted applications to compete, hoping to display their beauty and charisma (and earn the chance to win 5 000 francs in prize money). The judging panel succeeded in selecting 21 finalists.
On 19 September 1888, the finalists – accompanied by dashing gentlemen in tuxedos – gathered at the wing of a casino; there, they dazzled paying spectators in full evening gowns, flaunting not just their physical beauty, but also their grace and poise.
Ultimately, 18-year-old Bertha Soucaret from the French-governed Caribbean island of Guadeloupe was named the winner. However, many of the contestants and spectators were unhappy with the decision, as Soucaret was a Creole: she was of mixed European and African descent, a fact that didn’t sit well with them.
Per reports, other contestants tried to snatch the bouquet of flowers given to Soucaret, while someone attempted to spit on her dress. The ensuing chaos forced her to flee from the venue.
In modern times, beauty pageants have become more stylish affairs, with contestants usually parading in elaborate costumes (sans men to accompany them), and demonstrating their talent, orating skills and social awareness via interviews and performances. They have also become more inclusive, with many celebrating diversity in body types, ethnic backgrounds and personal stories.
Of course, pageants are not without their controversies – but hey, hot-headed critics and contestants can always go cool down at a spa!
1893 – Women Win The Vote
19 September 1893 marks the day when New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant all adult women the right to vote.
Up until this milestone occurred, women around the globe had very limited say, if any, in political and legal matters. Suffragist movements were formed to advocate for women’s rights, particularly the right to vote.
In New Zealand, the glass ceiling was set to shatter when suffragists and feminists lobbied for an important piece of legislation to be passed: it took several years for groups such as Wāhine Māori and Women’s Christian Temperance Union New Zealand – as well as leading figures like Kate Sheppard, Marion Hatton, Harriet Morison and Edith Grossmann, among others – to gather nearly 32 000 signatures that made up 13 petitions, which were subsequently presented to the New Zealand Parliament.
Altogether, these petitions highlighted the demand for equal voting rights for women. This led to Parliament passing the 1893 Electoral Act on 19 September, which declared that all adult women had the right to vote. Fewer than two months later, 109 461 women enrolled to vote in the 1893 election.
While it took several years for women to join Parliament and other levels of government, the establishment of the 1893 Electoral Act was a pivotal moment in the global struggle for women’s rights.
1960 – Let’s Twist!
Can you do the Twist? If so, you can thank Chubby Checker, who played a key role in popularising the dance with his iconic cover of the song.
On 19 September 1960, Checker released “The Twist”, which was originally recorded in 1958 by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters. Unlike the original, Checker’s cover proved popular among the masses. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, albeit for one week.
Two years later, the craze for “The Twist” experienced a resurgence as celebrities and high society embraced the dance. Before long, Checker’s cover became the most successful single in Billboard history; it held this title until 2021, when it was surpassed by The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”
