Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 135, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1915 — Immodest Bathers to Be Deprived of Bathing Privilege. [ARTICLE]

Immodest Bathers to Be Deprived of Bathing Privilege.

Boys who have been swimming along the river bank ait the south side of town are said to have been guilty of some grave immodesty and their conduct if continued will result in a positive order preventing them from bathing any place within or near the corporation. Young men are said to have run up and down the bank entirely naked and in sight of the houses on both sides of the river. The piles of stone that formerly concealed them from view have been removed and complaint has properly been made to the authorities. The indecent conduct subjects those guilty to arrest and punishment, but a warning is first given in order that the boys responsible may realize the gravity of their conduct. There is nothing more enjoyable for 'boys and young men than swimming and it deserves an important purpose in cleanliness and physical development, but manly boys should free it from immodesty and vulgar conversation. It should be a very proper thing if a bath house could be built where clothes could be hung and bathing suits put on. Then some provision should be made to establish a zone for the bathing. It is hoped that no action will become necessary that will compel the boys to go long distances to bathe. The effect is to prevent many from going at all and the others get so hot and sweaty returning that the exhiliarating effects of the bathing are destroyed. Let’s appeal to the 'better side of the young men and give them a thance to be manly and respectable.