Divorce Provides Public Entertainment in 1927

In today’s society, divorces are seldom news unless celebrities are involved. In 1927, any divorce was a potential news story.
When Medford, Ore., resident Perry Wyncoop filed for divorce from his wife, Cora, he was 73 years old. The Medford Mail Tribune printed the details. Apparently, Cora could be “waspish,” once flying into a rage because Perry dipped toast in his coffee. She refused a trip to Honolulu because she would not be seen aboard ship “with a man who eats like you.” Cora said, “Perry has two selves. One is a wonderful character, the other borders on insanity.” She said that he once pointed a gun at her and said “We’re going to settle this once and for all.” She managed to take the gun away from him. Perry said Cora once locked him in his room, but then they “went to a supper club and danced until morning.” Perry’s divorce threats were common, but Cora testified that when he filed, “It came like a thunderclap out of a clear sky.” Perry was granted the divorce, Cora was awarded $2,000. Who knows if they lived happily ever after?
Source: “Perry vs Cora,” The Table Rock Sentinel, Aug. 1986. [Medford, Ore.] Vol. 6, No. 8, pp. 25-28.