Omaha daily bee., 1897-02-28
WOMEN CATCH THE INSPIRATION.
They Join the sterucr Sex In Riding
the wheel.

They Join the sterucr Sex In Riding
the wheel.
The first wheelwoman to make her appear
ance upon Omaha streets was Miss Blanch
Allen. This was in the spring OF 1891 and
her appearance awheel was a signal for the
Mother Grundys to start their tongues wag-
ging. 1t was but a short time, however, until
a second and third fair cycllst appeared and
by the fall OF 1892 w"heelwomen were a com
mon thing upon Omaha's streets. 1t was in
the spring of 1893 that the bloomer came out.
This costume was, however. adopted by but
few women, most Of them preferring to wear
the always neat and modest skirt which
reached to the shoe tops.
An effort was made in 1895 and 1896 to
Introduce diamond frame women's wheels,
and, while it was adopted by a few, the
majority of women's wheels sold during these
two years were of the drop frame pattern.
The popular costume in this city during the
coming season will be a short skirt. reaching
to the shoe tops. underneath which will be
worn q pair of well fitting knickerbockeis.
The popular shoe will be the combination
leather shoe ard leggins. A neat, well-ftting
sweater. over which will be worn a coat or
blazer Jacket, and a fedora hat will COM
lete the uniform.
Among the different wheel clubs throughout
the city there are several women's auxiliar-
les. The only woman's wheel club in Omaha
at present is that of the Young Women's
Christian association.
TAKE IN CLUE RUNS.
1t was organized in June, 1895, with
seven charter members, all of whom still
belong to the club. During the riding
season of 1895 they tried the plan of elect
ing a captain for each month, thinking by
so doing to divide the arduous task Of
thinking up runs for the club, which were
had once a week in the evening. The at
tendance was small the first season, but
some very pleasant times were had and no
serious accidents at any time. They always
brought in all who started on a run.
In 1896 the club was a little late in get
ting started on club runs. They elected Miss
Shalda captain for the season, and right
well did she perform the office. The club
always started for a run exactly on time;
short runs were the rule, and a pace slow
enough for the average rider to enjoy and
not come home tired out. During the season
the girls were often invited to some club
members house for refreshments after a ride,
which were very much appreciated on a
warm evening. Ice cream and watermelon
don't go amiss at any time In the summer,
but are doubly welcome after a twelve or
sixteen-mile ride in the country.
The moonlight CD leap year run to Fort
Crook will not soon be forgotten by the
girls and the boys who went along. The
supper afterward, however, was all that
could be desired.
The girls do sometimes get lost in the
fair grounds even on as short a run as Elm
wood park. But as variety Is the spice OF
life 1t would not do to have all club runs
60 according to schedule.
The present officers Of the club are:
Margaret e. Thomas, president; Anna Quick,
secretary; Anna Shalda, captain, and Grace
Lille, lieutenant. The club expects to start
in early this spring and recruit members
from among the members of the Young
Women's Christian association, who ride
wheels. and as soon as the weather will
hermit will have a club run at least once a
week, and oftener il desired by any. With
the increased number of women riding
wheels this year the club can hope for a
much larger membership. and in proportion
thereto an increase of good times.