An excerpt of a news article

May 12, 1870 -- Kankakee Gazettes

... Long street dresses are coming in style again. They are a nuisance, and is so regarded by the ladies--or at least by those people who have pretty feet. But fashion says 'long' and 'long she goes,' inspite of taste and comfort. There is only one consolation, and that is that the crosswalks will be kept free from filth by the continuous sweeping of the trailing dresses over them.

Came across this funny article at work while reviewing the history of the Soldier Creek watershed.