Young actress Ada Williams Ince, 21, divorces her husband of 5 years, William "W.T." Ince, on claims of abuse due to her husband's violent temper. Williams was granted the divorce in Superior Judge Edmond's court, and attributed it to the date of Friday the 13th, her "lucky number", contrary to popular convention.
W. H. Bowers and Olive Orr Brugen-Schmidt Bowers, married three just months, seated together at a court proceeding. Olive Bowers was accused of plotting with Elmer M. Archer to poison her husband. The plot was discovered when their conversations were overheard on a 2-party telephone line.
An unidentified lawyer approaching Robert S. James as he sits in the witness stand. A map of his home is visible behind him. He was most likely testifying in his own defense for the murder trial of his wife Mary Emma James. He purportedly had an affair with his niece, which spurred him to tie down his wife and have a rattlesnake bite her, and then later drown her in their fish pond. He was supposedly helped by his friend, ex-sailor Charles H. Hope, who was also charged with murder.
New York mayor Fiorello La Guardia presides over the Pacific coast regional meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors. Boston Mayor Frederick Mansfield served as Mr. La Guardia's secretary. Approximately 60 Pacific coast mayors attended the conference. Unemployment relief was a focal topic at the conference, which was held at Los Angeles' City Council chamber. May 15, 1937.
Los Angeles District Attorney Buron Fitts, second from right, sits with his defense lawyer Jerry Geisler, second from left, along with his chief deputy Robert P. Stewart, far left, and deputy District Attorney, William Simpson.
Judge Clarence L. Kincaid, holding an open book and raising his right hand, administering an oath to Judge Edward R. Brand, who also holds up his right hand. A coat and hat on a coat rack are in the background on the right.
Judge Benjamin J. Scheinman marries Bobby Burns Berman and Betty Jane Hardesty. Berman operated a night club and Hardesty was a Washington D.C. socialite.
John D. Kennedy, 62, appears with Municipal Judge George S. Richardson in relation to charges he attacked Arthur C. Burch. Burch was tried twice and acquitted for the shooting death of John D. Kennedy's son.
Prince and Princess Kaya undertook a seven-month world tour in 1934, visiting the United States, Great Britain, France, and Germany. The tour received extensive press coverage at the time.