13 September 1911 - Washington D.C.
Defendant charges his wife with "Spooning" on high

Park Practices are Aired

Judge Delacy however, defends the woman in the case, and lectures G. H. Kesterson, on the evils of jealousy. Orders him to pay $4 a week for the support of his child.

An alledged love affair, carried on high above the earth in the quiet seclusion of a ferris wheel car, was revealed in all its thrilling details, in juvenile court yesterday when Mrs. Alice V. Kesterson of 3027 M Street northwest, charged her husband Grover H. Kesterson of 322 L Street northeast, with non support. Kesterson retaliated by asking possession of their child, on the grounds that his wife had often "Spooned" with another man, once in the ferris wheel in Glen Echo Park.

Kesterson said he had no objection to his wife going riding in a ferris wheel with the other man, but that he objected to the man placing his arms around his wife's neck. He also objected to his wife riding on the "Dip" at the park with the other man, because the excitement of the ride naturally led partners in the thrilling drop to clasp each other.

SPOONERS IN PLAIN VIEW - The trial disclosed the danger in "spooning on a ferris wheel" . High above the crowded park, it might be supposed that "Spooning" woud be undetected, but John McCullough, a policeman attached to the 3rd precinct, and another witness testified that it is impossible to "spoon" on a ferris wheel without being seen. Policeman McCullough was taking a ride himself on the night in question and told Judge DeLacy yesterday that he had seen Mrs. Kesterson close in the embrace of another man. As the ferris wheel revolved slowly, many couples snuggle close, according to Policeman McCullough.

Judge DeLacy who admitted he knew little about about amusement parks, inquired of the Policeman if it were not possible that the ascent into the starry heights might carry fear into the hearts of quavering maidens and make a protecting arm necessary. Policeman McCullough admitted that this was so. Pressing the point the judge asked if possibly Mrs. Kestersons escort might not have simply placed his arm upon the back of her seat. But the Policeman insisted that the escort's arm was wound about her neck. The question of whether it is necessary for a man to put his arm about a womens waist while dashing down the "dip" was hotly disputed at the hearing. Judge DeLacy did not know what the "dip" was, and it was explained to him.

PUBLIC LOVEMAKING IMPROPER - The Judge remarked that in the excitement a man naturally might throw an arm about his companion without meaning any harm. But he advised against this custom and said that it was improper for any persons, married or single, to spoon in a public place.

The hearing of the Kesterson case brought more than a score of dainty amusement park devotees to the juvenile court. The details of the modern art of spooning as carried on at public parks was fully discussed. Mrs Kesterson admitted that she had gone on the "dip", the ferris wheel , and other amusements with a man other than her husband but denied that she had "spooned". She said she had gone to the park as a chaperon for her younger sister. Judge DeLacy told Mrs Kesterson that he feared she had been a bit "indescreet" but that he thought she was a good woman. He warned her against riding in ferris wheels and dips in the future with any man other than her husband or a relative. Then he told Kesterson he was a jealous man.

A jealous man is the worst pest on earth, said the judge. When the green-eyed monster gets possession of a man, he becomes a menace to himself and all his friends. He magnifys all he hears, until indescretions become crimes. He hurts himself and those he loves and wears himself out thinking of the things that might happen. Judge DeLacy ordered that Kesterson pay his wife $4 a week for the support of their child but refused to take the child away from its mother. Because of the charges he had made against her, Mrs Kesterson said she never would live with her husband again.

Washignton D.C. 3 May 1923 - STABBING OVER WOMAN CHARGED
Edward J. Winkler of 808 N Capital St was indicted on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. He is alledged to have stabbed Grover Kesterson of 733 4th St southeast on July 4 last at Connecticut ave and 1st street northwest. Mrs. Alberta Kesterson, also of 808 N Capital street, and Winkler, were waiting for a streetcar when Keterson came up, the police say , and demanded to know why Winker was with the woman. The Kestersons were separated and the husband had accused Winkler of being responsible for that condition.

Washington D.C. 29 June 1923
WINS DECREE AFTER INDICTMENT

Mrs Lillian A. Parker Furneyhough was awarded a final decree for absolute divorce by Justice Siddens in Equity Court. The decree also awards her the custody of a minor child and directs the husband to pay $5 a week for its support. ] Furneyhough was indicted for alledged non support for this child. He also was indicted on a charge of grand larceny and originally sentenced to serve a year in jail May 25th but this sentence was vacated by Justice Bailey June 11 and a sentence of 3 years in prison imposed and he was placed on probation. Furneyhough was also arrested on June 20, 1921 along with Mrs. Alberta Kesterson by Lieut. Sheets & Sgt Gray of the vice-squad. Grover Kesterson, husband of the woman, swore out the warrant. Mrs Furneyhough named Mrs. Kesterson co-respondent.

This is Grover H. Kesterson (born 8 Feb. 1889 in Washington D.C. - died in May 1968) and his wife Alberta/Alverta Alice Burke (born 29 Dec. 1890 in Washington D.C. - died Dec. 1969)