On this day in 1927, members of the Danville Kiwanis Club were planning a big outing for their wives, the Kiwanettes.

On the front page of the Danville Daily Messenger, the headline read that the evening was to be known as the Kiwanis Ladies Night Program. It was to take place at the Danville Country Club on the following Thursday night and was to feature dancing and bridge games.

The tentative plans called for the affair to be informal, and representatives from clubs in adjoining counties were invited.

An orchestra would provide the dance music and 10 tables were to be set up for bridge.

According to the article, Kiwanis members were planning a big surprise with the favors which were to be given to the ladies. The committee in charge of the event said they “have something up their sleeves” that was to be revealed on the night of the affair. Members had refused to tell anyone what the surprise would be, but said “their surprise package is something with universal appeal.”

For the first time since the club was organized, the Kiwanis quartet were scheduled to make their first public appearance.

“For those who do not like bridge or dancing they will find amusement in the sitting and talking over topics of the day,” the article read.

About a week later, after the program was held, the front page headline read, “Dancing, bridge and other amusements are enjoyed by 25 couples; refreshments served throughout the evening.”

The club house was decorated beautifully by Mrs. C.F. Hart and Mrs. George Thurmond.

The secretive favors were announced at about 9 a.m. and were vanities embossed in gold with the Kiwanis International emblem and the name “Danville, Ky.” printed on them.

In other news from July 30, 1927:

• it was announced that Henry Ford, who was celebrating his 64th birthday on July 30, was preparing for a struggle with the powerful General Motors Corporation. His friends said they expected him to turn his genius and resources to the production of airships.

• on page 2, editors of the Danville Daily Messenger wrote that they thought there was too much mud slinging in the campaigns for governor and other races. “We are not taking sides in any of the races, but would like to see a campaign where candidates seek election upon their own merit and qualification and not by slandering their opponents. The Daily Messenger is also for a fair election, one that permits every candidate to run his or her own race without the influencing of votes by dishonest and unfair means,” the article stated. “Let the fair-minded and honest people think for themselves.”