559- The Six-Week Cure | The History of Rome

Intro

In this episode of “The History of Rome” podcast, titled “559- The Six-Week Cure,” the host explores the fascinating history of Reno, Nevada as the divorce capital of the world in the mid-20th century. The episode delves into the factors that led to Reno’s prominence, the experiences of divorce seekers, and the lasting impact on the city’s identity. Additionally, the episode highlights the connection between Reno’s divorce era and the creation of the first mainstream lesbian film with a happy ending.

Main Takeaways

Divorce Capital of the World

• Reno, Nevada became known as the divorce capital of the world due to its short residency period and liberal grounds for divorce.
• Wealthy individuals could relocate to Nevada for six months to become residents and get a divorce more easily than in their home state.
• Reno offered the quickest and easiest path to achieving a divorce in the country with just six weeks needed to establish residency.
• Mostly women came for the Reno divorce, with middle-class wives less likely to work outside the home and needing a basis for suing for divorce.
• Nevada had seven legal grounds for divorce, with extreme cruelty being the most used ground for divorce in Reno.

The Divorce Experience in Reno

• Locals improvised to cater to the influx of temporary residents seeking divorce, building apartment houses and boarding houses.
• Boarding house managers acted as resident witnesses, testifying that guests had been in Nevada for the required six weeks.
• Reno was accessible to a diverse group of women seeking divorce, including Black women who relied on the small local Black community for support.
• The African Methodist Episcopal Church provided support for divorce seekers, including social events and a boarding house.
• Divorce seekers often needed to find work in Reno to pay for their divorce and residency, and there were jobs available for both men and women.

The Legacy of Reno’s Divorce Era

• Reno’s divorce history altered the identity of the city forever and contributed to the tourism industry in Nevada.
• Desert Hearts, a movie about a woman who goes to Reno for a divorce and falls in love with another woman, was the first mainstream lesbian film with a happy ending.
• Jane Rule, a well-known Canadian author, was inspired by her experience in Reno to write Desert of the Heart, a detailed account of a woman’s journey to Reno for a divorce.
• Reno’s divorce era came to an end as divorce laws became more liberalized throughout the Western world.

Summary

The Rise of Reno as the Divorce Capital

In the mid-20th century, Reno, Nevada gained a reputation as the divorce capital of the world. This was due to its short residency requirement of just six weeks and its liberal grounds for divorce. Wealthy individuals, particularly women, flocked to Reno to take advantage of these favorable conditions. Nevada’s gold and silver mining decline prompted politicians and businessmen in Reno to turn to divorce tourism as a means of economic growth. Reno became synonymous with divorce after Laura Corey, a socialite, received widespread media coverage for her divorce in the city.

The Divorce Experience in Reno

Divorce seekers in Reno found a supportive environment tailored to their needs. Locals built apartment houses and boarding houses to accommodate the influx of temporary residents. Boarding house managers acted as resident witnesses, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church provided social support for divorce seekers. Reno offered job opportunities for both men and women, with the casino industry playing a significant role in providing entertainment and employment. The lenient divorce laws and the welcoming atmosphere made Reno accessible to a diverse group of women, including Black women who relied on the small local Black community for support.

The Legacy of Reno’s Divorce Era

Reno’s divorce era left a lasting impact on the city’s identity and the tourism industry in Nevada. The liberal divorce laws and the unique experiences of divorce seekers shaped the city’s culture. Additionally, Reno’s divorce history played a role in the creation of the first mainstream lesbian film with a happy ending, “Desert Hearts.” The film, based on the novel “Desert of the Heart” by Jane Rule, depicted a woman’s journey to Reno for a divorce and her unexpected romance with another woman. Jane Rule herself was inspired by her time in Reno to write the novel, which became a significant literary work. Reno’s divorce era eventually came to an end as divorce laws became more progressive worldwide.

Conclusion

The history of Reno as the divorce capital of the world offers a fascinating glimpse into the changing attitudes towards divorce in the mid-20th century. Reno’s lenient divorce laws and welcoming environment attracted individuals from various backgrounds seeking liberation and a fresh start. The city’s unique role in divorce history forever altered its identity and contributed to Nevada’s tourism industry. The stories of divorce seekers in Reno, as well as the cultural impact of this era, continue to captivate audiences today.