She Popularized the Shimmy

From Megan Abbott comes news of a fascinating photo gallery. It seems that in the 20s and 30s (and earlier), the stately New York Times would occasionally publish a saucy photograph of a stage performer! I think Megan's favorite is Peggy Fears, #9. I like #3 ("Gilda Grays, who became famous for popularizing the shimmy"). Find your own favorite! The final photo in the series (Allene Ray) was inscribed to the NYT film critic in 1926. Current-day New York Times staff found it in the archives "torn in half and taped together." What's the story there? Don't you want to know? Tempestuous!