Beautiful Old Singer Trade Cards

This is a lovely set of Singer Trade Cards dated 1901 and 1902. They each have a snippet of poetry from Wordsworth, Whittier and Pope. But alas, the backs are in German and so I'm clueless. Maybe one of you can tell us what was being said?
(These were originally posted in December, 2008)

So many Mail Order Catalogs! 1929 - 1930

There are a few of the many fabulous catalogs you could choose from in 1929-1930. These advertised for urban shoppers, but also brought fashion to that rural small town gal who wanted to wear the latest thing.

The Charles William Stores started in 1913 in New York.
Did you know Lane Bryant started in 1904 selling maternity clothes?
I have posted about a 1940's Bella Hess catalog here.
The Hamilton Garment Company still sells fine shirts.
I only found more ads from Elmer Richards Company. Do you know more history of this Chicago business?
The Minneapolis Knitting Works had a long history before closing in 1952.
Frederick Herrschner Inc. is still in business today selling crafts.
And here is another ad from the Dolly Gray Company.

So there was no excuse for you or your family not to be well dressed!

Post Thanksgiving Blues

I know, I know...where are they now?!

Happy Turkey Day!

I hope you have lots of help today!

New Frocks for Youth and the Youngest - 1929

From McCall's Magazine September, 1929 we have new frocks with "hand-worked motifs...always a charming finish that gives an exclusive air to youthful frocks".

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - With Musical Accompaniment

These are the last bits from these 1864-65 Ladies Friend Magazine engravings. A couple last gowns, some story illustrations and several snippets of songs, including a tribute to President Lincoln after his death. (April 15, 1865)
I hope you enjoyed these as much as I have. They are a peek into a life we'll never know.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Hats, Capes, Hair

More fabulous engravings from Ladies Friend Magazine, 1864-65. This has hats and caps that "any lady with the least degree of expert in the way of millinery" can make. The capes look more involved with tassels and lace over ribbons. The Talma cape referred to the shape and length. The Watteau Coiffure emphasis is on the back view, just like a Watteau Panel hangs from the back shoulders on a dress.
All worth a close look and some serious consideration of how much time and money went into these.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Waists

I think these waists would have been worn with the spectacular jackets or at home alone. But I'd love to learn more.
In any case these are probably fancier and more detailed than anything you or I own today. True haute couture!

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Back Views

More Civil War era fashions from The Ladies Friend magazine. These back views were often fancier than the front!

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Children's Clothes

These engravings from The Ladies Friend Magazine show what kids were wearing during the Civil War. They looked just like the adults. And just as much effort would have gone into making these as for the adults. But they had to withstand the wear and tear of active children. But I'm sure things were passed on and re-made.
And you get a little poetry as a bonus.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine Part 3

This group from the Ladies Friend Magazine features a beautiful lace jacket, hairdos and musical accompaniment.
The songs are Pa Has Struck Ile by C. Archer and The Linden-Hall Polka arranged by Charles Grobe.

I am always asking you to look at the details, but oh, my goodness. Can you BELIEVE those hairstyles? The effort it would have taken produce and wear these works of art...amazing.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine Part 2

More of these lovely engravings from 1894 Ladies Friend Magazine. These feature bonnets, capes, braided and embroidered trims, and a House-Jacket that looks pretty fancy for something worn at home.