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Category Archives: 1940s
Golfing in Costume, 1947
This might or might not be a Halloween photo. The archivists guessed yes, and on what other occasions do grown women dress up in silly outfits? I think I recognize most of the looks here. Starting from the right we … Continue reading
Hats with Bows, 1948
The back of this photo says “Simpson Sisters,” and then in another hand gives the date of 1948. Like many older women, these two happy sisters did not keep up with the latest styles. The one posed in front has … Continue reading
At the Beach, 1940s
This almost looks like a staged photo for an older adult fitness magazine, if such a thing existed in the 1940s. Perhaps, though, it was just evidence of a fun beach day among family and friends. Given the high-waisted pants, … Continue reading
Learning from the Facebook Group “Mid Century in Color”
Sometimes I wonder just who Facebook thinks I am, sending me links to sites about farms and baby animals. But recently the mysterious algorithm provided something I treasure—a link to the wonderful resource Mid Century in Color: Amateur Photographic Slides … Continue reading
Four Women, Four Styles
This photo is from a large collection collected by the Hur and Hahn families. It features Frances Hur, who I believe is second from right, and a group of friends. Unfortunately, the photos are not as well documented as one … Continue reading
For the Love of Books, 1948
Have you missed libraries during the pandemic? I certainly have. Through the wonders of the internet, I’ve been well supplied with reading materials. But for me nothing compares with the adventure of wandering through the stacks, discovering treasures by accident. … Continue reading
Bolero Style, Late 1940s
I know better than to comment on women’s style choices, since we are now in the era of “anything goes.” If I’m honest, however, I think this woman is dressing a little young for her age. Everything about her outfit … Continue reading
Summer at Martha’s Vineyard, 1950s
It is the wrong season for this picture, but I couldn’t resist since it contains some of my favorite elements—the many kinds of pants and shorts worn in the 1950s and a stark generational contrast between the old and young. … Continue reading
Posted in 1940s, 1950s
Tagged African American, generations, Massachusetts, pants, shoes, sportswear
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Mae Reeves, Queen of Hats
You might know the names of famous black fashion designers—Ann Lowe is having a moment on sewing sites right now. But how about black milliners? One the biggest names in that field is Mae Reeves (1912-2016), who ran an extremely … Continue reading
Posted in 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990
Tagged African American, hats/headcoverings, Pennsylvania
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An NAACP Meeting in Los Angeles, 1949
If we didn’t have the title, “NAACP [National Association for the Advancement of Colored People], Los Angeles, 1949,” it would be hard to guess the context of the photo. This looks to be an organizational event taking place in the … Continue reading