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Tag Archives: special occasion
Labor Day Race, 1917
I thought it might be hard to find photos of women on Labor Day doing anything but dishing up potato salad, but I was wrong. The Digital Pubic Library of America, one of my favorite sources, had many pictures of … Continue reading
New Year’s Eve, 1967
Where did the tradition of funny hats on New Year’s Eve come from? This shot of the the Hallberg family (from left to right–son, son’s wife, mother, father) shows that they endorse the idea enthusiastically. They all wear hats–and they … Continue reading
The Sheer Dress at Thanksgiving
No turkey on the table, but I’m guessing this must be Thanksgiving. When else is pumpkin pie the only dessert? As is obvious from the woman who is dolloping out whipped cream, sheer dresses were not only for the old. … Continue reading
Department Store Halloween Party, 1946
Halloween high jinks by adults is nothing new, as we can see in this photo of the Paris Company Department Store staff in 1946. However, this fun snapshot does give us a fairly rare chance to see older women dressed … Continue reading
In the Pink, 1996
Here’s a big spread for a very big celebration. If I’m not mistaken, the cake says “Happy 95th Birthday.” I hope a lot of people came to sample the desserts. Our celebrant has gotten dressed up for the event—a pink … Continue reading
New Year’s Eve, 1948
As much as I love New Year’s Eve, I don’t think I’ve ever had a much fun as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper was having at this 1948 party. Now there is a big laugh! This photo is part of a … Continue reading
Ho, Ho, Humbug–Thoughts on the Christmas Sweater
When it comes to Christmas sweaters, call me Scrooge. What is the point of making or buying something that is meant to be either silly or unattractive and can only be worn a limited time of the year? Surely this … Continue reading
A Southern California Thanksgiving, 1906
Why is this family eating outside on Thanksgiving, you might ask. Late November can be hot in Southern California, as the Santa Ana winds sweep in from the desert. As I write on this Thanksgiving over 100 years later, the … Continue reading
Burning the Mortgage, 1915
Photographs often document big moments in life—the wedding, the baby, the new house. A tradition in Black churches is to mark the end of mortgage payments, the moment when property finally belongs to the residents, with a mortgage burning ceremony. … Continue reading
Posted in 1910s
Tagged African American, colors, lace, Michigan, shirtwaist, special occasion
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An Old Woman Meets the President, 1976
I’m glad that I didn’t pay a lot of money on eBay for this photo, which was listed as “artist Grandma Moses and President Ford.” Just a minute’s research after it arrived revealed that the famous artist had been dead … Continue reading