Category Archives: 1920s

Regina Anderson Andrews and the Power of Libraries

As a lover of both libraries and theater, it perhaps inevitable that I discovered Regina Anderson Andrews, playwright, actress, salon holder, and librarian in New York City from the 1920s to the 1960s.  Anderson (1901-1993) was born in Chicago and … Continue reading

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Meet Bricktop, International Star

Born in West Virginia in 1894, Ada “Bricktop” Smith gained her nickname because of her red hair. Her family soon moved to Chicago, a center of African American culture, where she started performing full time at age sixteen.  She didn’t … Continue reading

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A Clutch Coat in the Early 1920s

I’ve never understood clutch coats.  They are meant to be open at the neck, and sometimes you even have to hold them closed with your hand if no other fastener is provided.  But don’t you get cold around the neck, … Continue reading

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Statement Sleeves, ca. 1922

Big sleeves are in style these days.  However, even the generous sleeves of today are no match for this creation.  It looks almost like a kimono sleeve.  Note the light and shadow around her top arm, though.  Is the sleeve … Continue reading

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At the Atlantic City Boardwalk, 1920s

I’ve never been to Atlantic City, so the distinctive features of its boardwalk are unknown to me.  However, my eBay dealer recognized them right away—the wicker push carts and the big Heisey’s Glassware sign in the background.  This older couple … Continue reading

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Willa Cather’s Portrait

In 1923 when American writer Willa Cather was fifty, the Omaha Society of Fine Arts from her home state of Nebraska put together $1000 to commission a portrait for the Omaha Public Library. By then, she was already famous, with … Continue reading

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Meet Tish

Since the early twentieth century author Mary Roberts Rinehart made the Washington Post this morning, I thought I would do a reprise of my favorite character of hers, the single older woman, Tish. When I hear the old-fashioned word spinster, … Continue reading

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Armistice Day, 1922

Since today is November 11—the end date of World War One—I couldn’t help looking for photos marking the occasion.  The holiday was known as Armistice Day up until 1954, and the date still honors the end of that global conflict. … Continue reading

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Anna May Wong, Aging

By now, everyone must have heard that Chinese American actress Anna May Wong has earned a place on American quarters.  Key elements of her famous look, including the bangs and high eyebrows, remained with her as she aged.  The photo … Continue reading

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Maggie Walker and the St. Luke’s Penny Saving Bank

Maggie Lena Walker (1864-1934) is not a household name, but she made a huge difference in the lives of African Americans in the Richmond, Virginia area.  In 1903, she was the first woman of any race to found a bank.  … Continue reading

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