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Category Archives: 1940s
Time Stands Still
How do we pick our favorite styles? For some older women, it may have more to do with our past than our present. At least that is a conclusion reached in Karol Blaylock’s 1999 dissertation, “Determining Apparel Style Preferences of … Continue reading
The Navy Blue Suit
Reader and contributor Nann Hilyard recently sent me a page from the humorous book Going, Going, Gone: Vanishing Americana by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson. Among their list of things gone the way of the milkman is the navy blue … Continue reading
Girl Group Mystery Story, mid 1940s
Who are these women gathered together on a fairly chilly day? Members of a women’s club? Girl scout leaders? A quilting circle? My guess is that they are teachers, which would explain the wide range of ages and also the … 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
Hatless in a Hat Shop, 1942
The photos taken by the Farm Security Administration and Office of War Information during the Great Depression and Second World War offer many insights into how ordinary Americans survived hard times. One small slice of history was recorded by photographer … Continue reading
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