Category Archives: 1940s

Time Stands Still

Posted on May 27, 2022 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1940s, 1990 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Navy Blue Suit

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1940s, 1950s, General | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Girl Group Mystery Story, mid 1940s

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Lynn

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 →

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New Year’s Eve, 1948

Posted on December 30, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Hatless in a Hat Shop, 1942

Posted on December 12, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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Golfing in Costume, 1947

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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Hats with Bows, 1948

Posted on August 26, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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At the Beach, 1940s

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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Learning from the Facebook Group “Mid Century in Color”

Posted on May 3, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Four Women, Four Styles

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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