Tag Archives: glasses

A Trio in Hats, 1910s

“Freddy seems to have some misgivings, but my expression is certainly hopeful,” it reads on the front of this photo post card.  I’m thinking that Freddy is the one in the striped suit in the front.  The writer must be … Continue reading

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At the Beach, 1930s

Since summer has officially arrived, it’s time to take a look at older women in the swim. Are these two women wearing skirted bathing suits?  Or do they have on short play dresses, designed for fun and sun but not … Continue reading

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“It’s Fine for Us,” Rural Electrification Poster

Graphic artist Lester Beall made a series of posters in the 1930s and 1940s advertising the goals of the Rural Electrification Administration.  As the name implies, the New Deal Era program aimed to bring electricity to the countryside, which was … Continue reading

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Grand Opening at the Waffle Shop, 1931

I chanced upon this wonderful photo in a search for polka dresses—a favorite theme of mine.  You never know what you will find! There isn’t much of a backstory to the photo, but I imagine it was opening day at … Continue reading

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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

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The Dog Days of Summer

When it’s hot out I tend to cover up in loose clothing, choosing baggy pants and long sleeved cotton shirts.  The older woman above takes the opposite approach.  She opens up her body to the breeze with a sleeveless top, … Continue reading

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Yolanda Lopez’s Grandmother

Well known Chicana artist Yolanda Lopez died recently, bringing her unapologetically political art back into view.  One of her most famous works is a triptych of herself, her mother, and her grandmother as contemporary versions of the Virgin of Guadalupe, … Continue reading

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The Full Fancy at the Airport, 1963

This dressed up woman has inspired me to coin a phrase—“the full fancy.”  By that I mean adding every possible fancy element to your outfit, even when the situation doesn’t necessarily call for it.  Is she going on a trip … Continue reading

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International Women’s Day and the Older Woman

International Women’s Day began in the early 20th century as an observance of women’s place in the international socialist labor movement. Although rarely celebrated in the US with any force today, it sometimes gets a mention from politicians and companies … Continue reading

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Two Sisters, Two Styles

A reader from Colorado sent this wonderful photo along with a story, my favorite kind of contribution. Center and right are two sisters, with facial shapes, hair styles and eye glasses looking very much the same.  However, the similarity ends … Continue reading

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