Tag Archives: shirtwaist

A Stylish Stout Woman at the Beach, 1953

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Lynn

In the 1920s, makers of plus size clothing, what was then called “stoutwear,” invented different names and sizes for different kinds of larger bodies.  A big breasted figure with a relatively small waist was named a “stylish stout.”  It was … Continue reading →

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Maree’s Fashion Cycle

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Lynn

Many sociologists who study fashion try to determine when and for what reason people buy clothes. For a long time, the assumption was that older people tended to slow down consumption as they aged. Why? Often they have a smaller … Continue reading →

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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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Gramie and Grampi Cut the Cake, 1960

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Lynn

“Gramie and Grampi with the cake Annie made for you,” reads the message on the back of this photo.  At first I thought this might be an anniversary celebration cake for the older couple, but the caption tells a different … Continue reading →

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Portrait of a Woman with Butterfly

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Lynn

In honor of Black History Month, I’ve been searching for collections of photographs of African Americans that might include older women.  One rich source I discovered is the private collection of Mike Cochran, given to the Portal of Texas History.  … Continue reading →

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Big Birthday, Big Cake–1961

Posted on December 10, 2020 by Lynn

When this photo appeared in the Valley Times in 1961, the accompanying text read, “Five generations of the Prince family were on hand to help celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Emma E. Prince, a woman who honeymooned to the … Continue reading →

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Getting Out the Vote, 1956

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Lynn

The current election has reminded us once again that African American women are the bedrock of the Democratic Party.  They also did a lot of the hard work of turning California from red (as it was when I was growing … Continue reading →

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Two Sisters, Two Styles

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Lynn

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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Mismatched Pair, 1958

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Lynn

Before the summer passes us by, I thought it was high time for some bathing suits.  At first I guessed this might be a Mother-Daughter snap shot, but someone has helpfully written on the back, “Mother and Etta Doey at … Continue reading →

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Preparing for the Prom, 1959

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Lynn

There won’t be a senior prom for many this year, so this 1959 photo seems especially poignant.  The daughter is all gussied up—is it the actual day of the prom or was she just posing to document the dress? It … Continue reading →

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