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To contribute to this collective history project, send pictures and stories about the older women in your life to americanagefashion@gmail.com. The more information you can include (date, place, etc.), the better.-
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Tag Archives: special occasion
In the Pink, 1996
Here’s a big spread for a very big celebration. If I’m not mistaken, the cake says “Happy 95th Birthday.” I hope a lot of people came to sample the desserts. Our celebrant has gotten dressed up for the event—a pink … 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
Ho, Ho, Humbug–Thoughts on the Christmas Sweater
When it comes to Christmas sweaters, call me Scrooge. What is the point of making or buying something that is meant to be either silly or unattractive and can only be worn a limited time of the year? Surely this … Continue reading
A Southern California Thanksgiving, 1906
Why is this family eating outside on Thanksgiving, you might ask. Late November can be hot in Southern California, as the Santa Ana winds sweep in from the desert. As I write on this Thanksgiving over 100 years later, the … Continue reading
Burning the Mortgage, 1915
Photographs often document big moments in life—the wedding, the baby, the new house. A tradition in Black churches is to mark the end of mortgage payments, the moment when property finally belongs to the residents, with a mortgage burning ceremony. … Continue reading
Posted in 1910s
Tagged African American, colors, lace, Michigan, shirtwaist, special occasion
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An Old Woman Meets the President, 1976
I’m glad that I didn’t pay a lot of money on eBay for this photo, which was listed as “artist Grandma Moses and President Ford.” Just a minute’s research after it arrived revealed that the famous artist had been dead … Continue reading
An “Oriental Celebration,” 1960
Where do you stand of the issue of cultural appropriation? You might remember the recent story of a white high school girl who was shamed for wearing a Chinese style quipao dress to her prom. Some Asian Americans complained that … Continue reading
Dress Up Shoes and the Older Woman
What shoes should women wear to fancy dress up events? Looking at the images presented in most media, it would seem that sky high heels are the preferred option. That might be okay for the younger set, but by the … Continue reading
Gramie and Grampi Cut the Cake, 1960
“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
Holiday Greetings from Ida Arneson, 1957
Is anyone named Ida anymore? It might be due for a comeback. This card was a lucky eBay find combing two favorite elements—an unlikely Christmas greeting and a sewing theme. I suspect Mrs. Ida Arneson is a widow, since there … Continue reading