Tag Archives: special occasion

Labor Day Race, 1917

Posted on September 4, 2023 by Lynn

I thought it might be hard to find photos of women on Labor Day doing anything but dishing up potato salad, but I was wrong.  The Digital Pubic Library of America, one of my favorite sources, had many pictures of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

New Year’s Eve, 1967

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1960s | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Sheer Dress at Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2022 by Lynn

No turkey on the table, but I’m guessing this must be Thanksgiving. When else is pumpkin pie the only dessert?  As is obvious from the woman who is dolloping out whipped cream, sheer dresses were not only for the old.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Department Store Halloween Party, 1946

Posted on October 29, 2022 by Lynn

Halloween high jinks by adults is nothing new, as we can see in this photo of the Paris Company Department Store staff in 1946.  However, this fun snapshot does give us a fairly rare chance to see older women dressed … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , | 1 Comment

In the Pink, 1996

Posted on May 10, 2022 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1990 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

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

Ho, Ho, Humbug–Thoughts on the Christmas Sweater

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in 1930s, General | Tagged | 2 Comments

A Southern California Thanksgiving, 1906

Posted on November 25, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

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Burning the Mortgage, 1915

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Lynn

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 , , , , , | 2 Comments

An Old Woman Meets the President, 1976

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Lynn

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 →

Posted in General | Tagged , , | 4 Comments