Tag Archives: textile prints

The Gracious Lady in Polka Dots, 1938

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Lynn

I’m not surprised to see the “Gracious Lady,” Sears’ euphemistic attempt to address the older woman, wearing a polka dot dress!  A very popular print in the 1930s, polka dots were even more common for the older set.  In their … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Great Grandmother Caro Visits America

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Lynn

Reader Davrie Caro sent photos of a special family gathering in San Diego.  His great grandmother, second from right in the photo above, visited the United States for several months in 1992-93.  The photo above shows a surprise birthday party … Continue reading →

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Fashion Clash, 1948

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Lynn

The only information on this grainy photo is the date, 1948, but my guess is that it shows a visit by two granddaughters to see their grandmother.  What a clash of styles!  The grandmother wears two items of clothing that … Continue reading →

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Road Trip, ca. 1933-1934

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Lynn

My guess for the date of this photo is based entirely on the sleeves.  In 1932, Gilbert Adrian created a gown with exaggerated ruffled sleeves for the film Letty Lyndon.  It created a fashion sensation.  Not only were there exact … Continue reading →

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At the Sewing Machine, 1932

Posted on January 7, 2019 by Lynn

This portrait, a gift from the wonderful Lizzie Bramlett, is apparently a practice photo by a budding new photographer.  On the back the maker has listed the day (June 25, 1932), the time (4:00 pm), the camera setting (F6.3, 1 … Continue reading →

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Fashion Backward/Fashion Forward, 1934

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Lynn

Family photos are a wonderful source to reveal the range of clothing options for different generations.  This particular found photograph, labeled “Bonnie Crisco 1934” by an unknown hand, shows a stark difference between old and young.  The mother or grandmother … Continue reading →

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Life on the Ranch, 1939

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Lynn

Since elements of Western clothing have become our national style, it’s easy to forget their regional origins.  This 1939 photo by government photographer Arthur Rothstein shows Mrs. Arnold, co-owner of the Quarter Circle U-Ranch in Montana, in a distinctively Western … Continue reading →

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Tomeyo Okine—A Japanese American in California

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Lynn

The year is 1940, and the Okine family of Whittier California poses in front of their recently bought car.  In the amazing online collection of family photos, there are many in front of the car, obviously a prize possession.  Tameyo … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s, 1950s | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Friends or Sisters, 1938

Posted on March 24, 2018 by Lynn

It’s hard to tell ages from old photos, but in a stroke of luck I found the names and ages of these four women written on the back: Anna 46; Margrete 48; Ingeborg 41; Lina 59.  Given their Germanic sounding … Continue reading →

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Shirley Chisholm–Unbought, Unbossed

Posted on February 27, 2018 by Lynn

Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) was a trailblazer.  In 1968, she became the first African American woman elected to the House of Representative. Four years later, at the age of 48, she ran for president. Her slogan was “Unbought, Unbossed,” perhaps one … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s, 1980s, 1990 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments