Necessary Things in 1901 -Woman's Home Companion

Here's our last look at the goodies from this slice of history. These are a few things you needed to make your life better.

And my personal favorite...

I was going to add this company to my tag list...but I thought it might lead to problems. ;-)

Life in 1901 - Woman's Home Companion

Here's are some advertisements for things you'll be needing around the house.

1901 Fashions from Women's Home Companion

"These artistic garments have a certain elegance which has not been approached in many eras of fashion, and the long loose coats in particular, whether of cloth or silk, are not only comfortable, but elegant and altogether bewitching."

Corsets from 1901 - Woman's Home Companion

I have a wonderful April 1901 copy of Woman's Home Companion magazine. It's chock full of treasures, but as always it's the ads that are the best. One thing you always find is ads for corsets. Look at this batch and consider how you'd be able to fit in one of these. Kinda scary thought!

"It is hygienic and beautiful."

"For elegance and ease".

"the only corset in all the world that does reduce a too high abdomen...".

"Cannot break at the waistline."

"The only stylish corset worn."

"...will give the straight-front effect without discomfort to the wearer."

And if you are having trouble fitting into your corset try these.

"For bathing at the lakes or seashore their buoyancy will keep your head above deep water."

"Cures Female Troubles"

Pretty pictures of pretty women from 1901.

These sorts of books made use of the stockphotos of their era, but they still give us an idea of what was considered fashionable in early 1900. And they are just pretty.

Votaries = Devotees (I had to look it up too.)

Dreaming The Happy Hours Away

I have just received a much loved (read: beat up) copy of The Woman Beautiful or Maidenhood, Marriage and Maternity, 500 pages of advice about everything pertaining to a young woman's life. My copy is so far gone that I can't be sure of the publisher, but other copies are dated from 1901 and the authors listed as Monfort B. Allen M.D and Amelia C. McGregor M.D., apparently they wrote a few of these all encompassing advice books. But remember, books such as these are often all a young gal had to get her through. We'll look at several bits here and be thankful we don't have to live under these rules, charming as they sound.
(The picture by the way is of me...just longing around)

"Young ladies who devote their time to leisure amusements and the follies that invariably attend them, should be regarded as entirely unworthy the notice of those young men who have any regard for a healthy and happy family."

Fashion Plates from the McCall Company - 1901 - Afternoon Toilettes and Street Costumes

This page has much more helpful information. Dated May, 1901 it's out of McCall's Magazine and shows in color; McCall 6527 Misses' Guimpe Dress, McCall 6538 Ladies' Eton Jacket and McCall 6540 Ladies' Skirt. In gray tones; McCall 6562 Ladies' Shirt Waist, McCall 6532 Ladies' Skirt, McCall 6559 Misses' Jacket, McCall 6553 Misses' Skirt.
Take note of the way pleats and lace are used on the skirts, and the variety of collars. And while you are considering the serious underwear these women had to have on to get that silhouette, don't forget about how straight you'd have to stand to hold up those hats!