23 August 1956 “I Am Proud That My Silhouette is Curvy…I Adore Being Dressed In Something Frilly…I Adore Being A Girl”

I was thinking about my last post and uniforms. And also considering all your responses, which I was surprised no one scolded me and said, “Don’t be silly casual is better”. I think many of we modern gals (and gents) do appreciate dressing up. We appreciate and admire clothes. Many of us, when we watch old movies or even modern shows like Mad Men, do so in many ways because of the clothes and sets. Yet, there is nothing stopping any of us from having such ‘sets’ and clothes in our daily life. As someone who did dress very modern I have to say my overall body image and simple daily joy has increased 100%.

I  find that there is no ‘modern look’. I mean there may be skinny jeans or slouchy tops, or those tight fitting sweat pant thingies I always see teens and mums alike wear (which are shockingly tight in certain areas!) Yet, there is no “go to” silhouette for today. I think many of us may also find ourselves sometimes wondering, “Well what should I wear?” While it seems in the 1950’s one KNEW what to wear. Dinner and dancing? Hat, evening/cocktail clothes, man in white dinner jacket. Movies? Nice cotton dress, cardigan, hat gloves. You just knew and there was a look.

I now find that by allowing myself the entire decade of the 1950’s my choices are great, yet narrowed to a certain silhouette. This really allows one to build a wardrobe and style quite easily and to not worry about being ‘out of style’. And for any sneers, I have probably received 80% more compliments and encouragements.

Let’s face it gals, we like to dress up. Lace and petticoats, frills and bows, or even slim lined boucle suits or fitted jackets. We ENJOY being a girl , as the song goes:

( I also love this Doris Day version of that song, but I could not embed it, but go HERE if you would like to hear it.) Think how many gals love to plan their wedding, imagine their prom or dream up ‘dress up’ evenings. Well, not long ago, we gals had that ‘dress up’ time every day of our life! Sure, it is wonderful that we have the choice to wear what we like today, but that also means we can choose the petticoat and creamy chiffon dress as easily and rightfully as the jeans and T. “As the song says, I enjoy be curvy! I enjoy being dressed in something frilly!”

Speaking of dresses, here is my latest finished dress.I used the same pattern as I did for my dress with the stiff collar. However, this time I wanted to use to types of fabric to almost make a new design. I was only able to get a small amount of this lovely blue dot fabric. So, I chose a cotton to match the lighter blue dot (there are red white and blue dots). It made it a bit tricker, but was worth it in the end.

I also wanted to have a different neckline than the pattern gave me as options, so I used my trusty home-made mannequin. Here you can see that I simply cut the bodice as the pattern called for and then, after placing it on the mannequin, used the large ric-rac to drape a new neckline.I wanted the back to sweep down a bit and come to a point. Here is the finished result in the back.I think it a rather flattering neckline and when I wear my hair up in a French twist, it looks lovely. This also gives you the opportunity to wear a darling vintage necklace that has say a jewel or some little cameo or something that hangs off the clasp. I have one triple strand of pearls that has a clasp shaped into a rose made of albacore shell. These little details get highlighted with such necklines. It also has a gal keeping her eye out for fun vintage jewelry with cunning little clasps.

Rather you are going grocery shopping or just having the gals over for coffee, why not have fun with your clothing. Make the ‘uniform of your life’ be what you like and want to wear.

It IS fun to be frilly and curvy!

   

(photo from myvintagevogue)And don’t forget your hat, gloves, and jewelry. Have fun gals.

Until tomorrow, Happy Homemaking.

22 August 1956 “Who are the People in Your Neighborhood”

I thought it would be fun on this fine Sunday morning, here in 1956, to share with you the types of uniforms and people I would meet during my days.

The homemaker and the postman.

The milkman. The milkman around my New England Area. HERE is an interesting article about Hood and New England in milk delivery heyday.

The gas station attendant. Yes, ladies, that is a bow tie and long sleeve shirt. I am sure his wife pressed those trousers for him, as well.

The supermarket checker. She dons a lovely dress-like uniform over her clothing. The young baggers would also be in a bow tie and a hat especially when they show up at the door with a delivery in a wooden box for me.

 The Butchers.  Though they wouldn’t greet customers in these dirty aprons, I love that even while working the men have ties and the ladies skirts. I think, because it is so normal to me now, that I really don’t think it odd for people to wear what is now considered ‘formal’ attire to do basic chores. I clean in my dresses all the time and not just my house dresses. I even garden in a skirt more often than my dungarees. I guess I just don’t understand how it is any more difficult to put on a pair of nice cotton trousers as opposed to jeans for men (hubby feels the same way). In fact when we are doing yard work hubby has ‘work pants’ that would be considered ‘dress up’ today, I am sure. Just heavy duty cotton. I guess when you become accustomed to something it seems normal. But, when I see photos of us or sometimes just realize these moments, it does make my life feel better or more special. Sometimes the simplest things such as what you wear really can affect your life and your over all outlook. It seems we are always chasing the special time and perfect image while we, ourselves, may be rather tatty in old jeans and T’s. I think the ‘special’ times should be our every day.

Uniforms were just part of the day in the 1950’s. Your Doctor might have this button up full top their version of scrubs, I believe or tie under a more jacket type uniform. Nurses, as well, had uniforms with darling little hats. I have to say, for me, I like the look of this rather than the garish over colored and odd imaged smocks and scrubs I see nurses wear today, but that’s just me. Certainly one could say comfort, but how did these people, for their entire career, work in these clothes? Simple, the idea of comfort and ‘relaxing’ was meant to be at home or on holiday. You were ready, professional and looked a certain ‘part’ in your line of work and your slouchy pajamas and comfortable shoes were for home with family. Even then, pajamas and robes and dressing gowns were more a ‘home uniform’ than today. I am sure many people simply sleep in their under things.

Now, I am not saying there is some moralistic or ‘being a better person’ associated with ‘dressing the part’, only it seems, to me at least, to make one’s life feel more important or real. There is a certain personal dignity and feeling of worth and joy in dressing the part. We are such a covetous generation, watching shows about wealthy people and drooling over nice clothes and objects, yet we can, very realistically, have these things as part of our daily life. And not break the bank in so doing. A few nice things for your various occasions and tasks is better than a closet full of 25 pair of jeans that, technically, all look the same.

It isn’t for nothing that so many of us enjoy looking at old photos. Or feel something special when watching vintage TV shows. Because we see in them something we want to possess and take on into our own lives. And, I am telling you, clothes, outfits, uniforms of life, they honestly make a difference. They can make your day feel more special. Many people love the show Mad Men mostly for the clothes and interiors. Well, you know what, we can have those things. As there really is not set ‘fashion’ for the day anymore (except jeans and t-shirts) why not make your wardrobe what you would like it to be. If you love Doris Day movies, then why not live one as best you can. You might find yourself happy over things you would think silly and caring less about things you cannot control.

Even this image, which shows two ladies in casual clothes in the late 40s, can show the style of simplicity. The woman on the left is in trousers, a halter top and saddle shoes. But look how ‘put together’ she looks even in this ‘gad about’ outfit. And I am sure she would not wear this to the movies or out to dinner. For that, she would dress up because it feels good and you are worth it.

I just think if we look at our lives more seriously they can actually be more fun. Because, to allow ourselves the ‘right’ to dress up for occasions and work gives our life that missing element we modern people seem to lack en masse: Style. The amount of time we take to watch tv, play on the computer or text could easily be shared with a few minutes to get ready, do our hair, put on that slip and dress. Hey, why not even pop a hat on every now and then?

I didn’t mean for this post to be a ‘lecture on dressing’ far from it. I just wanted to share some fun photos of what I would encounter in my 1956 life from people in my day from grocers to doctors to the gals outside the grocery store. Fun and inspirational, I think.

So, when we see an old family photo such as this (thanks to jewelsfiles) We realize, even something is casual as an at home birthday for just the immediate family still was an occasion to look our best. The mother and daughters are in lovely dresses though it is just a family affair.

I think there is a lot to be said for our appearance. We spend so much more today on clothing and yet look so much less put together.

Well, enjoy the fun images on this Sunday morning here in 1956.

Until tomorrow, then, Happy Homemaking.

21 August 1956 “Some Fun Tid-Bits from 1956”

I thought for today I would post some fun random happenings and items from this year, 1956.

i-Pod, CD player, cassette, 8-track, radio? Yes, they even, back in 1956, were thinking of how we could ‘take along’ the music we wanted to hear.

“In 1956 they teamed with CBS to create the “Highway Hi-Fi” – an under-dash phonograph that played vinyl records at a super-slow 16-2/3 revolutions per minute. The slow speed allowed a small disc to pack up to an hour of entertainment on each side. Special mechanical engineering reduced the number of times and distance the needle would skip across the disc as the car drove over bumps in the road.”

Here is Elvis ‘at home’ in 1956. This year Elvis is really gaining popularity. He is still not quite the superstar he will become, but I would definitely know who someone was talking about when they mention his name. Here you can see he is enjoying a modest home with good success. I wonder, sometimes, if superstars and mega singers, if their lives would have been better off if they could have made a ‘decent’ living and lived comfortably but not insanely wealthy so quickly. It often lead to others taking advantage and a destructive lifestyle (which was certainly the case with Elvis). Sometimes I think the ‘Get it all’ dream of wealth and fame is often the path to self-destruction. Who knows, if Elvis had been a good stable mid range star (in a world where we did not have Super Stars but many talented people we could enjoy that got paid good salaries and were not marketed into a product) He might still be around today, crooning and singing for us.

This is a 1956 VW bus. It seemed odd to me, because we so often associate the VW bus with the 60’s hippie generation. But, I suppose they were not buying brand new assembly line buses, so I am sure many of these became hand painted with flowers and sayings in another 10 or 15 years.

Here is the lovely Marilyn Monroe this year (1956) on Long Island, NY. You have to appreciate a gal who is sexy when she is as full bodied as Marilyn. Her thighs and her bottom, even her arms and back would probably be considered ‘chubby’ today. And can you imagine how unflattering even she would look in modern bikini’s of thin strips of fabric ill-placed? There is a lot to be said for the vintage 50’s suit both in comfort and style.

Bobby Fischer at age 13 here in 1956, is beginning to get noticed for his Chess genius.

“By the age of 13, Fischer's talents were already gaining notice. In a feature story filed in 1956, a journalist wrote, "While his hands may be fidgety, the eighth grader's eyes are riveted on the chessboard before him. His goal is the U.S. National Chess Championships, and he's made an excellent start toward it."

 This is Diana Dors, The UK version of Marilyn Monroe, leaving Cannes film festival this year (1956). She made film and even had her own tv show in the UK

Well, there you go, some fun little tidbits from this year to peruse over your Saturday.

Until tomorrow, Happy Homemaking.

20 August 1956 “It’s Blackberry Season!”

Well, folks, here in 1956 it is Blackberry Season! Here you can see a lovely handful of these delicious fruit. I have bushes I have planted in my yard (still giving a small yield but will increase next year). The path we take to the seashore is also lined with blackberries. Luckiest of all, of course, was dear Gussie brought home a large bag full from our local farm where she works.
Now, I love blackberries. They are the perfect blend of sweet and tart. They always herald those late summer days, dining alfresco, and sweet mouthfuls of ripe berries and cream.
We have been Blackberry Mad around here lately. I have made countless batches of blackberry pancakes. Yesterday, I wanted to make filled crepes. I had some cream cheese in the house, so I simply popped some in the mixer, added some sugar and vanilla extract and whipped it smooth. No recipe here, just go for consistency and taste to your liking. You could have even added blackberries to that while you were mixing it to give it taste and color. Here they are. In all fairness, they are really thinner pancakes and I used toothpicks to keep the closed. Normally, when I make a crepe, they are much thinner and would have been easier to roll onto themselves and hold their shape. I simply made my usual pancake recipe and just reduced the baking powder. Normally, when I make crepes, rather they are sweet or savory, I use my recipe from the 1950’s Boston Cooking School Fanny Farmer cookbook.
CREPES

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup milk or meat stock (depending on sweet or savory of course)

Mix well, make thin pancakes.
Very easy indeed and savory crepes are a great way to stretch a food budget. Leftover meat and even potatoes and veg mixed with an easy gravy or sauce stuffed into crepes, topped with sauce and garnished. Looks lovely, very easy and tastes wonderful!
I also make some wonderful Blackberry scones the other morning. Some mornings when I get up a little earlier than usual, I like to bake for breakfast. I am a morning person and having the house quiet, the coffee percolating often sets the perfect baking mood.
This recipe is rather easy and makes a triangular scone.
Blackberry Scone
3 cups flour
1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cups butter (cold and cut up, I keep my baking butter in the freezer)
1 cup butter milk (if you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, it’s easy to make. Add one tbs vinegar to each cup of milk needed.)
handful of blackberries (about a cup)
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and then cut in butter. I always use a pastry cutter so as to keep the dough cooler, like when you make a pastry dough. Gently stir in the blackberries. make a circular shape with the dough. Cut into triangles. Brush tops with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. They turned out rather well and were very delicious.
I also made some wonderful Blackberry/Blueberry Jam. I had blueberries left over from Gussie’s last farm gift of blueberries. A touch of lemon rind to this sort of jam does wonders to the taste.
Now, on the list to make still are some of the following. I found this great recipe in one of my magazines for a baked date pudding.I am just going to replace the dates with blackberries. And instead of just orange juice will most likely use less juice but put it in the blender with fresh blackberries to add more fresh flavor. (click to view full size)

And I would like to make a good Blackberry Roulade. THIS RECIPE is fairly good, though it is modern. Most likely I will end up tweaking it, as I do most recipes. I am not sure why this happens other than when I use a recipe now I have certain baking formula that flit about my head and recall things from previous recipes. Therefore such thoughts as “Oh, this would be nice with buttermilk” or “If I added some cocoa here and I could cut back on the flour here and make it a bit moister” come to me.
Now a Roulade is not only a dessert item. The word Roulade originates from the French word "rouler" meaning "to roll". Therefore meat lends itself well to this roll and fill food stuff. Duck is wonderful in a roulade, especially stuffed with pate’ (If you love fatty things as I do!) HERE is a great step by step for a meat roulade that uses flank steak. I often find this type of meal great for a cheaper cut steak, for when you slice it and pound it well (with your meat mallet or rolling pin) it really tenderizes it.
From one of my favorite cookbooks,     Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook, Is this recipe for Blackberry cream pie (click to enlarge and read) I love how this book is set up, as it gives you the guide to make a basic recipe and the suggestions to make variations, therefore teaching you how to make your own recipes. This is the page for the one layer pie crust.
Well, I hope whatever your current climate is, you are able to enjoy cooking and baking with some local fruits.
Until tomorrow, Happy Homemaking.

18 August 1956 “Those Who Have Gone Before Us: We Salute You.”

A recent comment from a long time follower really touched my heart:
Hey 50's Gal,
Sorry I haven't commented the past few days, we buried my Grandmother yesterday, a great lady at the age of 90, she will truly be a hard act to follow.
In the 50's she raised her family on a farm, helped my Grandpa out in the fields, took care of the barns, yet still managed to make homemade food and pies. Lunches were like suppers with meat, starch, veggie and dessert.
I don't know how she managed it, but she did and in my eyes she truly eclipsed the modern Superwoman by leaps and bounds.
I will also miss her for the rest of my life.......
Mom in Canada
It got me thinking how many statues of military figures or plaques to various men in history can be found everywhere. How documentaries and films are made about the lost hero of the past. Yet, where is the homemaker? Where is her memorial? How many of those so honored themselves had a loving mother making a home and family life for them.
The more I have come to be ingrained in the 1950’s role of Homemaker, the greater my admiration for those ladies grows. The silent proud casts of millions that for centuries, in various forms, made the world in which we live. So much had been discussed and hearlded when Women’s liberation became a topic and for some reason, that strongest female heroine of all time: The homemaker, was not lauded but instead tossed in the dust bin. How can we, as ladies, expect men to appreciate such a role when we, ourselves, call it foolish or old fashioned. Is it old fashioned to want a home of love and a place to grow and raise future members of communities? Is it not a certain strength to make the world nice for those around you, because you enjoy it (though it is work) and feel it is part of your role?
As those final ladies of the 50’s generation pass away and we are left with the Boomers as our new ‘old’, I feel an almost fear or panic. Nothing against the Boomer generation, but we must all admit that the war generation, those ladies who made and raised the boomers, were a breed of their own. And consider the stock from which they came: Laundry boiled in huge dangerous pots, everything made and grown by hand, child birth taking many without proper medicine.
The homemaker was and is an important part of our human history. Rather modern ‘libbers’ want to forget about the smiling mothers in aprons in kitchens or want only to herald the random ruling Queen’s or other wealthy Suffrages, lest we forget the common woman who, without her, the world would have ceased surely. And, now without her, with her role all but gone or a shambles, what have we now with the world?
So, I ask of you, any of you, if you would like to: Email me family photos and stories and I shall share them here as I can. Tell us now about that grandmother or great aunt or even mother, who selflessly made the world a beautiful safe and comfortable place where the meals were hot and nutritous, there was always the smell of something wonderful in the air, a dampened hankie was always available to make the wayward dirty face better and the prim hat, coat, and gloves were a badge of honor as proud and important as any military uniform that ever was.
Today, ladies and gentleman, I salute the Homemaker, the mother, the woman of the past who diligently and with great skill and courage, made our world better and stronger. I stand in salute to you great and fallen in my best Sunday hat and coat, my gloved hand at salute to those who knew that what might seem silly to us now, was not only important but was what gave we humans, Humanity. I salute you the unsung hero.
Here are an assortment of photos of such women. If these are from any of your blogs, I do apologize for using them, but I felt they deserved to be here.