Greencastle, PA

History: With the new century enters the Edwardian Era.  Teddy Roosevelt became President after the assassination of McKinley.  The Wright brothers flew successfully for the first time on December 17, 1903!  Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were also famous people of the times.  There were 19,000 “Tin Lizzies” produced by 1909.  Moving pictures, penny arcade theaters, and peepshows became popular entertainment.  Temperance lectures were heard across the nation.  In 1900 there were 45 states; the average hourly wage was 22 cents per hour; the workweek was 59 hours; and life expectancy was about 47 years.

Fashion:  The look of the “Gibson Girl” was in – high-necked bodices, pouter pigeon fronts, wasp waists, and tight sleeves that soon billowed out.  The “S” shaped corset protruded the hips back.  The skirts were trained.  In the summer, lingerie dresses made of fine lawn linen were worn for special events.  Blouse and skirt separates became popular for the working woman.  Tailored suits were also favorites.

Hats:  Larger hats with lots of feathers, bows, flowers, or fruit accented with tulle or lace was the style to accommodate the pompadour hairstyle.  Very fancy and long hat pins were used to secure these large hats.  The Easter promenade was one of the most important days of the year for ladies to wear a new hat and show it off.

ca. 1901–1912 An extremely large, cartwheel style hat built over wire and covered with yard upon yard of lace. 

The large aqua ribbon is the only trim.  The dress style at this period is long and thin so the overall effect is one of a lampshade on a stand.