1940s
1940s street suit on Anita
WWII WAC Uniform on Zizi
Zizi V. totally owned the WWII WAC uniform. She was my third and last model to wear it. My first retro shoot with Anita had all the awkwardness of a first-time (everything), which made for very authentic emotions. With this third shoot in the WAC uniform, I was more confident and explored beyond the studio to the front room and outdoors (where the natural light was perfect). We played more with the set, even in the studio, and the pictures just turned out different. I think that the outdoor and natural light photos turned out looking like 1940s era snapshots and candids.
World War 2 Soldier Picture
WWII WAC Uniform
Back in 2011, I got to borrow this World War II Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC and later WAC) uniform with matching garrison cap from a local historical society.
This was my first shoot for the Carondelet Historical Society, and the first picture from this first shoot is my favorite.
1940s Swimming Pictures
A Huband and wife in 1944 Kodaslide scans
A new car in 1944
I imagine this 1940s couple getting this car as a gift, or the husband giving it to his wife before he leaves back to fighting overseas. She looks so proud and you can see them posed together, with him in his military uniform. What cute WWII-era Kodachrome slides!
Photos from our Classic Car Photography Workshop – 2013
This was such a fun photography workshop to organize with Joann of Clean Cut Creations Vintage Auto Repair. I have always wanted to put together a “shoot out” event, after having attended several on the coasts. The fact that we chose a vintage theme and were able to round up some classic cars, made things extra awesome.
I provided all the authentic vintage dresses, hats and wardrobe, I applied all the period styled makeup on the models, and guided their hair styles.
How to use an IronRite Ironing Machine
Discover the art of ironing with an IronRite Ironing Machine. This guide covers everything from basic items like handkerchiefs to complex garments, complete with scans from the original manual.
Ironing Hints and Tips for using an IronRite Ironing Machine
Uncover essential ironing hints and tips to maintain your vintage clothing’s charm, featuring unique techniques with the 1940s IronRite Ironing Machine. Learn the art of steaming velvets, protecting buttons, eliminating wrinkles, and more to preserve the timeless elegance of your vintage collection. Embrace sustainable chic practices and keep the beauty of bygone eras alive with every lovingly cared-for piece.
Changing the Muslin Cover & Pad – and misc
How to Machine Iron Lingerie
Why do we iron? History of ironing and clothing care.
Explore the fascinating “history of ironing and clothing care” with insights from the 1940s IronRite Manual. Discover how ironing has evolved from a simple task to a crucial part of personal hygiene and fashion, highlighting the aesthetic and health benefits of well-pressed garments. Join us on a journey through the manual, revealing the technological advancements in garment care and the cultural significance of ironing.
Cover and Envelope of IronRite Ironing Machine Manual
I’m trying to sell this IronRite Model 85 from the late 1940s… but may as well scan the instruction manual and paperwork in the mean time!
Here is the envelop and the front and back cover for the instruction manual. Pages coming soon.
Historical Bus Routes to the Muny in 1943
It appears as if bus service to the Muny at Forest Park during World War II was very comprehensive! Bus service extended as far as Gravois and Hampton, Grand and Holly Hills, 3rd and Washington (downtown), Florissant and Kingshighway, and Delmar and DeBalviere… a pretty wide radius!
Also in these last few pages of the 1943 St Louis Municipal Opera program, besides ads, was the list of large donors who gave to the Municipal Theatre Associations guarantee fund. It reads like a long list of old St. Louis society’s who’s-who and includes Adolphus Busch II and his son, August Buch (of the Anheuser-Busch brewery). It’s interesting to see who the early supporters of the Muny were!
A Brief History of the Muny – St. Louis Municipal Theater Association History (as written in 1943)
Explore the rich St. Louis Muny Opera history through these pages from the 1943 St. Louis Municipal Opera program. This archive includes the comprehensive Municipal Opera Productions Directory (from 1919-1942), offering a detailed glimpse into the evolution and milestones of the Muny Association, a cornerstone of St. Louis’ cultural heritage.
List of St. Louis Businesses in 1943
These pages of the Municipal Opera Silver Anniversary program contained small ads for local companies that had been in business for 50 years and 75 years or more, as of 1943! This showcased St. Louis businesses that had started before 1869 and 1894. I wonder how many are still in business?
1940s St. Louis Municipal Opera Seating Chart and Ads
This set of scans of the 1943 St. Louis Municipal Opera Theater Program includes the seating chart and seat prices in an advertisement for C.L. Finot Inc. Concessionaires. It looks like during WWII, The Muny seated 10,000 people and you could get front section box seats for two dollars, or sit in the back section for 25 cents. This was my favorite page in this set.
St. Louis WWII Business Ads
Here are more pages of WWII business ads from the 1943 St. Louis Municipal Opera program. This starts with an advertisement for The Gatesworth (and the Walnut Room), and with the synopsis for The Great Waltz underneath.
