Old Magazine Scans

I invite you to explore my extensive collection of old magazine scans, offering a fascinating glimpse into history through the artistry, culture, and daily life of past eras. I’ve carefully gathered everything from elegant Edwardian fashion illustrations and 1917 crochet patterns featured in The Modern Priscilla to the dazzling 1920s advertisements found in the St. Louis Fashion Pageant. Each scan tells a story about the trends, innovations, and social ideals that shaped society during important moments in time.

Step back with me into the past as I share WWI-era homemaking advice, vintage recipes, and practical housekeeping tips that reveal the resilience and creativity of women on the home front. You’ll also discover how beauty standards evolved—from the iconic 1950s pin-up style to early 20th-century fashion changes—showing how women’s roles and representation in media transformed over the years.

My collection includes rare tatting and embroidery patterns as well as nostalgic advertising styles from over a century ago. These scans bring historical stories to life, making them perfect for history buffs, vintage lovers, crafters, and anyone curious about the origins of today’s culture.

Every magazine page has been personally scanned by me to preserve the original artwork and text quality. Join me in exploring this treasure trove and see how fashion, craft, and innovation built the foundation for modern trends and lifestyles.

Summer 1917 Edwardian Hair Styles – and the last of the April 1917 scans

Summer 1917 Edwardian Hair Styles – and the last of the April 1917 scans

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Explore the elegance of Edwardian fashion and beauty with insights from The Modern Priscilla magazine’s April 1917 issue. Discover summer hairstyle trends, including intricate updos and curls, corset adjustment tips for the perfect S-curve silhouette, advice on creative uses for peanuts, and charming vintage advertisements. This fascinating glimpse into Edwardian life highlights the beauty, domesticity, and cultural expectations of women in 1917—all wrapped in the timeless delicacy of lace. Dive into history and see how these trends shaped the early 20th century!

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Edwardian Filet Crochet Pattern from 1917

Edwardian Filet Crochet Pattern from 1917

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The April 1917 issue of The Modern Priscilla featured an exquisite Edwardian filet crochet pattern as its centerfold. This detailed design included instructions to create various elegant items, such as bridal teacloths, napkins, pincushions, scarfs, scarf ends, and doilies. Reflecting the refined artistry of the Edwardian era, this pattern is a timeless example of crochet craftsmanship and remains a source of inspiration for modern crafters today. Perfect for creating heirloom-quality pieces, it serves as a window into the domestic creativity and elegance of 1917.

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History of Beauty Contests and the Ideal Female Measurements of the 1950s

History of Beauty Contests and the Ideal Female Measurements of the 1950s

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Discover the ideal female measurements of the 1950s, a decade that set distinct beauty standards through beauty contests and societal expectations. This article delves into the historical context and cultural significance of the 1950s beauty ideals, offering insights into how these standards influenced fashion and shaped the perception of female beauty during the era.

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The future of the pinup model

The future of the pinup model

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Where was modeling going in the 1950s, and what would future fashion trends hold? The main point of this article seemed to point out the sheer diversity of pinup models and beautiful women. An interesting picture was one of Rita Hayworth without makeup, and then made up. One of her movies, “An Affair in Trinidad”, was chosen by the National Photographers Association as “the sexiest and most provocative motion picture still ever made”.

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Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson were Successful Pinups on TV

Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson were Successful Pinups on TV

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Step back into 1953 with a Cheesecake Pinup Magazine spread celebrating Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson as successful TV pinups. From Marie’s “dumb blonde” Irma pushing TV’s censorship rules to Lucy’s rare mix of brains, beauty, and slapstick, this post also traces the deeper history of American pinups, musical comedy stars, and the origins of the “cheesecake” pinup tradition.

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1920s Christmas gift buying tips and fashions

Here’s a 1920s article on gifts to give at Christmas. Because it’s from a fashion magazine, ofcourse the gifts are all wearable. Flapper hats and purses and accessories. A friend of mine scanned these pages from his personal collection, or had them scanned, and then died. I’m sorry.

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Lyrics to 1930s songs pt 2

Lyrics to 1930s songs pt 2

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“Step back into the 1930s with this glimpse into the music and culture of a turbulent decade. From the romantic ballads of ‘Ciribiribin’ to the spirited humor of ‘La Cucaracha,’ these vintage song lyrics capture the style and soul of the Great Depression era. Meet Nola Day, a celebrated contralto and NBC radio personality, and explore iconic tunes that entertained and resonated with audiences of the time. Discover the spirit of the 1930s through music.

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Lyrics to 1930s popular songs pt 3

Lyrics to 1930s popular songs pt 3

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Here’s a nostalgic look at 1930s song lyrics from the October 1935 edition of Popular Music Magazine. It features sentimental lyrics like “I’m Grateful to You,” playful tunes like “There’s No Substitute for You,” and others like “Congo Rhythm.” With only audio of “A Little Bit Later On” available today, this reminds us how fleeting history can be. The singer pictured is Maxine Gray, a stunning and talented voice of the 1930s.

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Lyrics to popular 1930s songs pt1

Lyrics to popular 1930s songs pt1

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Step back into the golden age of music with these timeless lyrics from the October 1935 Popular Songs Magazine. From cowboy ballads like “Empty Saddles” to romantic dance waltzes like “Dancing ‘Til Dawn,” these hits reflect the spirit of 1930s America. Explore the history behind each song, including the patriotic “Franklin D. Roosevelt March” and the sentimental “Juanita.” Enjoy this glimpse into the past with detailed lyrics and historical context—complete with embedded audio and video performances for an immersive trip down memory lane.

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Popular Songs Magazine: October 1935

Popular Songs Magazine: October 1935

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Ginger Rogers graced the front cover of the October 1935 edition of Popular Songs Magazine. It advertised the lyrics to over 30 popular songs of the mid-1930s!

On the inner cover was a full page illustrated advertisement for diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, watches, and other jewelry for men and women wanting great values by Royal Diamond and Watch of 170 Broadway, NYC. You could could get a diamond engagement and wedding ring set for only $29.75 (approximately $525.12 in 2016 dollars).

The Perfolastic shapewear had a money back guarantee if it did not reduce your waist and hips by 3 inches, and an offer to send a free sample of the perforated elastic material that the girdles were made from. This illustrates the ideal 1930s silhouette of narrow waist and hips, with a small to medium bust.
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A woman in a WAC uniform reading a newspaper during WWII.

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