Alan's theme
Going Out.
My photo today for Going out is The 19th. Century.
A quick end of the century summary might be in order for Washington Co. Ky.
Population had ebbed and flowed since the war but ended on a high note. There were 12,464 Washington Countians in 1870, 14,419 in 1880, 13,622 in 1890, and 14,181 in 1900.
From the News Leader,c.1896
Local Springfield newspaper.
The Washington County belle has few equals and no peers upon the globe.
These women and girls were all from families engaged in growing tobacco, working for the railroad and cattle raising.
Why these beautiful young ladies were arranged on this background like this I have no idea.
I do know counting from the top on the left #4 was my maternal grandmother's aunt Mattie Mcllvoy.
It is not a school photo as there are married and single women and children on here.
I can't get over that hairdo with the topknot.
This fine photograph came to me by way of
The Washington County Kentucky Bicentennial History Book.
1792-1992
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17 comments:
The top knots must have been the style - there are so many of them. What an odd hairdo that was.
Nancy
Perhaps the top knots were in order to channel pyramid power. Or perhaps a bun on the top signified a bun in the oven. Okay, I know...it was just a fashion. Interesing grouping
Those topknots are, indeed, something!
Very pretty layout of all those lovely girls and ladies. I wonder what it was about? Hope your weekend is a good one. Tammy
These ladies are certainly ready to go out on the town.
At first I thought maybe this was a debutante announcement until I saw the baby and read that some were married. Hmm -- curious. A study in hair?
What an amazing old photograph that is. I would love to know the story behind it.
How intriguing. It’s quite a curious arrangement isn’t it? But I agree with you - it’s a fine photo.
I remember girls having buns but never on top like that. Fascinating photo - wish we knew what was behind it.
Hi Wendy! Maybe it was the WA County gals who had birthdays that month? Loved seeing Aunt Mattie and all those fun hairdos. Fun post.
Kathy M.
What a lovely group! It would be interesting to know the reason for this picture arrangement. If the book gives a date for the picture, you could check the local newspaper to determine if this was related to a special event in town.
Yes the story would be interesting I'm sure....and why mostly women, but there were a few young girls too. Nice photo!
Those top knots really stand out (or up).
The hairdo was popular in France, as this can attest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Toulouse-Lautrec_-_La_Goulue_arrivant_au_Moulin_Rouge.jpg
:)~
HUGZ
I have numerous photos of ladies with the topknot, and some with hair forks sticking out the very top like a handle!
Hi Peggy.
I always notice the hair...the top knots are all the rage. Think their hair and clothing are beautiful.
Sweet Blessings to you,
d
Having a page of historic news like that is such fun, whethe you can identify the people or not. Wonder how long it took to attach all the hair that way, maybe it was easier than blow dryers? I go with a minimal style myself but remember the days of hair teasing and wrapping up at night. These ladies likely just let it down for sleeping.
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