In looking around a little while ago, I ran across a really great website with lots of Christmas pictures and old decorations, etc.
http://www.papatedsplace.com/Christmas1920s.html This is a picture of a tree in the 1920's has been colorized - you can also see the black and white version on the site. There are tons of pictures of the little houses that so many people had. I can remember we had a set that went under our tree with a string of lights was placed so that a light was in each house and the colored windows glowed. Wonder where those old houses went.
From the 1920's. Lots and lots of things to see - see the tunnel openings the train used.
This picture is a "staged" one from 1906. Isn't it super? If you have a few minutes, I think you would enjoy some of these Christmas past pictures and stories.
(Click to enlarge)
Did you notice the little ladies playing croquet? In doing the research for the Studebaker Junior Wagon, I discovered that the South Bend Toy Company had two primary best-sellers: Shoo-flies (rocking 'horses'), which were silouettes on flat boards of animals with a seat in the middle, and Croquet sets. Why? Because the game of Croquet was one of the only acceptable outdoors activities that women and children were allowed to participate in.
ReplyDeleteI find it fascinating that a model 'electric' railroad enthusiast (electricity wasn't in homes, even those of the rich) would include women playing an outdoor game in his layout.
Thanks for the link!
I meant to include the late 1900's as the timeframe for electricity. I notice the tree has electric lights on it as well.
ReplyDeleteSorry to have to add another, but I thought you might like to know that I'll now be spending the next several hours looking at model train layouts all based on the Christmas theme...
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