A Great Christmas Website

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)

Christmas Past in Topeka

Last year I posted one or two of the Christmas cards we made for a few years.   Ray was into photography and he would take our pictures for the cards.  For this one, I did some snowflake cutting.  I have two more I will post later on.

Here is a picture of our living room before we went to bed and after Santa had shown up.  Bill was wanting a big bicycle so bad and I think he had looked all over to see if we had bought one.  We kept it at our neighbor's house and put it under the tree the last thing.  He was so thrilled!  Wanted to point out some of my crafty things back in the 60's.  A white bamboo blind, some gold felt and sequins were used to make the Madonna and Child wallhanging.  I also sprayed clay flower pots gold, painted branches white and hung small ornaments on the twigs for a mantel decoration.  On the coffee table (I still have that table in the middle of my living room) is a tree that I think is made out of cotton balls on a cone with ornaments glued to it.  Don't know where those things ended up but they are no longer around.  I can make out that the stocking I made Sherry (and the one for Bill is probably on the other side) lies on the floor and looks like it has been filled.  Good days and good memories! 

The reason I am posting this is for the earrings - it was actually taken a few years earlier when we were still in Iowa.  I am wearing my wooden snowmen that I had for a long time - in fact one of them is still in my old printer's drawer.  Goodness, I was young!  Another picture Ray took - where have the years gone.  (Click to enlarge)

Postcard Friendship Friday

Happy PFF

Here is a cute little card.  I love the message on the back (I believe it reads "I hope you get lots of toys and things for Christmas.  I don't expect much of anything.  Truly---"   I can't make out the name.    That is a sad little message - was he (or she) naughty or was it the circumstances of the family situation. 

Just can't quite figure this card out.  Do you think the little cherubs are full of Christmas "cheer"?  How I love looking through the old postcards!   Thanks to Beth at http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/  for hosting! 

From FOH Fashion Friday

(Continuing with posts for Fashion Friday on Funoldhag.)  

This morning I am posting what is probably my favorite picture of Nan, my mom, posing beside a bench on a spot by the Illinois River somewhere in the Peoria area. Such a stylish outfit she wears - a lovely striped skirt (is it red and white, gray and white?) topped by a dark jacket that features white turned back cuffs and a lacy jabot (is that a good word?) that is adorned with a pin or button. Topping off this lovely ensemble is a very pretty, big hat. She also wears chic white stockings and very cute shoes with curvy little heels. Very classy lady! (Click to enlarge)

A Piece of Christmas Past

A family picture at Christmas in 1977 with the center of attention being 4 month old Norah Lee.  Her other set of grandparents, Lewin and Jeanann,  are to the left of Sherry and Norah.  I am on the right with her daddy Barclay behind me.  Grandpa Ray is in the front next to Uncle Bill.  Doesn't Christmas become more magical when there are little ones to help celebrate?  I also want to call attention to one of the many  decorations I have made over the years.  Right above Barclay's arm is a golden tree.   Somewhere I read that you could buy one of those old bamboo rakes with the handle that looked like a cane fishing pole, take the rake end off and screw it on part of the handle upside down then spray paint it gold.  Final step was to glue little gold ornament balls randomly on it and you have a golden Christmas tree.  That one was kind of cute!  However, another project I did was stick the round toothpicks all over plastic foam balls, then pile them in a cone shape and spray paint it white - a toothpick tree!!  However, I should have stuck glue on the ends of the toothpicks and did not do that.  It was shortlived! I don't even think there is a picture of it.  I think I have pictures with glimpses of some other crafty things done over the years and will post them later. 
(Click to enlarge)

Postcard Friendship Friday

We have some snow on the ground now - not very much, but snow nevertheless.   It is also the first part of December with signs of the season everyplace.  Many of the homes have their outside lights up and their trees in the windows.  The stores are filled with Christmas merchandise and the sales are in full swing.  Free shipping rules the internet.  Holiday music fills the airwaves and the commercials run full speed on television. Ho, Ho, Ho!!! 

So here is a cute postcard with a fresh faced little boy (or girl) and a pipe smoking snowman  dated 1919.  John is sending Herman a Christmas greeting from Illinois to Iowa.  I am a native of Illinois and I do not know where Grayslake is - will google it!  (I did and found that it's about 40 miles north of Chicato).  I am using the card from Card Cow with permission - they have awesome cards there as I am sure you all know.  Thank you,  Beth at   http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/
for being our hostess and a Happy PFF to all.  (Click to enlarge)

From FOH Fashion Friday

When I looked at this picture, I realized that this one was taken the same day in Glen Oak Park as a previous one I posted of my mom, Nan, and her friend in the plaid skirt in the conservatory admiring the flowers. In this picture, Nan has her hat on and it is such a pretty one. Joining them are Nelle, Nan's sister, who is seated on the bench on the right. She is also a very stylish woman with a confident air about her. Her outfit appears to be a suit and her hat is stunning, along with her light shoes. The fourth lady on the far left is unknown but is wearing a plain but pretty skirt and blouse. I hope they all had a lovely day in the park.

Standing in front of Ben Franklin Print Shop in Peoria is Nan and a friend both dressed in a timely fashion. It is hard to see the friend's outfit except it is obvious that she is wearing a lovely hat and is clad in a stylish manner. Nan's hat is very pretty and her fur stole is showing an appearance again worn over a plaid dress that is probably made of cotton fabric. Note her shorter skirt, high button shoes and her lovely purse that appears to be beaded with a metal chain. (Click to enlarge)