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Showing posts from September, 2013

Lydia- a Victorian Portrait

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Lydia. A picture from my antique photograph collection of women.  All that was written on the back of this photograph was Lydia. I purchased it from an antique store in Minden, Nevada. It looked like it was torn from an album, which just pains me no end! Her photo spoke to me; her intent gaze, the slight smile upon her lips, and a strong jaw. She looks elegant in her lace and large, beautiful, floral embellished hat but there is something rather small town about her. There is an interesting applique on the front of her gown that can be just slightly made out and a small pin at her throat. Lydia was lovely indeed!

Miss Crystal Beach

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Miss Crystal Beach, Crystal Beach, Florida. Ca. 1925.   Look at this modern woman! I came across this postcard amongst my Grandmothers things. Note the cropped hairdo, the loose shirt and knee britches with socks and flat shoes. I love her relaxed, confident stance in the picture. No posing girlie-girl in a bathing suit! In fact rather a masculine shot. Crystal Beach Florida was named for Crystal Beach, Ontario Canada and founded in 1912. It was founded by a Mr. Avery and a Mr. Rebstock. and their development company. Crystal Lake Beach in Canada was on Lake Erie and was a health spa at one time and an amusement park. It too was known for it's crystal cleat waters. Two gentleman from Texas then took over the development and laid out the streets in squares and they made a seaside parkway so that all the residents of the town could enjoy the beauty of the Gulf. These men were Dr. J.D. Hanby and Mr. A.D. Powers. "We will forever hold this strip of land as a park for th

The Herb Lady of Coventry

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Adelma Grenier Simmons, the First Lady of Herbs. I'll never forget the first time I saw Adelma Grenier Simmons as she appeared seemingly to be floating down a garden path. In her long flowing cape and cap she looked like a ghost from the past and against the back drop of her colonial home ca. 1740 and the ancient trees and herb gardens I was instantly under her spell. Caprilands Herb Farm, her creation, was a magical place full of wonderful smells, beautiful vista's of farmland, lovingly tended herb gardens, and handcrafted food and decorations. My memories are perhaps rose colored but I found the place and Adelma an inspiration. It was in the late 70's when my Mom and I discovered Caprilands in Coventry, CT. It was a lovely summers day and there was an inviting green lawn under large old trees the dark, colonial house  enveloped in green. People were laying on the lush grass relaxing after bike riding. It was a welcoming place. We were charmed by the 33 themed herb g

Paddling your Own Canoe

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Here is another look into my autograph book collection. This one belonged to Alice Irene Renwick from Merlin, Ontario Canada. She went to the Merlin Continuation School. The book dates from Oct. 21, 1929 which I discovered was Alice's birthday. She was 16 years old at this time. Her parents were David and Jeanette Fraser Renwick. You'll be able to tell right away that times had changed from the earlier more formal and proper Victorian entries. These are more playful, casual and definitely more risqué. Alice wrote in the beginning; School mates, friends, companions dear, All your names are welcome here, And all who love me I invite In this book to write-  My favorite has to be the following;         In the parlor there were three,         He, the parlor lamp and she.         Two's company without a doubt,         So the parlor lamp went out.                       Olive Armstrong When you are married and mending britches Think of me between the stitch