Perfect Foundations

The correct undergarments are the base of an amazing ensemble

The use or disuse of correct foundation garments in historical clothing will make or break even the most beautiful garment. Many women are afraid to put aside their modern bra and panties for the corset and drawers (or no drawers if you dare!). Because of this, they will look neither correct or be comfortable in mid-19th century clothing. These garments should be made of white cotton (could be make of linen, but cotton was becoming king quite rapidly and linen fell out of use for women's clothing) because natural fibers are a must when trying to stay as cool as possible. Also, the garments are usually held up with waistbands (drawstring waists are uncommon, unless it is a tape threaded through a waistband) and fastened with a white china or shell button (less that .5" in size) and hand-worked button hole. Waistbands make for a much more comfortable garment. Here is a quick overview of the garments that ought to be worn under the dresses.

Was Waltzing Scandalous?

So, I keep hearing this idea go around, that waltzing was seen as scandalous in our time period because, oh faint heart, the man's hand was placed on the woman's waist. This, however, seems to be a quite old fashioned view during our time. Of course, there are differing opinions in different regions so it is impossible to make a blanket statement. Also, etiquette and morals were totally different back then, and there were strict guidelines for things such as hand placement, but waltzing seems to be a common thing in the ballroom. I am working on researching and debunking this myth. Here are a few resources I am reading from the time period:

The Fashionable Dander's Casket - 1856
Of course, The Lady's Guide to perfect gentility, in manners, dress, and conversation - 1857
Howe's Complete Ball-room Hand Book - 1858
The Art of Dancing - 1859
A Complete Practical Guide to the Art of Dancing - 1863

Meetings

I just wanted to make a quick post to say that meetings have been postponed (obviously) until further notice. Right now, we are going to be working to drum up more of a membership as well as find a better way to inform the ladies of the area of goings on. When the meetings begin again, they will be regularly occurring on whatever day of the month is decided.

150th Anniversary of the Battle in Lone Jack

Ladies, we do have a historical society here in Warrensburg. Here is a link to their website.

Also, there will be the 150th Anniversary of the Battle in Lone Jack on August 18th-19th. You will find the website here. There is limited room for civilian interpreters so in order to participate in that arena, contact Dave Hadley at dhadley@historiclonejack.org. I don't know what my schedule will be looking like yet since school will be starting up, but perhaps we could go as a group one (or both if we are having that much fun!) of the days. I do not have any camping gear however, so it would just be a day trip for us.

Guidelines for civilian interpreters

They are pretty strict, which is a GOOD thing, but sometimes this can be difficult for people. Any questions or assistance preparing are welcome!

Stay tuned for more events coming up. I will try to post them at least a month in advance and will attempt to form a list for the next year if I can.

E-Books are Our Friends!

For those interested in researching, free period e-books are great resources. Here are a few to get started:

The Finchley Manuals of Industry - Household Work, Copyright 1850
Work; Or Plenty to Do and How to Do It - by Margaret Maria Brewster, Copyright 1855
The American Farmer - by the Maryland State Agriculture Society, Copyright 1853
The Ladies' Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work, Copyright 1859
The Workwoman's Guide
A Cyclopaedia of six thousand practical receipts, Copyright 1851
The Ladies' Home Magazine, Copyright 1859
Godey's Lady's Book, Copyright 1855
Godey's Lady's Book, Copyright 1862
The Knickbocker, Copyright 1859

(also, a quick reference guide to ladies' magazines is on Beth Chamberlain's page here)

You Have a New Moderator

Good day, ladies! Huzzah! I know it has been a long time since this site has been updated. Just to give you lovely ladies a head's up, the LLHJC's blog has changed hands for the time being. Deanna Smith's life has been crazy and it has therefore been hard for her to keep up with the society's interactions. Just to inform you a little bit about myself, my name is Sarah Dixon and I am majoring in Graphic Design at our local college, UCM. I will be receiving my degree at the end of this year, but will be sticking around Warrensburg while my husband, Chad, finishes his degree. Since I am a first time mother of an 8 month old daughter, Juliette, and currently without a job (I couldn't handle finishing my degree, taking care of the baby, and working like some amazing people can), I offered to take over. I figured I could at least try to be useful as I sit at home watching the baby and sewing. :P