Living Large Now

About a month ago, Bob and I went to a Civil War Re-Enactment.

We both love history...maybe thats why we are such antique buffs.

This log cabin was saved from the Thumb fires of 1860

Have you ever heard of the old saying

"Dressed to the Nines"

Believe it or not, women from the Civil War Era wore the following on a daily basis.

Bloomers or Pantelets

Chemise

Corset

Camisole

Under Petticoat

Hoop Skirt

Over Petticoat

Blouse or Bodice

Skirt

Hence the were Dressed to the nines!

(Not to mention the laced up boots and stockings they also had to put on)

Whew..no wonder they fainted all of the time and carried umbrellas.

Oh and I forgot to mention..their bloomers were open between their legs

to allow them to use their chamber pots without being stark naked.

Goodness sakes if they had to use the pot in a hurry with all of those pieces of clothing to take off. Makes me glad we don't have to wear all that clothing anymore.

Next is a practice that I personally believe was sexist...

but women really had no rights back then.

If a family member passed away,

women had to dress in mourning for 18 months.

The first 6 months their blouses, Bodices and Skirts had to be in black.

The second 6 months, they graduated to combinations of black, gray and white.

Finally the last 6 months they were allowed to wear

just gray or a combination of gray and white.

(the lady in the pic above is in the last stage of mourning)

This is wear I think it was sexist.

Men only had to be in a mourning

period of 6 months. then they were allowed to wear their normal clothing.

(such as this lady's husband in the above pic)

(Trumpet Vine)

So what do you think?

Would you like to live in the 1860's?

Blessings to all

Janice