Beautiful Brides...Lantern Swinging!...Read all about it!

Bride and Groom 1910, Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

While doing research by investigating turn-of-the-20th century newspaper articles online, I ran across several examples bursting with charm we seldom see in today's news media. The ones I bring to you this week, are from the southeastern coastal communities of North Carolina, Wilmington and New Bern. Each is so picturesque, we are given a real feeling for the life and times of the townspeople.

(Here comes the bride...)
July 26, 1907-- The Daily Journal (New Bern, North Carolina)
Maysville, July 25- Under the silvery waves of a full moon, surrounded by a vast crowd of men, women and children, the friends of the bride and groom, Miss Nannie Dixon and Mr. W. C. Waters were united in holy wedlock. Rev. D. C. Geddie performing the solemn rite. The bride, beautifully gowned in white silk and orange blossoms, was the admiration of the large concourse of people present and of the entire community in which she lives.

Broadway After Storm, 1905, Wikimedia  Commons Public Domain

(It's snowing! Let's all party!)
Feb 24, 1901--The Wilmington Morning Star (Wilmington, North Carolina)
Local Dots.- The amount of drunkenness on the streets yesterday and last night during the snow storm was the occasion of frequent remark. Many people took the day as a holiday and judging from appearances they all had a good time. 

(Lantern swinging! New Bern's Got Talent!)
March 11, 1893-- The Daily Journal (New Bern, North Carolina)
Y.M.C.A. Entertainment--

Brakeman's Lantern, Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

...A novel feature, never attempted before, was introduced here, lantern swinging by Mr. C. J.McSorely. The exhibition was given in the dark with red lanterns. It was gracefully executed and remarkably beautiful. Mr. McSorely was called back and the repetition was viewed with as much delight as the first presentation. He was accompanied by Miss Agnes Foy on the piano...The program closed with a few specialties in athletic performances accompanied by Mr. C.L. Gaskill on the piano...The young men took part with much earnestness and zeal, and appeared to fine advantage. The audience appeared delighted at their cleverness and cheered them heartily.


Have a good couple weeks, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...y'all come back now! 

Kate

Here Comes the Bride...18th century style

The Marriage of Stephen Beckingham and Mary Cox, 1729, by William Hogarth

Ahhh, June, the month so often associated with weddings. Having just attended a lovely wedding in the green hills of Vermont, I began pondering the brides and their wedding dresses of yesteryear, 18th century brides to be exact. As always, I find the best place to get a feel for the life and fashion of an earlier era is to peruse the paintings of the time and, when possible, photos of actual dresses preserved within the care of museums. So, dear Readers and wedding dress aficionados, I happily present you with a bevy of 18th century bridal beauties for your enjoyment and edification. Perhaps you will find inspiration for your own wedding! (Oh, and pay close attention to the gowns at the end of the post which could double as wedding reception tables!) 

Late 18th Century care of Historic New England

Mid 18th Century, care of Historic New England

Wedding scene from Ramsay’s The gentle shepherd, Act V,
Printed for G. Reid and Co., 1798 From
The Lewis Walpole Library at Yale University

1780, Victoria and Albert Museum, London

1759 care of the Rijkmuseum, Netherlands

1766, care of Royal Armoury Collection, Sweden

Have a good week, dear Reader. Thanks for stopping by...Y'all come back now! 

Kate