Featured Victorian Lady 

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1-800-452-5925

Editor’s note – One of our sauciest customers, Susan O’Connell, dares to educate us about the Soiled Doves of the Old West as an entertaining performer and writer.  We love to hear from Susan and read her poetry, and enjoy the Victorian clothing ensembles that she puts together. Our production staff was treated by Susan to her CD of poems about the working girls of the early west.  It provided our “working girls” a bit of inspiration and humor to complete the sassy saloon dresses that were on the schedule that day!       -  Marianne

    

Susan O'Connell is

Notorious Mattie Silks in

Memoirs of a Madam

With a great-great grandmother who was first cousin to Wyatt Earp himself, a great-grandfather who served his own brand of western justice to protect his daughter from a violent husband, a grandfather who was one of miles city Montana’s most famous auctioneers and a father who was one of the last of the west’s true cowboys, it’s no wonder the love of the early west is in her veins.

 Professional actress Susan O’Connell was born to portray Denver madam Mattie Silks.  She wrote her one-woman play “Memoirs of a Madam”, based on the lives of the ladies of the evening from the 1800’s out of her love of the west, theater and dressing up.  Not to mention that the subject matter was one that had fascinated her for years.  “I believe these ladies made a contribution to the settling of this country and they should never be forgotten” Susan says.  She tells of their lives with delicacy, humor, and respect.  “I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the country presenting my play and introducing people to a part of our history that has been hushed, hidden and only spoken of in whispers, until now.  And people love it. It’s like eavesdropping on a private, rather naughty conversation, you know you shouldn’t, but you just can’t help yourself.” 

“I believe that a large part of my success is looking the part.  I have been buying gowns and undergarments from Recollections for years and there is no better source for period costumes.  I truly “become” Mattie when I put on one of my outfits.  I love to dress up and Recollections lends even more authenticity to my character and my play.  They’re beautiful and they’re made incredibly well, which is important to me as some of the venues I’ve played have been pretty rough and wild.” 

Just go to www.madammattie.com to learn more about Susan and her wonderful play “Memoirs of a Madam”.  Please think kindly on these soiled doves and remember:

 

Our old west heroes may all be men 

But this fact I can attest

 It was the ladies, good and bad

Who tamed the men who tamed the west

 

If you know someone that has taken their love of Victoriana and made an interesting business or hobby of it, and you think they should be featured in our Victorian Lady pages,

please let us know!

VICTORIAN LADIES

 

Victorian ladies wore layers of clothes

as the fashions of the day dictated

For to wear any less was a scandal, you see

as the history books so clearly stated

 

So I offer, my friends this unerring account

from the days when Victoria was queen

As we see how a lady attired herself

in this daily but lengthly routine

 

First on were the bloomers for modesty sake

then a chemise to cover the breast

Next came the corset to cinch in the waist

the hourglass figure was best

 

Now add a petticoat, perhaps even three

all trimmed with satin and lace

Then cover the corset with a silk camisole

and an fourth petticoat just in case

 

High button boots must be polished and neat

no scuffs or worn heels were permitted

Lacy garters to hold up the stockings were next

but you see, we're only half way outfitted

 

Using irons that singe and hairpins that pinch

her long curls must be carefully dressed

But to create the right look, these elaborate styles

required two hours at best

 

Next a bustle is tied to the back of the waist

this silhouette adds such a flair

Then a skirt and a blouse or a dress goes on next

be careful, don't muss up the hair

 

Now dozens of pearls from collar to waist

must be modestly buttoned up tight

Add jewelry a hankie a dab of perfume

and our costume is just about right

 

Next a hat must securely be pinned on her head

and a cape to help keep her warm

Add gloves, reticule and she's ready to go

she's the picture of Victorian charm

 

With all that it takes to get herself dressed

a lady follows the customs no doubt

But this daily ordeal from bloomers to hat

leaves her much too fatigued to go out

  

 

Susan has recorded a CD of unique, funny, and tender poems about the "working girls" of the early West. This is truly a one-of-a-kind collection. To order a copy for $15.00 plus postage, please email Susan.

 

Recollections, Inc.  7956 County Road 451 Hawks, Michigan  49743

©2001-2008 Recollections, Inc

Madam Mattie Silk

original poetry on this page by Susan O'Connell

 

RECOLLECTIONS.BIZ

 

I love the first of every month

It's like twelve Christmases a year

There's a spring in my step and a song in my heart

Because the new sales from Recollection are here

 

The anticipation can be felt for days

What new treasures await my review

Will there be new fabrics and colors to choose

What new designs will make their debut

 

The internet makes it so simple

Even though I'm not a computer whiz

I can browse at my leisure anytime I want

Just by typing Recollections dot biz

 

Can I compare it to a stroll in a garden

Yes, that similarity is apropos

Calico prints so vibrant

Blooming like flowers in a row

 

So why do I love Recollections

Really, how often can you wear a bustle dress

It's because, when I perform, re-enacting the past

Your clothes are a huge part of my success

 

So just keep on doing what you do

By beautifully dressing the character I portray

I can rest easy knowing that perfect gown

Is only a click away