Madam C.J. Walker – entrepreneur, self-made-millionaire, philanthropist, activist

By | February 22nd, 2017|Categories: Edwardian Era, Fashion, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

We’re always looking for interesting stories about the women and fashions of the historic eras that inspire our designs. Today we look at the life of Madam C.J. Walker, a female entrepreneur and someone whose name lives on in hair care to this day. Oh, and she was among the first women in the United [...]

11 Interesting Facts about Annette Kellerman, Edwardian Swimming Star

By | January 26th, 2017|Categories: Edwardian Era, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , , , , , , , |

Annette Kellerman was an international star in her lifetime. She dared to publicly do many things that few women had ever done before, and certainly not with the same shock and amazement that she caused. And as bold and risque as her actions were, she did it all for her commitment to women’s physical health. [...]

Jane Peterson, American Impressionist

By | January 14th, 2017|Categories: Edwardian Era, Uncategorized, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , , , , |

Jane Peterson was a centennial baby. She was born on November 28, 1876, in Elgin, Illinois. Her parents were an Elgin Watch Company employee and a homemaker. They named her Jennie Christine. Little did they know that their baby would grow up to be considered one of the most prolific and brilliant impressionist painters of [...]

Veterans Day and World War I

By | November 11th, 2016|Categories: Edwardian Era, Fashion, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , |

If you look at an old American calendar from the late 1930s or early 40s, you will see November 11 marked as Armistice Day, not Veterans Day. Armistice Day was first celebrated on November 11, 1919 to mark the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Hostilities ceased on the 11th hour of [...]

Everyday People at the Dawn of Cinema

By | September 20th, 2016|Categories: Edwardian Era, Fashion, Uncategorized, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Oh, what fun it is to sit down with a good period drama. Downton Abbey, Somewhere in Time, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, Anna Karenina, etc. all provide glimpses into what was worn during their respective time periods. But, what about contemporary cinema of the day? When film was a new medium, many contemporary movies [...]

Recollections Connection: Jennifer Adkins, Photographer

By | September 17th, 2016|Categories: Edwardian Era, Fashion, Steampunk, Uncategorized, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , |

When Recollections needed a photographer a few years ago, Jennifer Adkins heeded the call. We sat down for a chat recently to find out more about her, her photography, and her Recollections connection. Us: How did you become Recollections' photographer? Jen: It was three years ago in November, Marianne had a (photo shoot) set up [...]

Five Movies set in the Edwardian Era

By | September 13th, 2016|Categories: Edwardian Era, Entertainment, Fashion, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Edwardian fashion is a fun time from fashion history as there was such a drastic evolution in women’s clothing. Movies set in the Edwardian era are often so much fun to watch as the clothing changes are combined with advancements in women’s rights and roles in society. Here are five of our favorites, beginning with [...]

La Belle Époque – the Beautiful Era

By | September 6th, 2016|Categories: Edwardian Era, Fashion, Uncategorized, Victorian Era|Tags: , , |

La Belle Époque comes from French and means 'Beautiful Era.' In the United Kingdom and the United States, it overlaps the late Victorian and the Edwardian Era. In the United States, it is known as the Gilded Age. It was only in looking back in retrospect that both time periods gained their names. Here is [...]

Presque Isle County, Michigan: a Photographic Step Back in Time

By | September 3rd, 2016|Categories: Destinations, Edwardian Era, Fashion, Uncategorized, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

What a joy it is to live, work, and play in our little slice of northern Michigan. Presque Isle County is a four-season wonderland. Yes, it gets very cold and snowy during winter, but that makes summer all the more glorious! As we close out the summer of 2016 , we'd like to share a little [...]