The Tea Ladies: Victorian and Edwardian History Events The Victorian Tea Ladies is a dedicated group of volunteers who offer a variety of programs related to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They have been doing this for 13 years! Some programs take place in Bloomington, Illinois. They also have a traveling program where they will [...]
Heat Up Your Summer with Victorian Romance Ah, summertime. Do you like hot days spent at the beach or cool evenings by the campfire? Whatever your choice for summer relaxation, a good romance novel is always a good companion. Here are three romance novels set in the Victorian era you might enjoy. Secrets of a Summer [...]
Bathing by the Seaside during the 1800s By the 19th century, men and women regularly went to the seaside for summer recreation. But, decorum dictated that women cover up from prying eyes as well as the sun. Women were also required to use bathing machines (think cabana on wheels) to access the water. With all [...]
141 Days Celebrating Global Culture and Industry All eyes were on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the Great Exhibition celebrating international culture and industry opened on May 1, 1851. Until then, similar exhibitions took place on a smaller, national level. Upon return from an exhibition in Paris, Henry Cole brought the idea of an [...]
A Great Glass House for the Great Exhibition Oh, to be alive during the mid-1800s. What an exciting time it must have been! The Industrial Revolution was opening up borders and England was the host of what could be considered the first World's Fair. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased cultures and industry from around [...]
by Donna Klein A Glimpse into Eliza's Closet There is nothing quite like the Edwardian fashions of My Fair Lady. Whether you look at the original Broadway production from 1964 starring Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle or one of the revivals, or you get lost in the 1964 movie starring Audrey Hepburn, you can't help [...]
by Donna Klein The Musical Beauty of My Fair Lady Being a part of the cast and crew of this musical has been a been a fun and educational experience, but the most fun is dressing the part. Whether we're flower girls, opera or Ascot patrons, servants, ball attendees, or Alfred P. Doolittle's cronies, we're [...]
by Donna Klein Part 1 Post-Edwardian Aftermath Lily's shyness and lack of confidence were so pronounced that she suffered from paralyzing stage fright. Although she had a string of hits following the run of The Merry Widow, she often missed performances because she was unable to overcome her fears. She became known as 'a part-time [...]
by Donna Klein Little Elsie - talent and beauty Lily Elsie came into this world as Elsie Hodder on April 8, 1886. Her mother was Charlotte Elizabeth Hodder, a dressmaker who operated a lodging house in Armley. Leeds, Yorkshire. Less is known about her father, although the obituary of Arthur Borrows, a one-time opera tenor, [...]