This post is part of an ongoing series featuring items from the newly acquired Santo Domingo collection. Voyage dans la lune avant 1900 is an extraordinary French children’s book that is composed primarily of color lithographs by Herold & Cie., which are based on the original designs of A. de Ville d’Avray’s. Almost nothing about Read More
adharris
Thumbs up, America!
Music has always played a major role in U.S. political campaigns – Sarah Palin had Heart’s Barracuda and Bill Clinton had Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t stop. However, long before television commercials, songs espousing a candidate’s platform were vital to spreading the candidate’s message and increasing their popularity. In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes beat Samuel J. Read More
Raise your glass to Champagne Charlie!
Who is Charlie?? He drinks all day, gets into trouble with his friends at night, and won’t settle down with one woman because he’s addicted to champagne! Champagne Charlie was composed by Alfred Lee in the 19th-century British music hall scene. Music hall involved a mixture of popular songs, comedy, speciality acts, and variety entertainment. Read More
Brides and Brigands
How to spot a Norwegian bride? Just look for the crown! This 19th century hand colored cabinet photograph depicts a Norwegian bride wearing a traditional folk costume with a bridal crown or brudekrone. You will notice the bridal crown has small metal discs and beads hanging from it which produce a melodic tinkling and according Read More
Burlesque beauties
What makes a good burlesque striptease dancer? As former performer Jane Woods aka “Shawna St. Clair” from the Golden Days of Burlesque Historical Society would say one who “…learned the art of removing her costume, inch by inch, slowly and sensuously, with smoothness and grace. She never lost the beat of the music, nor forgot Read More