On my bookshelf: The Mode in Dress and Home

This vitage Home Economics textbook is one of my very favorite books that I own. Originally published in 1935, this is the "New Edition" published in 1939 by Dulcie Godlove Donovan of the Los Angeles, California Department of Home Economics.


The purpose of this book is to teach a young girl how to be attractive and popular, how to cook and sew, how to care for a home and family of her own, how to dress and talk and act accordingly and how to become "a worthy member of society."


There are absolutely charming illustrations all throughout this book:


And when it comes to sewing, there is great information about all manner of things:


There are times when I just take this book off the shelf and page through it. This volume has definitely seen better days, and has pen and pencil marks throughout the book, including the name Jeannie penned just inside the front cover. Sometimes I wonder what ever happened to Jeannie, how she did in Home Economics, and if she managed to fit in "as a worthy member of society."

As for me, I struggle to balance the life that Jeannie learned about in her textbook with that of a working professional, sometimes it all comes together and then there are days when it all comes apart at the seams!

Take a look at this wonderful book yourself! Browse through the 1935 issue of  The Mode in Dress and Home right here!

Comments

Neat book. I think maybe we need to go back to some of those ideas in the old vintage books. Oh, well, just the thoughts of a middle aged woman....lol.
Karen said…
Jeannie went on to marry at the ripe old age of 23. She bore 3 girls and 4 boys(at home). She kept an immaculate house and was dressed in pearls and saran wrap each evening when her husband,Henry, arrived home. Of course, the children had already been fed,bathed and tucked into bed when Henry got home. As Henry walked in the door,Jeannie had a high-ball and a 5 course meal(with candles,of course) at the ready for her hard-working man.

(I could go on if you like.......;)

Erika's Top Trending Posts: