Figure 1.--Here we see a high society group during World War I raising money for the Red Cross. The american Red Cross during the war not only aided American servicemen, but the taeving people of war torn Europe. The press caption read, "A National Horse show for the benefit of the American Red Cross was held at Islip, L.I. Many of the nation's most prominent society folks participated. Our photo shows a junior social set of rail birds at the meet. Reading from left to right are: Lillin Hollins, Bobby Hollins, Beasie Belmomt, Gerard Hollins, Anita Potts, Faith Hollins, Polly Potts, and Nancy Morgan. They are all trying to cool off with ice cream cones." The photograph was dated July 29, 1918. Put your cursor on the image to see the rest of the group.

Social class was a major factor in 19th century fashion. Clothing and fashion constitute more of dusposible income than is the case toay. Clothes were expensive and formal dress much more important than is the case today. This continued to be the case in the 1900s, although we notice some chnges beginning to take shape. By the 1910s this was beoming increasinfly pronounced, especially for younger boys. There wre still sunstantial scial class differences. This basically was an economic matter. The fashions were set by the well-to-do and the middle-class followed as best they cold. The working class also followed the fashions trends ser by the upper class, but with less means to do so for them selves or their children. We see boys from families in comfortable circumstances having seasona; clothing. They might weae sailor caps and hats, tunic suits with bloomer knickers, and knee pants, white socks or stockings and strap shoes. White was very popular. Working class boys had much smaller wardrobes. They were less likely to wear juvenile-styled clothes. More practical styles prevailed. Many working-class boys basically had a suit for best wear and and outfit for everyday wear. A factor here is that boys from well off families spent more time superbised than boys from less well off families. Thus they tended to be less aware as to how some other boys, especially boys from less well off families, might view their clothing.

Created: 7:18 AM 10/21/2017
Last updated: 7:18 AM 10/21/2017