JPK Huson 1863
Brev. Brig. Gen'l
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2012
- Location
- Central Pennsylvania
A mother and Milliner - creator of bonnets and hats for ladies, and daughter, in what seems a typical " Occupational Photograph " of the era. Her trade is displayed as a centerpiece and, quite wonderfully, the daughter's doll is wearing a tiny hat.
" Occupational Photographs " seem to have been around nearly as long as photographs. An expert will be able to tell us the genesis- really hard finding information on how these began or why? Seems to me, intentionally or no, it is possible to scoop other photos into this category- purists will disagree but really, what else is this?
Teachers poured into Beaufort, South Carolina, during the war, responding to a call. This may stand as their " Occupational Photograph ". An entire race was free to learn. Teachers taught.
" Occupational Photographs " seem to have been around nearly as long as photographs. An expert will be able to tell us the genesis- really hard finding information on how these began or why? To qualify, one's ' tools of the trade ' should be visible, if not employed in the photograph. I've ditched this, a little just to be able to highlight some amazing women- and what they did.
Fairly well known photo, this woman must have been a professional whose trade included an iron- not merely ' an ironer '. How funny. She does not seem to be a laundress, perhaps a seamstress? She does is a little baffling.
Like anything else, perhaps people were just pretty happy about themselves and a profession. In some cases, perhaps a photographer doing what any, self respecting shutter clicker has done since Day One- documenting Time and the people in it. You know, looking around our world and wondering who would like to share it.
This artist's bloomer outfit indicates a young girl who is already of an independent spirit, inpatient of convention. These really were disliked by ' mainstream ' society, thought to be ugly and a little reactionary. They were both- but she carries it off very well. She could easily have been a professional artist, too- not merely pursuing a hobby. Art was considered a must-buy for one's home and artists had loyal followings.
Thankfully, a lot of us. Hopefully none of these will be post war ( unless stated ). We ladies, though frequently badly impeded in a lopsidedly male work force, either seeking employment to make ends meet or carving professions for ourselves. Those unpaid professions, like ' Mom ' may have rewards, just no 401K. We, meaning we girls, sure did work. For a living.
Make no mistake- a 3rd group can be added, sending a purist or two into orbit, if there is such a thing. This, of female magazine editor Sarah Jane Hale, of Godey's Lady's Book, shows us, if not a woman displaying the tools of her trade, a well recognized, professional woman. Sarah Hale, editor.
And another- Dr. Harriet Austin, sans medical bag- female docs nearly invariably adopted the bloomer dress. Not always but a it was a marked percentage.
No ' tools of the trade ', please excuse. We just love our early, lady docs. Tough finding pics of them in med school, holding skulls.
An obvious ' Occupational Photograph ', a photographer taking a photograph of another. Love her!
Three, ' Occupational Photographs ' showing instruments. It becomes tough, ascertaining whether these would b professionals or following a love for their music? Either really is possible.
This last, perhaps singers?
Several ' knitters ' and yes, possibly someone was indeed paid to knit. Women were paid to sew, women wore knitted garments. It makes sense ' paid knitter ' would make it to the list of Occupations, Photographed.
Another interpretation of this photo is, her daughter ( wedding ring prominent ) is pregnant and grandmother is beginning a baby bootie. So- Occupations, anyway.
Not happy about this one- women became this occupation through needing to eat- she's slightly post war. Displaced women by the bought food, by showing their garters. Had to include her because it was an awful fact. It's the way it was.
Pre-war, we hear a lot about mill workers. She seems to be one and love her smile,no? Not all employers sent women home quite so happy or well coifed. It's wonderful knowing some did.
Tons more- and of course men's are more fascinating. We got there- from here.
If anyone has more- feel free!.