We're Going to Party Like It's 1899

To celebrate the impending New Year's Eve holiday, I'd like to take you back to 1899 in the USA, the last year of the "Gay Nineties".  What made the nineties gay, (as in happy)?  There was no income tax, for one thing.  There was an air of affluence as established families made their fortunes and lived the high life.  The witty plays of Oscar Wilde were popular, and society scandals were big news including Wilde's trial and conviction for gross indecency with other men.  Can you imagine?

 Oscar Wilde

Although initially a derogatory term, the suffragette movement began during the 1890's, with women vying for their right to vote.  You can see in the illustration below how women were depicted as more athletic and independent than, let's say, Scarlet O'Hara and her ilk:

Just getting from point A to point B wasn't easy back in the day.  Street cars were the best mode of transportation if you lived in the city.  We're going to run some errands to prepare for our party tonight, so let's hop on the street car and go to the bank first.

A scene from a bank, showing the clothing people wore during a typical day circa 1890's:

 

This structure was built in 1899.  Let's go inside and prepare for our party!

 

It's a good thing we tidied up the house earlier:

Let's start the food prep.  We're going to need a modern food mill like the Universal Food Chopper, patented in 1897.  This ad helpfully shows that it can chop a hog, head first!  Good to know.

 

It's quite possible we'll make one of the delightful dishes we had at Christmas time:

 

For dessert we'll have something very elegant, perhaps a Charlotte Russe or Blanc-Mange:

We've hired some showgirls for after dinner entertainment:

 

One of them has some specialized high wire skills that she will be demonstrating in the garden if the weather cooperates:

 

We expect our guests will be dressed to the nines:

 

 If you can't wear your finest dress on New Year's Eve, when can you?

 

Whole birds were often found attached to ladies' hats and were secured with a with a large hat pin:

 

 

Although not as colorful, men's fashions were important too.  The men will all look dapper:

 

 

Last but not least, we need the proper libation to make a toast at midnight!  Instead of champagne, we're going to have Absinthe, a potent alcoholic beverage that was popular at the time.

 

 

Stories of seeing the "Green Fairy" after drinking the reportedly hallucinogenic beverage abound.  An "Absinthe kit" including the proper spoon and sugar cube is part of the ritual necessary for proper drinking of the concoction.

Absinthe Spoons

 

Once our spirits are high, we'll sing some songs around the piano.  Tin Pan Alley produced numerous wonderful songs during this era in familiar sheet music form, known as "cakewalk" or "ragtime" in which blues and  jazz were incorporated.  Many were novelty songs just perfect for a sing-along.

I'd like to suggest starting with "The Band Played On", "Ta Ra Ra Boom De Ay" and "Hello! Ma Baby (Hello Ma Ragtime Gal)" to get things started.

Tin Pan Alley

Chances are, there will be dancing until the wee hours.  When the feet wear out, the men will retire to the library to smoke cigars while the women will have plenty of time to gossip until the sun rises.  Breakfast will be served and hangovers will be avoided if at all possible!

Happy New Year,

Mitzi

Comments

[Nelly]

Happy new year Mitzi xx

[Mitzi Curi]

Happy New Year, Nelly! I have a feeling you have lots of exciting things planned for 2012, no?

[Suzette]

Love your back in time post!!! Happy New Year to you Mitzi! Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas, creativity and especially educational connection throughout the year. I've enjoyed your site through all the changes this year and look forward to stopping by in 2012, and then some--- ;) Thanks Mitzi and best wishes always, Suzette.

[Colleen]

Looks like a swell party--I'm sure my hubby will appreciate the absinthe and showgirls! The living room looks just like "Meet Me in St. Louis", and the desserts look divine so I will have to wear my corset a little looser! Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Suzette,

Im glad you liked my post! Its been fun reading your blog this year too. Who knows where well be a year from now, blog-wise? One of my goals is to get involved with video. Eek! Im sure you have some challenging goals set for yourself as well.

Happy New Year,

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Colleen,

My corset has been looser since Thanksgiving...

Thanks so much for all of your thoughtful comments throughout the year. I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your support.

Heres to a happy and healthy New Year to you and your family!

Mitzi

[Kat]

Many thanks for the nostalgic tour! My feet are sore, but my heart is joyful! And have a Happy and Productive New Year!

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks, Kat! I think all of us bloggers will have a productive year if we continue to support each other!

Mitzi

[wini]

Great post Mitzi. I love all the vintage pics especially the costumes. Wishing you a fabulous 2012 and may it be filled with good health, love and happiness and lots of vintage inspiration!!!! Looking forward to following your blogging journey this year. Wini xoxo

[Mitzi Curi]

Wini,

Thanks so much! You were the first person from the BYW class to contact me, and I was so impressed by your kindness. In fact, I still am!

Mitzi