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Month: April 2024

Vintage Photos Of People Tending To Their Gardens 1930s-1960s

Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to, “dig in and get your hands dirty” – it’s gardening time!

For today’s post, we are going to step into the world of vintage photos and take a look at people working in their gardens from the 1930s to 1960s.

Let’s get started!

1950s 1960s vintage photo of two women taking flowers out of a green house. One woman is wearing a cute 1950s 1960s novelty dress

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase


Vintage Photos of People Tending to their Gardens 1930s-1960s

1939 photo of a woman in a cute playsuit working in her garden. What a great outfit! I need to look that cute when I garden.

1930s vintage photo of a woman in 1939 Gardening In a Summer playsuit.

Source: eBay

1940s (maybe 1950s) photo of a woman in saddle shoes holding seed packets & a garden trowel ready to plant.

Another super look! Love the rolled up jeans, the scarf around the hair and the letterman style jacket.

Further Reading: Vintage photos of people wearing saddle shoes.

1940s (maybe 1950s) photo of a woman in saddle shoes holding seed packets & a garden trowel ready to plant.

Source: Etsy-therescuedphoto

The little gardener. Date unknown but how cute is a little boy on the stool watering the plants in the window? LOVE IT!

The Little Gardener. A vintage photo of a little boy watering his window plants while standing on a stool.

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

1940s vintage photo of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company employees tending to tomatoes in a Victory Garden (via Canadian War Museum).

Victory Gardens: Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia (and beyond) during World War I and World War II. In wartime, governments encouraged people to plant victory gardens not only to supplement their rations but also to boost morale (Source).

1940s vintage photo of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company employees tending to tomatoes in a Victory Garden (via Canadian War Museum).

Source: The Canadian Encyclopedia

Another 1940s photo of a woman working in a Victory Garden / farm in slacks, hair scarf and short sleeve blouse.

1940s vintage photo of a woman in trousers, hair scarf and blouse working in a garden during WW2. 1940s Fashion Inspiration.

Source: Pinterest

One last Victory Garden photo. A woman with shorts and wide brim hat, tends a World War II-era victory garden at Breeze Hill in 1944.

1940s vintage photo:  A woman with shorts and wide brim hat, tends a World War II-era victory garden at Breeze Hill in 1944.

Source: Smithsonian Gardens

1960s photo of a young woman with a super fun straw hat working on her flower garden.

1960s vintage photo of a young woman in shorts and fun straw hat working on her flower garden in her front lawn.

Source: Fine Art America

“Working on a tan AND the garden”. A 1950s vintage photo of a woman in her swimsuit planting a tree in her backyard.

"Working on a tan AND the garden". A 1950s vintage photo of a woman in her swimsuit planting a tree in her backyard.

Source: eBay

Time to start the cleanup of the patio garden! 1940s photo.

1940s vintage photo of a woman in a 1940s dress posing on a garden patio with plants beside her

Source: Etsy-DearMacyVintage

Need to make sure the veggies are growing just so. 1930s vintage photo.

1930s vintage photo of an older man working in his garden.

Source: Etsy-LightSilverandPaper

July 1954: Niagara, Ontario Canada-A gardening instructor, in shirt and tie, discusses the plant he holds in his hands, with his gardening student.

1950s vintage photo: July 1954: Niagara, Ontario Canada-A gardening instructor, in shirt and tie, discusses the plant he holds in his hands, with his gardening student.

Source: Library & Archives Canada

Here is another 1950s photo (July 1954) from this series…five gardening students and their teacher discuss flowers.

1950s vintage photo: July 1954: Niagara, Ontario Canada-A gardening instructor and his students discuss flowers.

Source: Library & Archives Canada

I would be proud to show off my tomatoes as well, if they looked this good!

1950s photo of a very happy woman with her tomato garden.

1950s vintage photo of a woman in shorts and plaid shirt working in her tomato garden

Source: eBay

1960s family enjoying some time together working on their front yard flower garden.

1960s vintage photo of a family working in their garden in front of their house in 1960s summer fashions for kids and adults.

Source: Fine Art America

Not all gardening has to be organic. Here is a vintage photo of a Japanese rock gardener at New Denver (village in British Colombia) continuing the picturesque tradition of oriental gardening.

Vintage photo: Japanese rock gardener at New Denver has continued the picturesque tradition of oriental gardening

Source: Library & Archives Canada

I will end this post with an image of the ‘Farmerettes‘.

Farms are just much bigger gardens, and Canadian Women’s stories must be told.

As young men went off to fight in World War II, there was a need for farm labourers in Southern Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Government responded by creating The Ontario Farm Service Force in 1941 “to recruit workers from all levels of society.” In this war effort initiative, the group with the most participation was the Farmerettes.

The Farmerettes were young women and primarily students, 16 years of age and older. They worked on fruit, vegetable, and truck farms (where produce goes to local markets). Over the summer, the Young Women’s Christian Association provided for their basic needs and supervised the work.

Looking back, Farmerettes remember the hard work they did to support the war effort and the great camaraderie they all shared. Many women have said these were “the best of summers.” The program was so popular that it continued for seven years after the war until 1952 (Source).

1940s vintage photo of Ontario Canada Farmerettes. Women who worked on farms to help the war effort at home.

Further Reading on the Farmerettes:

The Lambton County Archives (my hometown area) has a fantastic online collection of images, stories & so much more on this topic. I 100% encourage you to take a read.

There is also a book entitled, “Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz-Memories of Ontario Farmerettes” by Shirleyan English & Bonnie Sitter, that you can purchase HERE.

1940s women's history in Ontario Canada: Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz-Memories of Ontario Farmerettes". Book by Shirleyan English & Bonnie Sitter

Thank you for stopping by and hopefully you enjoyed the vintage gardening photos I shared with you today. There is just no denying the satisfaction that comes from growing your own food or tending to a beautiful flower bed. I know I’m excited to get started as I have a large balcony garden that I spruce up with flowers and hot peppers (all with a Tiki theme). I just love my garden!

Question Time! Are you a gardener? Or do plants die just by looking at them? ha! Share any thoughts on this topic in the comments section below. I love hearing from my readers!

Further Reading:

Liz

Vintage Makeup Advertisements

From flapper girls to pin-up dolls, vintage makeup ads not only sold cosmetics but also sold a lifestyle.

Join me as we dive into the captivating world of vintage beauty as seen in these iconic advertisements from the 1920s-1950s.

1950s vintage advertisement for Maybelline makeup-Before and after as seen on a 1950s woman.

(Note: These ads are also perfect vintage beauty / hair & fashion inspiration for when you are looking to recreate an authentic look from your era of choice.)


Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase


Vintage Makeup Advertisements 1920s-1950s

“Try Maybelline Eye Shadow”. 1920s makeup ad featuring an fantastic example of dark eyeshadow on our 1920s lady.

1920s makeup ad for Maybelline eyeshadow featuring an illustration of a 1920s woman with dark eyeshadow. Fantastic 1920s makeup ideas

Source: Pinterest

A 1920s flapper applies her mascara in this vintage advertisement from Maybelline.

1920s vintage makeup advertisement for mascara from Maybelline featuring a 1920s flapper

Source: Pinterest

“Touches of Loveliness by Vivaudou” -1920s advertisement for talcum, face powder, lipstick & rouge.

1920s vintage makeup advertisement for Vivaudou cosmetics featuring an art deco illustration of beauty products

Source: eBay

“It’s THIS NEW MAKE-UP that is Hollywood’s Secret of Attraction”. 1930s Max Factor ad featuring four 1930s movie stars showing off the makeup.

Vintage 1930s Max Factor Cosmetics Print Ad featuring classic Hollywood movie stars promoting their makeup.

Source: eBay

“Artists and Models say…Choose your makeup by the color of your eyes”. Marvelous The Eye-Matched Makeup by Richard Hudnut. 1930s advertisement.

The Eye-Matched Makeup by Richard Hudnut - 1930s vintage magazine ad / 1930s vintage makeup ad.

Source: eBay

1937 Avon Cosmetics advertisement…”Gifts you friends will love”.

Fun Liz fact: I sold Avon in the 90s but I did a horrible job and I only bought them which made me no money. Ha!

1937 AVON COSMETICS advertisement. Fun 1930s makeup ad.

Source: eBay

1939 Pond’s Ad: “Now Fashion Says: “Be Feminine”. Pond’s answers with 4 soft Summer Shades of powders”

1930s vintage makeup ad: Pond's Ad: Four New Summer Shades of Pond's Powder ! from 1939 featuring a young woman in a late 1930s evening gown with a young man and then at the beach in a late 1930s bathingsuit.

Source: eBay

“Matched spring make-up….Dorothy Gray Portrait Make-Up Set”.

I love the 1940s hairstyle on the illustrated woman showing off the lipstick, face powder & rouge.

1940s vintage ad: "Matched spring make-up....Dorothy Gray Portrait Make-Up Set".  Fantastic 1940s hairstyle on illustrated woman showing off the lipstick, face powder & rouge.

Source: Pinterest

“Soprano over the Atlantic”- A 1944 DuBarry advertisement.

During WW2 when the Women went to work on the Homefront or abroad, maintaining a beautiful look was considered mandatory. This started with red lipstick.

“Miss Damant is doing a man’s job for the duration (air traffic control). But she’s keeping pretty and womanly as ever with DuBarry Beauty Preparations”. “She is shown here wearing “Rose Cerise”, that exciting DuBarry Lipstick keyed to Spring’s new costume colors”.

Further Reading: World War 2 Women’s Contributions & Homefront Posts

1940s vintage makeup advertisement / 1940s vintage ad featuring a woman during WW2 working as an Air Traffic Controller while wearing makeup by DuBarry.

Source: eBay

1940s vintage ad: Pond’s face powder and lipstick.

Another cute 1940s vintage hairstyle example as well.

1940s vintage advertisement for lipstick and face powder from ponds featuring an illustration of a 1940s woman with a 1940s hairstyle

“Revlon’s Fashion Plate Cream Wafer”. 1948 make-up ad featuring a very fashionable model in the style of the “Dior New Look“.

1948 Revlon Make-Up Vintage Ad for cream foundation you just use your fingers to apply. The image features a woman in late 1940s dress and hairstyle. Very much the "Dior New Look".

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

“2 make you twice as lovely”. “Make-up Cake + Powder..Shade-Matched…Both in one box. New Jergens Twin Make-up”. 1940s magazine advertisement.

1940’s Jergens Twin Cake Makeup Cosmetic Beauty Magazine Ad

Source: eBay

1950s makeup advertisement for ‘Madam Walker Cosmetics’ featuring makeup for darker skins tones.

INTERESTING FACT: Madam C.J. Walker looms large among Black pioneers. She was a sharp businesswoman in the late 1800s and early 1900s, becoming the country’s first self-made female millionaire after turning her beauty / hair-care company into an empire—employing up to 20,000 sales agents and opening an eponymous manufacturing company in Indianapolis in 1910 (source).

1950s vintage makeup ad for women with darker skin tones featuring a Black model with her makeup from Madam Walker Cosmetics.

Source: vintagehairstyling.com

1950’s Solitair “Moisture Miracle Make-up” contest ad. “Your vote will help choose Campana’s College Beauty Queen”. The winner will then go on a 10 day trip to the luxurious Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Hawaii. WOW!

What Beauty Queen would you have voted for?

1950's Solitair "Moisture Miracle Make-up" contest ad. "Your vote will help choose Campana's College Beauty Queen". 1950s vintage makeup advertisement

Source: eBay

1954 Angel Face by Pond’s. “Today’s #1 make-up-in two glorious Summer shades!”

I was drawn to the fun polka-dots in this ad and just had to add it.

1950s Makeup Ad / 1950s vintage advertisement for Angel Face by Ponds-Face Powder.

Source: Etsy-PlentifulPages

If you needed a little extra money you could always sell the makeup you wear, as seen in this Lucky Heart cosmetics 1950s (possibly early 1960s) advertisement.

“Lucky Heart “Color-Keyed” Cosmetics can bring you $65 to $250 extra, regularly!”

Further Reading: The Vintage Advertisements for “Work from Home!” Jobs

Lucky Heart cosmetics 1950s (possibly early 1960s) advertisement.
"Lucky Heart "Color-Keyed" Cosmetics can bring you $65 to $250 extra, regularly!"

Source: vintagehairstyling.com

Do you need help with your vintage makeup look? Then look no further then the following tutorials booklets you can buy right now (note: they are in PDF format, so you can start working on your makeup right away)!

1940 The New Art of Make-Up” booklet. Inside includes instructions from Max Factor on applying makeup which is demonstrated by some of the popular actresses of the time such as Ida Lupino and Eleanor Powell.

1940s Vintage Makeup Instructions: "1940 The New Art of Make-Up" booklet. Inside includes instructions from Max Factor on applying makeup which is demonstrated by some of the popular actresses of the time such as Ida Lupino and Eleanor Powell.  Fantastic vintage 1940s hairstyles on the cover.

Source: Etsy-livydarling

“Glamorize Yourself the Hollywood Yay..Make-up-and LIVE!” 1953 beauty tip booklet that includes guidance on skincare and make-up as well as some information on nailcare and haircare.

1950s Vintage Makeup: "Glamorize Yourself the Hollywood Yay..Make-up-and LIVE!" 1953 beauty tip booklet.

Source: Etsy-livydarling

What a fun post to put together! And so many advertisements, I might have to break this post down in the future into various categories (like just lipstick or hair products).

Please share in the comments section below what you favourite ad was, or any fun stories / memories you might have around this topic. I love hearing from my readers!

Further Reading: Vintage Advertising 1920s-1960s (archived posts)

Thank you for dropping by!

Liz