Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy New Year - 2012

1912


Happy New Year Dear Bloggyfriends! 
  
I've chosen this century old card to ring in 2012 AD at 12:00 AM


Irene posted this card  January 1, 1912 to Mrs. Lena Martin in East Providence RI.  A satellite view of the address shows a large piece of property with a rambling house on Watchmoket Cove, an inlet on the Providence River.

The message reads:
"Wish you a Happy New Year. Be sure to come to the initiation Wednesday night won't you.  We have ten young men coming in and not enough girls to march with them.  I want you to be one of the escorts and I'll be sure to pick out a nice looking young fellow for you.  Wear white if convenient. It looks so pretty in line."

This message has put Lena into a fine state. She had planned to have "one of her headaches" Wednesday.  Always an excellent excuse for not attending  Irene's stuffy gatherings. And now, not only must she go, but she will be required to wear the lovely white gown she was saving for Myrna Pindley's Annual Post-New Years Eve Cotillion.  If any of the same people are at both events Lena shall be just mortified to be caught wearing the same frock twice.  Lena feels the beginning of one of her headaches - a real one this time.  But then, while searching for her medicinal powders she considers that a slight change to the gown may allow for two wearings without the gossip.  Lena makes a note to call Lucile, her personal designer, first thing in the morning.

  Design by Lucile c.1912

All is well in the morning! Lucile is so cunning!  She suggests a striking black bodice and train be added for the Cotillion.  Who will ever guess it is a twice worn dress, excepting perhaps Lady Gertrude Winterberry and her spinster daughter. 



1912

 But that was then...



2012

And this is now




Raise your glass high and





Have a spectacular New Year!

14 comments:

Debby said...

Glad to see you back! I missed you like I missed Irene's stuffy gatherings.

Little Nell said...

I know those headaches! Lovely cards and pics.

Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

But what sort of initiation is that?!

Wishing you all the best for the coming year.

Postcardy said...

I wonder what type of initiation that was. She did say to wear white "if convenient."

The Cedar Chest said...

Cute entry and interesting message. Happy New Year!

Bob Scotney said...

The doomsday plate is entertaining but I'd settle for one of the glases below.
Happy New Year

tony said...

Glasses Raised To You For 2012.

Irene said...

What a lovely card, and wonderful story, I'm Irene by the way, I do have stuffy gatherings, we wear yoga pants and/or pjs. Have a wonderful New Year. (not sure I'll make it to midnight if I raise my glass).

Liz Stratton said...

What a fun post to ring in the new year!

viridian said...

Glad to see you back. I didn't make it to Midnight but I did have champagne with my hubby.

Mike Brubaker said...

I can almost hear, taste, and smell the NY 1912 party! Best wishes for 2012

Cad said...

I'll raise a glass - better late than never! LOL

Anna Lefler said...

Hello! I love that you keep your new year's decorations up all year long!

I hope all is well and let's chat soon...

XOXO

Anna

Debby said...

Happy New Year 2013, where ever you are, and what ever you are up to!