22.00 USD
These faux nude risque images were popular with the boys down at the barbershop, sure, but what not many people know was that they were very popular with women of that era too, and for some very serious, political reasons!
What is sometimes referred to simply as "long underwear," the "union suit," that comical outfit we associate with unwashed prospectors in the Yukon, was actually developed with women in mind. It was an undergarment designed to replace the corset, for women who were tired of the constraints placed upon them by a fashion industry that pandered to the tastes of men. It is believed that the union suit (sometimes also called the liberty suit) was so called to create an association between the anti-slavery Union forces during the Civil War, and the Suffragettes fighting not only for the vote, but among other things, the right to choose comfortable, healthy undergarments too! The women's movement of the time felt a strong kinship to the slaves of the pre Civil War period, believing in liberty and equality for all, including women! Though it might seem a small thing now, the union suit was born out of that struggle, and images like this one represented for many women a very positive step in that direction.
Our model is all dressed up for the Easter parade...in her Birthday suit :)
The link below will take you to a Youtube clip of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire singing and dancing to Irving Berlin's Easter Parade!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYac9O3GYTM
Please examine our high res scans for detail.
The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully-insured, first class shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will not charge for postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.
And please come visit our blog at:
redpoulaine.blogspot.com
where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!