From the archives: Spring shopping in Calgary a century ago

In times earlier, Easter generally signalled that it was time to refresh one’s wardrobe.

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In times earlier, Easter frequently signalled that it was time to refresh one’s wardrobe. Winter season was ending, Lent was more than and spring experienced arrived. It was the season to break out Easter bonnets, spring fits and so substantially additional. Archived internet pages from the Calgary Day-to-day Herald 100 yrs exhibit that area retailers stocked up for the period and several took out entire-website page adverts to showcase their new inventory. “Sunday is Easter and all the things that you wear on Easter working day ought to be new,” mentioned an ad for Parker’s Confined retailer.

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Topping the browsing list for women of all ages was an Easter bonnet. Even though a best-of-the-line chapeau with flowers blooming from the brim could price $20, millinery salons at nearby shops also had hat offerings as low as $3.50. The Hudson’s Bay Corporation even marketed it experienced 100 new hats becoming bought at $1.98 each individual, on April 12, 1922.

A new spring dress could begin everywhere from $14.95 to $25 silk hosiery commencing prices had been $1.50 a pair and, gloves could go for $1.25 to $2.50. What was beneath was vital, much too. As one particular ad observed, “A corset is usually a pre-Easter invest in, for just one would in no way believe of putting on a new costume or gown more than an old and unwell-fitting corset.” Price tag? $2.50 to $8.50. Bloomers, in the meantime, went for $3.50 and petticoats could be had for $5.95.

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For adult men, fits commenced close to $25, shirts at $1.95, neckwear at $1, “men’s Easter gloves” were being $2.50 and “fancy half hose” were being $1.25.

A lot of of the other goods even now bought for Easter these days have been also preferred a century ago, much too. Easter lilies and daffodils could be had for as minimal 40 cents to $1 a dozen, though 12 roses started off at $3.

The sweet stuff was a significant seller, then as now. As a single store, Rochon’s Chocoate, explained to customers, “Lent is over.” Chocolate Easter eggs price tag any place from 15 cents to 50 cents a century ago two tins of peanut brittle went for 39 cents and, a dozen scorching cross buns would established you back again 15 cents.

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