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Month: November 2016

Vintage Photos of Canadian Women on the Home Front during WWII

This Friday is Remembrance Day, so for this week’s blog posts I am going to focus on Canada during WWII. That means today’s Vintage Photo Tuesday (collection of vintage images blog posts) are 1940s vintage images of Canadian Women on the Home Front, doing their part for their Country.

1941 vintage ww2 photo of a canadian woman working on an airplane part for the war effort vintage photo

Further Reading: I have done MANY posts on the topic “World War 2 Women’s Contributions & Homefront Posts” that you can read by clicking on the link.


War production and savings poster regarding a variety of goods for reuse or repurposing as war supplies, 1940 / 1941.

1940s Vintage Poster: canadian WW2 propaganda poster for War production and savings poster regarding a variety of goods for reuse or repurposing as war supplies

Source: Collections Canada

1943-Time to punch in and begin your service for Canada.

1940s vintage photo of a woman in a floral 1940s dress punching in to a time clock to do her job for the War effort in Canada.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

January 1943-Mrs. Mackay using a Riveting gun at a shipyard in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort -January 1943-Mrs. Mackay using a Riveting gun at a shipyard in Pictou, Nova Scotia.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Defense workers on the line.

1940s vintage photo of women defense workers working at the factory in their factory uniforms.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Not all women during WWII were working on items for overseas, there was regular upkeep needed of items already made in Canada. Like the train pictured below.

1940s vintage photo of Canadian Women during WW2 working on trains for the Homefront War Effort.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Female worker Margot Bourassa shellacs the body of a fuse in the breakdown room of the Cherrier plant (Montreal) of the Defense Industries Limited.

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort - Female worker Margot Bourassa shellacs the body of a fuse in the breakdown room of the Cherrier plant (Montreal) of the Defense Industries Limited.

Source: Collections Canada

At the same plant mentioned above a woman sews cordite bags. On a vintage hair note, check out that style. Wow!

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort - a woman sewing cordite bags

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Dominion Bridge Company – Two women working in shell manufacturing plant.

1940s Vintage photo of Dominion Bridge Company - Two Canadian women working in shell manufacturing plant.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

It was important in some factories that the workers minds did not go idle, so music was played to help combat this. The below picture is of 2 women workers selecting the music to be played from their central control room at a Montreal factory.

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort - picture is of 2 women workers selecting the music to be played from their central control room at a Montreal factory.

Source: Collections Canada

Female munitions worker Françoise Corbeil turns out parts while listening to the piped music in her factory.

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort - Female munitions worker Françoise Corbeil turns out parts while listening to the piped music in her factory.

Source: Collections Canada

Break Time! Group of female workers enjoying a break from their work at a munitions plant.

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort - Group of female workers enjoying a break from their work at a munitions plant.
Source: Collections Canada

Source: Collections Canada

Testing lenses, at the Instruments Division of the Canadian Arsenals Ltd. optical plant. On another vintage hair note, nice to see hair that looks like mine when I style it (not perfect!).

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort -Testing lenses, at the Instruments Division of the Canadian Arsenals Ltd. optical plant. Cute 1940s hairstyle.

Source: Collections Canada

The Perry Sisters, employed at the Dominion Arsenals Ltd. plant, armed with rake, watering can and pitchfork, help look after the vegetable garden where they are working (looking mighty cute I might add).

1940s vintage photo: ww2 canadian woman working for the war effort -The Perry Sisters, employed at the Dominion Arsenals Ltd. plant, armed with rake, watering can and pitchfork, help look after the vegetable garden where they are working

Source: Collections Canada

1943-Women of the Aluminum Co. wait in line to get an autograph from famous Canadian fighter pilot ‘George “Buzz” Beurling‘. Helen Fowler is the lucky lady first in line.

1940s Vintage Photo: 1943-Women of the Aluminum Co. wait in line to get an autograph from famous Canadian fighter pilot 'George "Buzz" Beurling'. Helen Fowler is the lucky lady first in line.

Source: Library and Archives Canada

After a hard day in the factory there is nothing better than catching a few rays with friends. French-Canadian women at Dominion Arsenals (Personal Note: I adore this image).

1940s vintage photo of 3 women taking a break after working in the factory. They are catching some sun in 1940s swimsuits and 1940s summer fashions. Cute 1940s hairstyles.

Source: Collections Canada

Hope you enjoyed the images of our hard-working Canadian ladies of the 1940’s. Thank you for your service!

If you would like to see more images of our Canadian women during WW2, check out my Part 2 post HERE.

Liz

Vintage Buttons-The Little Beauties of the Clothing World

Have you ever stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage buttons from the 1920s-1950s? These tiny pieces of decorative art may seem insignificant, but they hold a fascinating history within their intricate designs. From delicate floral patterns to bold geometric shapes, these buttons were more than just functional fasteners – they were a reflection of the time period they were created in.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of vintage buttons and explore their different styles thru the 1920s-1950s.

So buckle up and get ready to discover the charm and nostalgia of these tiny relics from the past.

Vintage Buttons Blog Post

Note: This post is inspired by a comment that Theresa from Vintage Style Files said on a past clothing blog post:

“They had some of the coolest buttons and buckles on clothing back then”

As I sat back and thought about her comment, I realized that she was completely right! So for today’s post I want to show off those little beauties of the clothing and accessories world.


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

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.


Vintage Buttons-The Little Beauties of the Clothing World

1940s Vintage ad: 1948 Ad for Originales Buttons featuring an illustration of a woman in a 1940s two piece suit surrounded by buttons.
1948 Vintage Ad for Originales Buttons

To begin here is a fantastic article by Hobby Lark on “Vintage Button Guide-Ways to Identify Antique Buttons” . This article will get you up to date on the different types of buttons out there (Bakelite, Celluloid, Lucite, Metal etc.), how to identify them and how to clean them. An excellent read for all vintage clothing enthusiasts out there.

Now examples of Vintage Buttons:

Vintage Celluloid Buttons. Celluloid buttons became very popular during the late 1900’s through the 1920’s. They can be opaque, transparent or both and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors (Source).

Vintage Celluloid Buttons. Celluloid buttons became very popular during the late 1900's through the 1920's. They can be opaque, transparent or both and they come in all shapes, data-lazy-sizes and colors
Source: Etsy

Set of twelve Art Deco matching vintage buttons in a striking art deco design. The buttons are styled from plastic with a grooved design and a scalloped edge to the top.

Vintage buttons: Set of twelve Art Deco matching vintage buttons in a striking art deco design. The buttons are styled from plastic with a grooved design and a scalloped edge to the top.

Source: Etsy

Bright Green Celluloid Buttons. Very Art Deco looking.

Vintage Buttons: Bright Green Celluloid Buttons. Very Art Deco looking.
Source: Etsy

Buttons don’t have to come in just the round shape, they can come in all shapes and sizes. Like these Celluloid ‘Ribbon’ buttons. What kind of outfit or accessory do you think they were used for?

Vintage Buttons: Celluloid 'Ribbon' buttons.
Source: Etsy

Vintage Cornflower Blue art deco buttons from the 1940s-50s, made of an early plastic called casein.

Vintage Buttons: Vintage Cornflower Blue art deco style buttons

Source: Etsy

Bakelite Buttons-not the first plastic buttons, but are some of the most sought after and highly collected. They come in all shapes and sizes and are heavier than Celluloid buttons (Source).

The below buttons are Vintage Black and Apple Juice Bakelite. Called apple juice because at one point the yellow was white and has gone yellow over time.

Further Reading: Bakelite! The Must Have Vintage Fashion Accessory

Vintage Buttons: Vintage Black and Apple Juice Bakelite buttons. Called apple juice because at one point the yellow was white and has gone yellow over time.
Source: Etsy

Vintage Apple Juice Bakelite Buttons.

Vintage Buttons: Vintage Apple Juice Bakelite Buttons.

Source: Etsy

Cream Corn Fluted Vintage Bakelite buttons. These look like little works of art.

Vintage Buttons: Cream Corn Fluted Vintage Bakelite buttons.
Source: Etsy

Lucite Buttons were most popular from the 1930’s on through the 1960’s. It’s a low density material but stronger than plastics that came before it. They can be clear or opaque and different colors, shapes and sizes and could also be carved (source).

Here is a beautiful example of 1940’s Lucite buttons, looking like miniature flower bouquets.

Vintage Buttons: 1940's Lucite buttons, looking like miniature flower bouquets
Source: Etsy

Vintage 1930s Blue Hand Painted Heart Hearts Buttons

Vintage 1930s Blue Hand Painted Heart Hearts Buttons

Source: Etsy-RagsandBonesVintage

Yooza look at these! Hands down my favorite buttons of this whole blog post. Lucite Cherry Candy Buttons. I can envision these beauties on a sweet 1940’s/50’s summer dress. Could you?

Lucite Cherry Candy Buttons.
Source: Etsy

1940’s Bow Buttons-Cute as a….Button. Now I know what the reference to buttons means in that saying! Because at one point all the buttons were “cute”.

Vintage Buttons: 1940's Bow Buttons
Source: Etsy

You could purchase these buttons for the packaging alone (it’s that cool) but you don’t have to because these ‘Teen Agers’ themed 1940’s plastic buttons are together and in mint condition.

Vintage Buttons: 'Teen Agers' themed 1940's plastic buttons
Source: Etsy

1950’s and the Kitsch continues with these adorable Plastic Shoe Buttons.

Vintage Buttons: 1950s vintage shoe buttons
Source: Etsy

I will now end this vintage button extravaganza with one more 1950’s kitschy plastic button, this time in the shapes of fruit. Carmen Miranda would of loved these.

Vintage Buttons: 1950s vintage plastic fruit buttons
Source: Etsy

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing what buttons looked like in various decades. I know I did!

Question Time: Do any of your vintage outfits have some outstanding buttons? Or maybe you own a collection of vintage buttons yourself. Please share!


I have also started an Etsy collection of vintage buttons for sale (updated monthly) that you can shop at right now!


Liz