Most men wore suits to work, church, parties, and other important events. Proper attire included the usual pants and jacekt along with a matching vest. Shirts had attached collars and bowties were very popular.
The Ed Mellon Company (see ad below) in Charlotte was a very fashionable store for businessmen. This advertisement dates to 1912 when the store was located at 8-10 West Trade Street.
The Bee Hive was a popular place to go shopping for clothes and shoes. Located at 43-47 East Trade Street, this small drygoods store opened in 1902 by H. M. Efird with cooperation of Charles A. Williams of the Williams & Shelton Company.
Playtime is very important. Girls usually wear smocks over their dresses, and most boys run barefoot. In town, small parks become a common playground for children, complete with swing sets. These open spaces give children lots of room to play baseball, basketball, Hide-and-Seek, Ring-Around-the-Rosie, “Drop-the-Handkerchief, and Follow-the-Leader.
Independence Park in Elizabeth was the first city park in Charlotte. There were swings, basektball courts, badmitton and a host of other playground activities available to children in Charlotte.
Children's clothes varied in fabric but not in design. Girls usually wore an apron or pinafore over their dresses to keep the latter clean. Boys wore knickers or shorts. All wore thick, heavy wool stockings.
Another class posing with their school teacher.
The senior class of Charlotte High School of 1900 posed together. with Superintendent Alexander Graham. Young women wore lacy, white summer dresses with high collars.
Different shoe styles are not the norm in 1903. Based on this 1910 advertisement, women had some choices when it came to shoes, but not as many as we do today. The laced up boots seen here were in vogue in 1903 until the late 1900s. To fasten the buttons a hook was designed to help accomplish this arduous, daily task.
The lack of adequate central heat makes wearing layers of warm clothing essential. Young boys wear knickers, and girls wear thick tights to keep their legs warm. This is a 1907 photograph of the Martin Brothers, John Wendell Martin, Thomas Marion Martin and James Martin. They are the sons of Isaac M. and Rebecaa G. Martin.
The Griffith Family circa 1900
Let us see how people dressed in Charlotte over one hundred years ago. Notice how much fabric went into each garment. By this time, factories made most clothing in mass production, making clothing more affordable. However, some women still sewed at home and mended any tears or holes. Hats are still made by hand by experienced milliners. Think about how fashions have changed since then.
