Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

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Fashion

The Clothes We Wore

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.  

Fashion Statements

The Tate Family lived at 504 East 7th Street. Thaddeus Tate is the head of the household and is one of Charlotte’s leading businessmen.  The Tates could afford to wear the latest fashions. Women wore dresses with high collars and long skirts. Men wore suits and ties. Sailor suits were very popular for children during the 1900s.

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Feathers, Ribbons and Bows: The Art of Making Hats

 Many, many hours went into making a hat such as the one this lady is wearing. At this time, hat makers or milliners decorated their creations with feathers, fake and real flowers, berries, leaves, and even stuffed birds.  Ladies would purchase a basic hat and the more accessories requested for the hat, the higher the price.

Belk Brothers

The Belk Brothers Department Store began in Monroe, North Carolina. On September 25, 1895, the brothers opened their biggest store up to that time on 119 East Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina where they established their permanent headquarters. 

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The Latest in Boys Knickers

Joseph A. Solomons owned the Carolina Clothing Company. They specialize in boys’ and men's clothing. It is located at 602 South Tryon Street. Most boys wore knickers until they reached the age of 18.

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Gentlemen's Fashions

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

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.

Play Clothes

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.