‘From Hobble Skirts to Flapper Flirts: American Fashion and the Great War’

The decade that began with the start of World War I witnessed some of the most profound changes ever seen in American history.

These included the 8 hour work day, the introduction of Mother’s Day, the first patent for the ‘brassiere’, the Volstead Act (Prohibition), the 19th Amendment (women’s right to vote), and America’s entry into WW I, which was convulsing most of Europe and changed western civilization forever.

Dance crazes such as the Tango and the Charleston altered society in a profound way that was reflected in the extreme fashions of the day. The decade and its consequences will be explored in a power-point presentation by Edward Maeder, curator, author, lecturer and costume historian.

A talk on this subject hosted by the Historical Society of Greenfield titled “From Hobble Skirts to Flapper Flirts: American Fashion and the Great War 1914-1924″ will take place beginning at 7 p.m. this evening at 43 Church St. in Greenfield. Free to all.