Dance Around the May Pole or Riot

MAY DAY

In many capitals of Europe the first of May is being observed as a day of demonstrations by workers and radical political organizations. The police are on edge. There is fear of trouble. If the day passes without rioting and bloodshed those charged with the preservation of order will heave a sigh of relief. It is always thus on May Day in Europe.

Image from the University of Missouri

The American way of observing the date is preferable. We have a few communists and socialists who would like to introduce the European plan of celebrating May Day, but they make little headway. Public opinion in the United States is solidly against them.

If May the first has any special significance to us, it is as “Moving Day.” Some will remember it pleasantly as the day on which in old England it was customary to choose a queen of the May and erect on the village green a May pole, around which the peasants danced. The charming custom has been revived in some of our colleges for girls.

If the impulse to celebrate is strong, and none of the aforementioned practices or associations of the day makes an appeal, it can be commemorated as the anniversary of the battle of Manila Bay. Twenty-six years ago today George Dewey won his glorious victory.

The News (Frederick, Maryland) May 1, 1924

Previous Post: May Day Moving

Tillie the Toiler – Fashion Parade

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Nebraska State Journal – Jan 15, 1939

A little background from Danger Trail – A Reader’s Guide to the Dell Four Color Comic Series:

It was the early 1920s and Russ began to put together a strip featuring the popular flapper character. Originally called Rose of the Office the title was changed to Tillie the Toiler and submitted to King Features which bought the strip. Tillie first appeared as a Sunday on January 3, 1921 with the daily beginning on October 10 1922.

The strip followed the social whirl and office activities of Tillie Jones, an attractive brunette and her co-workers and friends. Tillie was variously employed as a secretary, stenographer and part-time model in the fashion salon owned by J.P. Simpkins. Much of the story revolved around the relationship between Tillie and co-worker Clarence ‘Mac’ MacDougall. Mac was a diminutive, jealous and combative suitor. Drawn with a bulb nose and bad haircut Mac was frequently in Tillie’s company and often the object of her affection, nevertheless she was quite fickle and would drop him as soon as a handsome beau appeared on the scene. And they frequently did.

Read more at the link above.

This first “Tillie” paper doll comes with a gown, evening wrap ………. and beach hat.

Albuquerque Journal – Sep 25, 1932

Here, “Tillie” has the same outfits, but they are colored in.

Raleigh Register – Sep 25, 1932

Bathing suit (on the doll,) dress and hat, and a coat are included in this Fashion Parade.

Raleigh Register – Jan 22, 1932

By 1934, all outfits are designed by a single person, per newspaper entry, unlike the earlier ones we each piece designed by a different person.

These sexy ensembles were created by Doris Mae Birch, from Illinois.

Lincoln Star – May 27, 1934

June Miller, from California, designed a riding habit for day, and lovely dress for the evening.

San Antonio Light – Jan 20, 1935

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Stay tuned for more “Tillie the Toiler” – later this week.