The Library and Archives Canada (LAC) says it's like going on a journey where you “Time Travel” back in time to research in mail order catalogues. They have been available in Canada since the 1880s. The LAC has them from 1880 to the 1970s.
They say “These department store catalogues provide a detailed record of many aspects of everyday life over the last century. They contain everything from household furnishings and furniture, to all manner of clothing and accessories, kitchenware, patent medicines, toys, tools, and sporting equipment.
These catalogues can be used to identify and date collectables and memorabilia; to price household items from a certain time period; to establish the approximate dates of photographs by studying fashion trends; or to research props, sets and costumes for theatre and film. The possibilities are endless”.
I put in the search for women's hats, and I got a 28 returns - everything from Eaton's Spring and Summer 1916 Ready-to-wear Hats - women's, misses', children's to Eaton's Spring and Summer 1965 Hats - women's.
You can search at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/mailorder/029006-100.01-e.php
They say “These department store catalogues provide a detailed record of many aspects of everyday life over the last century. They contain everything from household furnishings and furniture, to all manner of clothing and accessories, kitchenware, patent medicines, toys, tools, and sporting equipment.
These catalogues can be used to identify and date collectables and memorabilia; to price household items from a certain time period; to establish the approximate dates of photographs by studying fashion trends; or to research props, sets and costumes for theatre and film. The possibilities are endless”.
I put in the search for women's hats, and I got a 28 returns - everything from Eaton's Spring and Summer 1916 Ready-to-wear Hats - women's, misses', children's to Eaton's Spring and Summer 1965 Hats - women's.
You can search at http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/mailorder/029006-100.01-e.php
