Figure 1.-- Long stockings for boys and girls had virtually ceased to be worn in the United States by the end of the 1940s. They survived somewhat longer in Canada. We note a vintage garter waist was recently sold in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the date 1959 on the box. |
Long stockings for boys and girls had virtually ceased to be worn in the United States by the end of the 1940s. They survived somewhat longer in Canada. We note a vintage garter waist was recently sold in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the date 1959 on the box.
The manufacturer was H. B. Glassford Limited of Montreal,
Quebec. It is referred to on the carton as an "Adjustable, Washable Hose Supporter for Children [and] for Junior Misses" and was sized as "Large" for boys and girls from 10 to 12 years of age. The garment consists of a waistband made of non-elastic webbing with three snap closings for adjusting to different waist sizes.
Long stockings for boys and girls had virtually ceased to be worn in the United States by the end of the 1940s. The last time garter waists for boys (the necessary equipment for holding long stockings in place) were advertised was in the Sears catalogue for 1949, and even American girls for the most part no longer wore garter waists by the year 1953. The situation was somewhat different in Canada, especially in Quebec and the maritime provinces where, as in Germany, Russia, and parts of northern Europe, some children continued to wear long stockings as late as 1959 and 1960. Long stockings appear to have been much more common with French Canadians than English-speaking Canadians. This was
partly because of the chilly weather in eastern Canada but perhaps even more
importantly because of the relative cultural conservatism of the area.
We note a vintage garter waist was recently sold in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the date 1959 on the box. It was new merchandise at the time--the date was printed on the box. Our HBC contributor tells us, "I don't have the image of 1959, but I know the date was
printed on the inside of the box."
The manufacturer was H. B. Glassford Limited of Montreal,
Quebec.
It is referred to on the carton as an "Adjustable, Washable Hose
Supporter for Children [and] for Junior Misses" and was sized as "Large" for boys and girls from 10 to 12 years of age. The garment consists of a waistband made of non-elastic webbing with three snap closings for adjusting to different waist sizes. Attached to the waistband are adjustable elastic suspenders that go over the shoulders and cross in back. Descending from the waistband in front are two elastic hose supporters with non-elastic y-shaped
extensions with rubber button clasps for attachment to the tops of long stockings. The entire garment is cream-colored and resembles a very light-weight version of the well-known Dr. Parker model garter waist sold in both Canada and the U.S. in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s although Glassford does not use this term. This garment was apparently manufactured in three sizes--small, medium, and large--to fit boys and girls from two years old up to twelve. Also shown on the box is a differently designed garment for "Junior
Misses" (girls from about 13 to 18). These supporters are shoulder garters (with no waistband) of all elastic construction with four supporters, two in front and two in back, with a cross piece on the chest to keep the shoulder straps from slipping off.
HBC has several images of Canadian boys and girls, especially in French Canada, wearing long stockings in the 1950s. They were often favored as part of the uniform for Catholic schools and as appropriately formal wear for first communions and other religious ceremonies.
Note that the models here are girls. Also the text on the box says "children and junior misses". Of course children includes both boys and girls. We have noted, however, that some times when children is used in marketing that it means mostly girls. We recall for examole that American mail order catalogs in the the 1960s and 70s commonly used the term "children's" for kneesocks even though that they were mostly for girls. A Canadin reader writes, "Practically, no boys wore long stockings after 1950 safe toddlers. Girls wore them longer, until 1965 when tights became generalised." HBC would ad one point gto this. We have noted some images of French Canadian boys in the early 1950s wearing long stockings for formal occassions like First Communion. We also notice a Canadian boy at home wearing long stockings in 1950.
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