A sheer handkerchief (likely circa 1920s and made for mourni..
Added 2024-04-06 05:00:29 +0000 UTCA sheer handkerchief (likely circa 1920s and made for mourning) with black lace trim and a black lace garter belt.
The only thing I mourned while taking these photos was my clothes - the mosquitos are out here now that spring is in full swing đ”âđ«
Mosquitos are mostly an annoying pest here in the modern world but but for New Orleanians of the past it was a deadly season for decades. It was aptly named The City of the Dead as every summer the mosquitos, in high numbers from the surrounding swamp and wooden cisterns (sea levels are too high - you couldnât dig a well) around the Quarter, served as a breeding ground.
By the summer of 1853, nearly 8,000 people died so the city took action to stop the epidemic byâŠburning tar and fire canons to âshake the disease from the air.â
By 1905 it became evident that water was the source and more effective measures were taken. Mosquitoes are still a nuisance but at least they wonât kill you.
