Sunday, March 29, 2009

The End of March

As March howls and screeches its way out, as it usually does, I want to be sure and post pictures from the first issue of Victoria Magazine in 1988.

The letter from the editor was printed in script on a lovely piece of paper with lace edging.

One page featured gift wrap ideas using fabrics and ribbons, and a bit of netting covering a rounded box and topped with a chiffon rose.


This page quoted from an old ettiquette book, and featured a picnic invitation, as well as samples of calling cards.



Have a look at these Victorian Houses, which today are often called "painted ladies."



You can click on each of the above pictures for a closer view. This page was a regular feature in the magazine, showing house plan offers.


Though this publication was never perfect, and almost from the beginning had ads in poor taste that did not reflect the theme of loveliness in the magazine, it truly echoed the desire of women to make their homes and their daily living sacred. It was lovely to have the things we believed in, such as manners, modesty and respect for hard-earned property, both new and old, re-enforced by the photographs, drawings and articles in this magazine each month.

The home is a sacred place. It is not a public building that anyone can walk in to. It is a place where the woman of the home decides the tone of the day atmosphere of the house. It is not a place where people should be allowed to cause destruction by tearing down, either with words and attitudes, or with their feet and hands, or through neglect.

It is not a place to be treated with less regard than we would a trash bin. It is a place that houses human beings, the best of the creation, for which God prepared the earth. That first dwelling place had everything that was needed, and today, we as homemakers, can make the home a place that fills the needs of the people entrusted to our care: our husbands, children , parents, and others that we are responsible for.


Publications which show the beauty of the home are always a delight and always a stimulus to the homemaker who really wants to inspire love in her home.

14 comments:

Mary said...

Victoria Magazine began publishing again last year, and I have subscribed. It is as lovely as ever. I read it all through the 80's and felt bad when they stopped publishing. I am so glad it is going again! I also like Tea Time and Southern Lady.

Mary said...

Can you enable your site so that people may follow your blog?

Diane Shiffer said...

i loved this magazine when it was out too! i have heard that they are republishing, but i haven't seen a copy of the "new" victoria yet..

thanks for showing us those shots, i enjoyed seeing the one with invitations particularly☺

Anonymous said...

I love the blue & white tea set pictured...so pretty. "Victoria" was (and again is!) a lovely publication. Thanks, too, for your closing thoughts, following the photos. A good start to my week.

Brenda

April H. said...

Thank you for reminding me about the lovely early issues of Victoria. I know I HAD that premier issue, and I've been sitting here pondering what happened to it. Now I remeber that when my youngest daughter married and set up her own home, she took all the Victoria's with her. She felt she really needed them and I understood. Since I'm going to her house to babysit today, I'm going to indulge in a little Victorian loveliness.

Lydia said...

Civillia, I do not know how to do that but I will check.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Lydia,

A lovely post as usual; your words about the function and sacredness of home are so true. I wish we had something like 'Victoria' here in Australia; do you or anyone else who frequents this Blog know if there is an Aussie 'Vic'?

blessings,

Sarah,
Australia.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this post. I love how you can take a subject like the Victoria magazine and teach deep truths about the home. The home truly is a sacred place as you say. How wonderful it is to have this sphere in which to be a blessing to others while giving ourselves joy and fulfilment.

blessedmomof3 said...

Such a lovely looking magazine. Not sure if it is here in Australia, haven't really looked, but I think maybe you can't get it here. I am originally from the US, so will have to see if my parents can find it for me.

Blessings,
Andrea

Gail said...

I love the way the Victorian decor evokes welcoming comfort and beauty. I was writing yesterday about how the word "nostalgia", which one would likely associate with a magazine like Victoria, actually means "homesickness" in the Greek. And literally, missing home is what most of the modern world is doing. I hope in our blogs that we can continue to point the way home for anyone who chances upon us.

Lydia said...

Would love to know how to get letter paper like that!

Gail said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog, Lydia. I don't think I am listed here but yes, I would be honored to have you put my link on your blog. I'm writing this here on your comments in case you don't get back to my place for awhile. Blessings to you and yours.

Rhonda Devine said...

Victoria has always been one of my favorites-such beautiful pictures and inspiration;)

Caroline said...

Ahhh, my favorite magazine published in all my life. I was so happy when they returned. I can't bear to get rid of a single past issue. They bring joy and graciousness to the home.