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.