Bicycles And Bloomers By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 

The invention of the bicycle in the 18^th century marked an interesting era.  Women’s fashions at the time were hardly conducive to this activity and various opinions were bandied about regarding ladies exerting themselves in this way.  Never mind most Western women were washing the family’s clothes by hand, churning butter, caring for livestock and growing food to feed their household.  As bicycles became more popular, they afforded women an easier mode of transport and led to some interesting fashion changes to provide more suitable attire.   

 

My heroine, Chelsea, in Chelsea’s Choice is a free-thinking, free-spirited young woman who emigrated to Arizona in search of adventure and more opportunities for women.  It’s not easy to divulge someone’s personality in the opening pages of a book, but the fact that Chelsea shows up with the town’s first bicycle tells the reader a fair bit about her in the opening scene.  She doesn’t necessarily follow protocol or act the way society expects of a well-to-do young woman. Exactly the right person to tangle with my ‘Reclusive Man’ and break down those barriers he’d built between himself and the rest of the town.

 Chelsea’s first appearance in her new town: Chelsea pumped the pedals of her shiny new bicycle as she made her way slowly down the main street of Bullet, swerving to avoid horses, carriages and the assortment of pedestrians, all ages who stopped, mouths agape, to stare.  She must look a sight, as she had yet to quite get the hang of this thing. It turned out staying upright while balancing on two wheels was a lot harder than the fellow back East had made it look.

 Up ahead, she spotted the sign for the hotel and carefully slowed the bicycle.  When she reached her destination, she stopped and dismounted as gracefully as possible.  For the sake of decorum while traveling across the country by train, she’d worn a full skirt that ended just above the ankle, sadly missing the freedom of her cycling bloomers, which she had purchased with ease of riding in mind.

 The hero’s reaction a short time later:  Reece tightened his grip on the reins as he signaled to the horses.  He drove away, conscious of those dancing dark eyes boring into his back. What was the world coming to?  A woman speaking so freely to a stranger.  Showing up here with a bicycle.  A woman like that meant sure-fire trouble.  Good thing he kept to himself.

 This multi-author series is going strong and can be viewed here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09K7FP3SJ

 Chelsea’s Choice releases next month and can he pre-ordered here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q9BG2FV

USA Today Bestselling author Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.   

Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero.  Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

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Nothing like a good wedding!

I admit, I binge watched the royal wedding. Yep, got up at 4 a.m. and took it all in. Teared up. Had a good cry. Watched it again that night. Yeah, I told myself I was there for the horses. Snicker... who's gonna believe that. So, I got to thinking, what were western weddings like?

We know weddings changed lives. Girls moved from their mother's house to one of their own, raised their own brood, moved when their husband's decided to move, and put up with a lot.  That part of life hasn't changed much. But, remember, they were often far away from home, no emails, phone chats, video's. We have it pretty easy.

At the turn of the last century, brides often experienced similar emotions of today's brides; anticipation, excitement, trepidation. But these blessed unions were far more than just gathering of families. Weddings were important social events. They pulled the families away from mundane daily chores and provided a way for  young folks to meet and mingle.

Weddings were scheduled around the circuit preacher or work on the homestead. If the preacher couldn't be there, a justice of the peace would serve. Families would gather in the main room to watch the nuptials then feasting, dancing until late in the night would entertain young and old. If you were lucky there would be a good old chivaree where folks would grab pots and pans, wooden spoons, whistles and the like then journey to wait outside the bedroom window. Once the light had been doused, the ruckus would begin.

What did you get a bride in the West?
Well, many of the customs were still the same. Letters from the east, customs and culture gave into traditions that many families did their best to emulate. Household items were a must. Sometimes staples were given. A bag of coffee would come in mighty handy if your farm or ranch was a distance away from the city or town. Practical gifts like cows, chickens, horses were always nice especially with money in rather short supply.

By the Gilded Age, Western brides were having higher expectations. They had been reading Harper's Weekly or gleaming information from letters to see what was going on back East. Gifts became fancier, silver bread bowls, napkin rings, crystal were show pieces brides would give their eye teeth for. A woman's trousseau such as clothing, linens made by hand were given. Remember those quilting bees - patterns like double wedding ring became popular. Things like parlor stoves, carpets, and water sets were the cat's meow.

Because of the influence of Queen Victoria, there was a rise in the use of white gowns.We all know that most clothing was made by hand. Those ranch families who could afford high end fashion often  sent to France for white silk wedding gowns that cost $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 dollars. Cost may have hindered purchases, but those ladies were resourceful. They'd study fashion plates in magazines to get ideas and purchase their own taffeta, tulle, and satin, then spend hours sewing a gown.

I sure enjoyed Prince Harry's wedding. I bet they received a number of silver bread bowls. But, I can't imagine, Prince  Charles or his brother sneaking up to Windsor Castle with pots, pans, and whistles. Maybe, bagpipes.

Until next time,

Nan.

A wonderfully preserved wedding gown of the Gilded Age can be found at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center. Arta Cody's wedding dress has been preserved and is on display there. This picture was printed in the fall 2005 issue of Point's West Magazine.