Did You Know? Did you know that any respectable American or Englishwoman did not wear make-up in the middle of the 19th century? Actresses wore make-up for shows. Did you know that Victorian women drank vinegar to increase their pallor? Did you know that the woman was seen as the meek angel of her home because of her Christlike humility, longsuffering and meekness? Did you know in the 19th Century women felt the need to express herself by wearing fashionable dresses? Did you know that Victorian corsets could reduce the waistline up to 20 inches? Did you know the saying "Ladylike dress" comes from the style of clothing worn by the Victorian Lady? Did you know that in 1873 it was estimated that a housemaid's day consisted of 12 hours work and 4 hours rest? Domestic servants worked longer than most factory workers, starting their days work at 6 A.M. and working until 10 P.M. Did you know that Victorian women drank sage tea and poured a bit of the brew on the roots of their hair until it was the desired color? Did you know that if a woman wore expensive clothing it showed others that not only did her husband provide such fine clothing but that he could afford to pay servants, as well? In such fine clothes his wife could not work in her home. Did you know that it was the married woman who wore more decorative, richer, and darker dresses? The fancy colors and decoration let others know that the Lady was engaged or married. Single women advertized their availability by wearing girl-like fashions. Did you know that single women had little status after reaching a certain age? Society took pity on the unmarried woman. And fathers took the task of supporting them. Towne Victorian © 1999-2001 Graphics By Affiliate Towne's Designs © 2001