Heroes, Heroines, and History

 

The Cost of Things in 1912

I’ve been hard at work writing my latest release Love in Store, which takes place in (mostly) rural Montana in 1912. In the book, main female character, McKenna Chapman, manages a boutique in the backward and uncivilized town of Hollow Creek. Below are some prices for items that may have been found in Miss Julia Mathilda’s Fine Dresses Boutique and in other stores in the year 1912.

A ruby and pearls or saphire ring sold for $18.50, as did a pansy flower brooch with a diamond.

Speaking of brooches, in the story, McKenna sells a cameo brooch. In my research, I discovered someone had lost a pink brooch and was offering a reward of $5 for its safe return.

McKenna sells a number of handbags at the boutique, much like the on-sale ones in the ad below.

Women’s coats were priced from $25 to $33, with some boasting velvet-inlaid collars and made of and lined with chinchilla cloth. Waterproof coats were valued at $5-$15, on sale from $7.50-$20.

Evening gowns and afternoon gowns were both sold in Miss Julia Mathilda’s Fine Dresses, and according to my research, were priced from $25-125. However, a smart shopper could watch the sales and purchase one for $12.50-$59.50. Care for a tailored suit? I found some priced at $95 each. Fine wool coats were from $19.50-$75.

While McKenna sells extravagant women’s clothing, one might find a shirt for $1.00-$1.50 on sale for $.69 at a general store or less-specialized clothing store.

In other news…

Davenports were a bit deal in those days, and you could snag a $70 davenport for $53 if you watched furniture store sales. Add a hall tree on sale for $21, reduced from $30.

Do you like to sew? Sewing machines were typically $35-$60, according to my research. However, you could find a deal on one for $27.50.

If you lived in 1912, would you be more likely to prefer living in a city, such as Missoula, or a small rural town, such as Hollow Creek?

Penny Zeller is known for her stories of faith-filled happily-ever-afters with tender romance, humor, and memorable characters. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications. Today, Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books. She is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict.  In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball. She resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at www.pennyzeller.com.